Throughout Louisiana, the spring season is a lovely time of year. It isn’t yet as hot and muggy as summertime can be, but winter is finally gone statewide. With spring weather, though, can come a variety of pests that thrive in Louisiana’s temperate climate. Here, you’ll learn about five common spring pests that can become an issue for homeowners throughout the state (and find some helpful tips to prevent them)!
Mosquitoes
While mosquitoes can be found in every part of Louisiana, they tend to be at their worst in coastal regions and in areas near lakes, bayous, canals, rivers, and even ditches. If your home is located on the water, you may have found that you can barely go outside in the evenings without mosquitoes swarming everywhere. Fortunately, there are a number of things that can be done to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your fun. Burning citronella candles and torches is one great option. You can also wear bug spray when you plan to go outdoors for an extended period of time.
But another truly great option is a product called the In2Care Mosquito Trap. The In2Care Mosquito Trap lures and contaminates Aedes mosquitoes with a special slow-killing larvicide and let them spread this to other breeding sites (which are often hard to find and treat) so that mosquito larvae are not only killed inside the trap but also in its vicinity. This is combined with a biological adulticide that kills the contaminated mosquito after a few days to prevent her from transmitting any viruses like Dengue or Zika virus. In this way, the product kills the mosquitoes and their offspring, so that populations are reduced and disease transmission risks are lowered significantly.
Flies
Flies are generally harmless to humans but are unpleasant and annoying. If you’ve noticed an upsurge in the number of flies around your Louisiana home, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the population. One option is to hang a bug zapper outside. This electronic cage-type device attracts flies, and many other types of insects, and kills them when they fly inside. Bug zappers are extremely affordable and are readily available at many stores. Another way to keep flies from bothering you is to make sure you cover food and beverages that are being enjoyed outside.
Wasps, hornets, and bees
Although wasps, hornets, and bees are not the same type of insect, they are all related and can be prevented using many similar methods. First, you must be vigilant and look for their nests and hives. If you see a wasp, hornet, or bee dwelling, you can be sure these insects are nearby. The best way to deal with these flying pests on your own is to invest in high-quality bug spray that is specially designed to kill them. Working with a professional pest prevention company, though, is the best choice. However, where bees are concerned, because of their great benefit to our agriculture, we do not exterminate them but would recommend a beehive removal company that will safely relocate the hive to a better area away from people that may be allergic to their stings.
Fleas
Fleas thrive in warm, Louisiana weather. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to prevent. Make sure your lawn and landscaping are kept trimmed and give any indoor pets regular flea treatments, as they are the most likely source of fleas in the home. If you do discover a flea infestation, you’ll need to call experts to handle it properly.
Mice and rats
Mice and rats can get into your house through even the tiniest holes. Therefore, the best way to prevent them is to make sure your house is airtight. Even the most well-kept homes, however, tend to periodically have a mouse or rat sneak in. If you notice one of these pests, set a trap and make sure all food is stored in sealed containers to prevent any additional vermin from infesting your residence.
As alluded to in the prior paragraphs, the single most effective way to prevent springtime pests in Louisiana is to hire a professional pest prevention service to treat your home regularly. If you choose Pied Piper Pest Control, our expert team will explain the process to you from start to finish, so you’ll never feel out of the loop. Remember, we are here for you, so if you ever have questions between appointments or before your sign-up, don’t hesitate to contact us at (504) 366-1333!