There are many things to love about the holiday season. The holiday decor, food, movies on TV and spending time with friends and family are just a few reasons so many people look forward to this time of year. Unfortunately, most of the U.S. experiences harsh winters and may even be bombarded by snowstorms. With so much going on this time of year, pests are typically the last thing on our minds. But, you may want to reconsider that. Pests, like Rats, Mice, Cockroaches, and Spiders, seek shelter from the harsh cold. If your home is not prepared for winter pests, you might come across an unexpected visitor. We’ve gathered a few Christmas pest control tips to help you keep your home pest-free this holiday season. Keep Firewood Away From Your Home Rodents and Ants can create a nest in bundled up wood. If you place your firewood alongside your home, you run the risk of pests coming across your home and potentially gaining access. It’s recommended you keep firewood 20-30 feet away from your home. Inspect Wreaths and Trees Regardless of whether your tree is live or artificial, check for signs of pests prior to bringing it into your home. Rodents like mice can make themselves at home in and around your Christmas tree. Your should also check for spiders, aphids or other insects prior to bringing trees/wreaths inside your home. If you purchase a live tree, be sure to have the tree shaken before bringing indoors. Many lots have automatic tree shakers that will lessen likelihood of your bringing a pest indoors. Secure Trash and Recyclables in Sealed Bins After your holiday meal, , like raccoons, will happily snack on your leftovers. When throwing away food, make sure your trash bins are at least 20 feet away from your home and closed securely with a lid. Store Decorations and Seasonal Items in Plastic Bins We recommend you store seasonal items, like decorations, in a sealable, plastic bin. Plastic lasts longer than cardboard and it’s harder for pests to enter plastic bins. Many people store decorations or other seasonal items in cardboard boxes, but it’s much easier for a mouse or rat to chew through cardboard than plastic. Cardboard boxes are more likely to deteriorate, especially if areas of your home have experienced flooding throughout the year. Even better? Keep these bins above ground, on a shelf or ledge Keeping boxes above ground or on shelves is a great way to avoid pests! Storing boxes on a raised platform does a better job preventing pests from entering boxes and from nesting beneath them. Using shelves and ledges for storage also reduces clutter, which pests like cockroaches and rodents, love hiding under.

While the summer months seem to be the peak of bug season, it's crucial to maintain proper pest control year-round so that for the fall and winter seasons your home remains protected. As the cooler months approach us here in South Louisiana, some pests may make their way into your home in an attempt to escape the lower temperatures. Here are the home invaders to look out for and techniques that you can use to protect your home this fall and winter season. Common Home Pests in the Cooler Seasons In the cold days and nights of the fall in South Louisiana, temperatures can dip as low as the 40°'s, driving bugs, pests, and rodents into homes in search of warmth. We can't blame them, but we also don't have to live with them. Several types of pests and species, in particular, are especially prevalent this time of year. 1) Cockroaches That's right. The dreaded cockroach can be more common in South Louisiana homes during the fall months. Cockroaches are cold-blooded bugs, and they are unable to regulate their body temperatures. Unfortunately, they might seek out a warm refuge, and that warm place can often be your home. If you notice cockroaches inside, it's time to consider implementing pest control methods. 2) Rodents Rats and mice can strike terror in even the most fearless people, and they're more likely to inhabit your home when the weather gets cooler. Rodents also seek food sources in the fall as their options outside become more scarce, and look to invade attics and make nests in walls and ceilings to keep warm. Rodents can be a health hazard, so if you see rodent droppings or hear them scurrying around in the walls or ceilings, you'll need the proper pest control. 3) Spiders Many spiders hunt and feed off of insects. So if there are many insects that cannot regulate their body temperatures and seek out warm refuge during the fall, spiders may also invade your homes to hunt. This is bad news for homeowners. No one wants to pull back the shower curtain to see a spider lounging in the tub. Luckily, most spiders are not known for being aggressive, but if you accidentally press up against the spider, the spider may defend itself and bite. Spider bites can be painful, and some can be a health hazard if the spider is highly venomous or the bite becomes infected. Thankfully, this is not a common occurrence, but proper pest control can help tackle the problem before it even begins. 4) Silverfish They're not fish, they're little silver bugs, and they love dark, damp, and warm places. The cooler weather might drive them inside, and they're incredibly unsightly and can chew and damage fabrics, paper, and cardboard. What makes them harder to spot than your regular pest is that they like to crawl where it is dark as night, and they like to hide in cracks and crevices, so you may not even see them at all. But you'll know they've been there if you find their small black pepper-like droppings or start to notice holes in shirts or household items. There are several signs that you may need professional pest control for your home during the fall. You may be tempted to try over-the-counter or generic products that you can buy from your local store, or try some home natural remedies like using clove, peppermint, essential oils, cinnamon, orange peels, etc. But, for severe