Louisiana's Fall Pest Forecast According To The NPMA

What does the Bug Barometer say about fall and winter this year?

According to the Bug Barometer, an unseasonably warm fall means mosquitoes will continue to be... well a pest. The result is more mosquitoes flying around and more mosquito bites. If you don’t already have year-round mosquito control in place yet, you might want to consider it. We’ll tell you more about our mosquito treatments later on.

Warm temperatures and higher-than-normal mosquito populations aren't the only things in the forecast. The drier-than-normal conditions we've been experiencing have the potential to drive cockroaches and other pests indoors before winter.

How do warm temperatures impact mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are cold-blooded. That doesn't mean they have icy blood. This means that they are not able to regulate their body temperature. When it is cold, they slow down. When it is hot, they speed up. Unseasonably warm temperatures make mosquitoes more active, and increased activity leads to high levels of breeding.

A female mosquito will lay a hundred eggs at a time. When the eggs hatch and become adult mosquitoes, the adults actively seek mates to reproduce. It is their natural behavior pattern, and warm weather supercharges this process. Cold weather does the opposite. This is why mosquitoes are less of a problem during the winter months.

What can you do about mosquitoes?

Addressing mosquito breeding sites can reduce mosquito populations around your home. Most female mosquitoes, particularly Aedes species, lay their eggs in stagnant water. If you locate and remove these breeding sites, you can make it harder for mosquitoes to create a large population in your yard. 

• Empty out water from objects that have collected rainwater.
• Put away empty plant pots and other items that collect rainwater if possible.
• Address issues that create puddles, such as poor drainage, leaking exterior faucets, or damaged sprinklers.
• Clean out gutters and repair damaged areas of your gutter system.
• Do not overwater your lawn; only give your plants what they need.

Ongoing mosquito control in Shreveport, Bossier City & nearby areas

Say goodbye to mosquito bites with year-round mosquito control from Anti-Pest. When you sign up for our Mosquito Reduction plan, we’ll treat your yard every month to target adult mosquitoes and prevent new mosquitoes from hatching. Don’t let these biting pests stop you from enjoying your outdoor living space; contact Anti-Pest today!

Why do cockroaches get in?

Cockroaches are moisture pests. They're attracted to properties with damp conditions, dense vegetation, and high humidity. They require a high moisture level, and it is easy for certain cockroaches to get dehydrated. When moisture and humidity go down, cockroaches are inclined to seek hiding places indoors, particularly in homes with high humidity levels. When they get inside, they look for moisture-prone spaces such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. 

Due to their nocturnal nature and proclivity for avoiding occupants of the homes they infest, you may not notice roaches until their numbers have grown. To avoid waking up to a serious infestation, we recommend reading our pest article, How Can You Tell If You Have Cockroaches?

How do you keep cockroaches and other pests out?

Pests get in because they can, but you don't have to let them. There are many ways to seal your exterior, making it much harder for cockroaches and other pests to enter your home.

• Weather-proofing
  You apply weather-proofing to keep all that nice air-conditioned air inside your home, but those seals also keep pests out. If they are damaged, roaches can find their way in. Check the seals around all your exterior doors and replace worn-out strips or sweeps.
• Seal entry points
  If your home has gaps around window and door frames, cracks in the foundation, holes around utility entrances, or other openings, you’ll want to seal those off. You should also check for missing shingles, loose siding, broken vents, and other weak points that insects and rodents could use to make their way indoors.
• Screens
  A damaged screen can allow roaches and other pests to find their way indoors. It is helpful to repair holes and rips.

Is it enough to seal potential entry points? Sometimes. It depends on the home. For the best results, you may also need pest control.

Local pest control services for homeowners

For relief from pests in Bossier, Caddo, and DeSoto parishes, contact Anti-Pest! In business since 1950, our locally owned and family-operated pest control company has been helping homeowners eliminate and prevent insects and rodents from taking over for 70 years! Our Pest Plan offers ongoing protection from over 20 common house-infesting pests, including ants, roaches, spiders, and rodents. Check out our plan features below, or give us a call!