infestations often a professional service by a certified and trained applicator is needed. But don't worry, W.O.L.F. Pest Control still offers pet-friendly, children and family-friendly, and environmentally friendly solutions to all your pest related problems. So although for most bug activity trying to solve the problem on your own might not be a great idea, there are definitely preventative measures that you can take first in hopes to lessen your chances of invasion. During the fall, protect your home by making it an unpleasant place for rodents and bugs to stay. Keep all food, including pet food, sealed. Airtight or metal containers are the best, as pests won't be able to eat their way into them. Insects love to congregate around trash. So making sure your kitchen and bathrooms are clean of food and debris, and that you take out your trash often can really help lessen the attractiveness of your homes to these pesky bugs. Additionally, any blankets, sweaters, or pillows you have stored in the closet or attic should be kept in plastic and vacuum sealed containers if possible. This leaves pests with nowhere to create a warm and inviting nest. You can also make sure that there is a tight barrier around your house, helping to reduce any invasion by insects or rodents from the outside. Making sure that doors and windows are properly sealed can help prevent ants from crawling inside. Window and Door screens should be in good condition and this can help make sure that flying insects aren't able to swarm into your home. Lastly, rodents are known for using tree branches to get onto a roof, where they can use roof intersections and vent stacks as entry points into your attic or house. So it is very important that trees and bushes are trimmed away from the structure and that the roof and soffit are in good condition. Believe it or not, this will help prevent ants from using these trees to crawl inside, too! The harder you make it for insects or rodents to enter, the less of a chance there is that they'll make your house their home. Seeking Professional Pest Control for the Fall Months It's a good idea to seek professional pest control for your South Louisiana home as the fall months are upon us. Here at W.O.L.F. Pest Control our experts can help prepare your home to safeguard against bugs and rodents. Should you notice bugs, rodents, or droppings and trails in your home, ask our experts online, free of charge, by uploading photos of the evidence you've found. We'll review your information and call you back with our professional opinion. If needed, we will set up a free on-site inspection to determine your family's pest control needs this fall.

Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes Can Bug Pets, Too Summer has officially arrived in Denham Springs and all members of the family, including the four-legged variety, will be spending more time outdoors soaking up the sunshine. However, pesky pests such as Ticks, Fleas, and Mosquitoes can quickly ruin a warm-weather day, especially for pets such as dogs and cats that can’t quite protect themselves the same way people do. Each of these pests poses different dangers for furry family members, but by employing some key prevention tips, owners can ensure their animals stay pest-free this summer. Ticks Whether hiking in the woods or simply enjoying a barbeque in the park, people and animals are likely to encounter these bloodthirsty pests during the warmer months. Ticks pose a number of health threats as they can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and "tick paralysis" among others. While some symptoms can surface immediately after a tick bite, others can be difficult to recognize, and many owners may not realize their pet is sick until the symptoms become severe and significant treatment is needed. In addition to tick collars, medications and annual check ups, NPMA experts recommend the following tick tips: Upon returning indoors, inspect dogs and outdoor cats thoroughly. If a tick is found attached, it should be removed with a slow, steady pull so as not to break off the mouthparts and leave them in the skin. If possible, it’s best to use forceps or tweezers and grab on or just behind the mouthparts. If using fingers, the fingernails of the thumb and forefinger should be placed on or just behind the mouthparts. Once removed, flush the tick down the toilet or wrap it tightly in tissue before disposing in a closed receptacle since ticks are difficult to smush. Then, wash hands and the attachment site thoroughly with soap and water. Keep grass cut low, including around fence lines, sheds, trees, shrubs, swing sets and other difficult to cut locations and remove weeds, woodpiles and other debris from the yard. Inquire about lawn tick treatments; especially those that focus on the edges of the lawn where it interfaces with natural areas. This method has the greatest chance of preventing ticks from establishing themselves in your back yard. Speak to a veterinarian about tick collars and medications. According to a new tick survey from the NPMA, only 35 percent of respondents ensure pets have preventative tick treatments. Fleas Dogs and cats most often get infested with fleas through contact with other animals or by spending time outdoors. Most pets experience itching from fleas, but some sensitive animals can have more severe reactions such as hair loss, inflammation and secondary skin infections. Flea saliva can also cause anemia, dermatitis, and facilitate the transfer of tapeworms. Because of fleas’ ability to jump great heights, they are easily able to hitchhike into homes while hidden in the fur of family pets. Once inside, fleas quickly multiply and infest bedding, furniture and clothing. Because fleas can quickly become a big problem, prevention is the best way for pet owners to avoid a major headache. NPMA suggests owners: Discuss which preventative measures are best with your veterinarian. Bathe their pets regularly. Frequently wash human and pet bedding, pet collars and their plush toys. Vacuum carpets, floors and furniture on a regular basis. Mosquitoes One of the best known summer pests, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and have an extremely fast life cycle allowing for quick population growth. Mosquito larvae hatch within a few days and a full adult develops in 10 to 14 days from hatching. Just like humans, animals are at high risk for contracting severe illnesses as a result of mosquito bites. In addition to West Nile virus, heartworm is of most concern for pet owners as each year thousands of dogs become disabled or die from problems caused by heartworm disease. Although heartworm is less fatal in cats, it can cause a number of problems such as weight loss, blindness, seizures, difficulty breathing and coughing. NPMA suggests the following mosquito prevention tips in and around the home: Prevent mosquito nesting and breeding sites by eliminating standing water and other sources of moisture in or around the home in flowerpots, water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, baby pools, sandboxes, children’s toys and other objects that can collect water. Mosquitoes need only about ½ inch of water to breed. To keep birdbath and pond water fresh, homeowners should add a fountain or drip system. Keep windows and doors properly screened. Repair even the smallest tear or hole. Clean clogged gutters and periodically check them to ensure water is flowing freely. Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Ask veterinarians about bug repellants for pets before using them. If you are concerned about mosquito activity on your property, contact W.O.L.F Pest Control to treat your property with new advance techniques that don't harm pollinators. To learn more about pet pest prevention, Call W.O.L.F. Pest Control Today!

If you live in Louisiana, you've probably killed a German roach on your bathroom or kitchen floor. Although the region's humidity is partly to blame, several other factors explain the Greater Baton Rouge Area Cockroach problem The first one is chemical resistance. German roaches and other types of Cockroaches become resistant to pesticides when they survive chemical exposure. These roaches can even pass this resistance to their offspring. The unwelcome guests have also learned how to evade baits. Even if you succeed at cockroach identification and extermination, your home might still be conducive for the pests if it's warm and damp. Roaches can also access your home through entry points such as foundation cracks, wire conduits, and plumbing. That's why you need W.O.L.F. Pest Control experts to help eliminate the insects for good. How To Differentiate German Cockroaches From Other Roaches? The first step of cockroach extermination in The Greater Baton Rouge Area and anywhere else is cockroach identification. Although it's common in most households, the German roach is only one of America's many types of cockroaches. The insects are oval-shaped and range between ½ and ⅝ inches. Another distinguishing feature is their light brown color and two stripes on the pronotum. Though they have wings, the roaches mostly run instead of flying and only flutter their wings when falling. Male adult cockroaches are thinner than females that have broader abdomens. Females feature an egg capsule that holds around 40 eggs and stretches approximately ¼ inches from the abdomen. You can also spot antennae that help them find food. Because they prefer warm environments with food and water, the cockroaches live and breed indoors. German roaches spend a lot of time in voids and wall cracks, making an infestation harder to detect. However, pepper-like droppings reveal the cockroaches' presence in your home. You could also look for smears and dark spots in corners and wall openings. If the insects are many, you might even detect a musty odor. In most cases, infestations start in kitchens before spreading to bathrooms and living areas as the roach population increases. How Are German Cockroaches Harmful to Your Health? Roaches are destructive dangerous. Besides chewing on fabric and paper, they may stain your clothes with their droppings. They're also disgusting to look at and can be terrifying when they crawl out of the dark. Worse still, these insects present health risks. First off, roaches can contaminate your food with feces, vomit, and saliva. What's more, the insects can carry bacteria on their bodies and deposit them on your utensils. Roaches might spread the following diseases: Dysentery Cholera Salmonellosis Listeriosis Shigellosis Amoebiasis Typhoid fever You should also worry about allergies if you find a cockroach in your house. It's not uncommon for the insect's saliva, shed body parts, excrement, and eggs to trigger allergic reactions. The symptoms are especially severe for asthmatic individuals and children. You can avoid roach infestation by sweeping your home regularly to eliminate fallen crumbs. This goes together with wiping counters and appliances to clear food residue. Additionally, empty and clean trash cans regularly and use tight lids. You should also seal food containers to prevent pest contamination. Don't forget to declutter your home. The insects can use cardboard and paper bags as shelter. How Can I Get Rid of German Cockroaches? Although some DIY products claim to eliminate Cockroaches permanently, these treatments aren't foolproof. A Cockroach Exterminator in The Greater Baton Rouge Area eradicates not only adult insects but also nymphs and eggs. Our Experts at W.O.L.F. Pest Control can completely eliminate your cockroach problem and implement preventative measures that will keep these pests from returning. With W.O.L.F. Pest Control on your side, the Cockroach problem will be a thing of the past. Reach out today to learn more about our effective home pest control and commercial pest control services.