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Archive for the ‘Pest Control’ Category

How to Keep Ants Out of Your Home

Ants may seem small and harmless, but a full-blown infestation can quickly turn your home into their territory. If you’ve spotted a trail of these tiny intruders, chances are they’re just the beginning of a larger problem. Not to worry—with the right techniques and strategies, you can stop them in their tracks and prevent future invasions.

At J&J Exterminating, we’ve helped countless families keep their homes ant-free. This guide will walk you through our top tips for keeping ants out of your home, highlighting essential steps for prevention, elimination, and long-term control.

Why Do Ants Invade Homes?

Before jumping into how to keep ants out, it’s crucial to understand what attracts them indoors. Ants aren’t invading your home out of curiosity—they’re on a mission. Here’s why they might show up uninvited:

Food Sources: Sugar, crumbs, and even pet food can lure ants into your home. Pantries, countertops, and trash bins are common hotspots.
Moisture: Certain species of ants, like carpenter ants, are drawn to damp areas such as bathrooms, basements, or leaky pipes.
Shelter: When outdoor conditions become harsh, ants look for safe places to establish new colonies.

Once they find what they need, ants leave behind a scented pheromone trail to guide their colony members inside, making it essential to act swiftly.

Step 1: Seal Entry Points

One of the most effective ways to stop ants is to prevent them from getting indoors in the first place. Follow these tips to secure your home:

Inspect Your Home

Check for tiny gaps in doors, windows, and walls.
Pay close attention to areas where utility pipes or cables enter your house.

Use Caulk

Seal cracks, crevices, and openings with silicone caulk. Even the smallest gaps can serve as entry points for ants.

Install Weather Stripping

Add weather stripping to windows and doors to block ants from sneaking inside.

Step 2: Cut Off Food Sources

Ants are excellent scavengers, so eliminating their food supply is key to keeping them away.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Wipe down countertops, tables, and floors after meals to remove crumbs.
Use a sealed trash can and take out the garbage regularly.

Store Food Properly

Transfer dry goods such as cereal, flour, and sugar into airtight containers.
Avoid keeping fruits or leftovers uncovered in the kitchen.

Clean Pet Food Areas

Don’t forget about your furry friends! Ants are easily attracted to leftover pet food on floors or in bowls, so clean the area regularly.

Step 3: Eliminate Moisture

Moisture is another common reason ants find your home attractive. Keep your home dry and leak-free with these steps:

Fix Plumbing Issues

Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and drains.
Ensure the area under sinks is dry and free of standing water.

Improve Ventilation

Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity.
Consider a dehumidifier for damp areas like basements or laundry rooms.

Address Water-Damaged Areas

Replace any wooden structures or surfaces damaged by water, as they can attract carpenter ants.

Step 4: Deter Ants with Natural Remedies

If you’re hesitant about using chemicals, try natural, non-toxic ant repellents to stop them in their tracks:

Vinegar Spray

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it along ant trails and entry points. The strong scent disrupts their pheromone trail and deters scouting ants.

Essential Oils

Use natural oils like peppermint, tea tree, or citrus. These scents are pleasant for you but overwhelming for ants. Apply the oil around windows, doors, and baseboards.

Diatomaceous Earth

This powder dehydrates ants upon contact. Sprinkle a thin layer in areas where you’ve seen ants crawl.

Step 5: Use Baits and Traps

When ants are persistent, baiting can be an effective strategy. Ant baits attract worker ants, who bring poisoned food back to their colony, eliminating the infestation at its source.

Choose the Right Bait

Some ants prefer sugary baits, while others are drawn to protein-rich options. Research the species you’re dealing with to find the right product.

Place Baits Strategically

Position baits near ant trails, entry points, and problem areas.
Avoid spraying insecticides near bait stations, as this can deter ants from approaching them.

Step 6: Call Professional Exterminators

Sometimes, an infestation is too challenging to tackle on your own. If natural remedies and DIY methods aren’t enough, it’s time to call in the pest control experts.

J&J Exterminating Can Help

At J&J Exterminating, our trained professionals use advanced techniques and eco-friendly methods to eliminate ant infestations. Our team specializes in identifying the root cause of the problem, ensuring your home is protected long term.

Free Inspections: We’ll evaluate your home and offer customized solutions.
Effective Treatments: Our methods target the entire colony, not just the surface-level problem.
Ongoing Prevention Plans: Keep ants out for good with tailored maintenance and preventative services.

Long-Term Prevention Tips for an Ant-Free Home

Keeping your home ant-free isn’t a one-time job—it requires consistent effort. Here are some additional tips to maintain your success:

Maintain cleanliness in all common areas, not just the kitchen.
Regularly sweep outdoor areas like patios or decks where ants may forage.
Keep an eye on potential outdoor nests and disrupt them with ant-repelling strategies.

Say Goodbye to Ant Infestations

Ants are persistent pests, but with the right approach, you can keep them out of your home for good. By sealing entry points, removing food and moisture sources, and using effective deterrents, you can protect your living space and enjoy a pest-free home.

If you’re struggling with an ant problem and need expert help, don’t hesitate to reach out to J&J Exterminating. Our team is committed to helping you achieve a safe and comfortable living environment.

Call us today for a free consultation—your ant-free home starts here!

Common Ant Species in New Orleans and How We Can Help

Ants are a fact of life in New Orleans. From warm temperatures to high humidity, the local climate creates the perfect conditions for ants to thrive. While many ants are harmless, some can become a full-blown nuisance, causing property damage and intruding into homes and businesses.

Knowing the common ant species in New Orleans can help you identify, prevent, and take the necessary steps to control infestations. At J&J Exterminating, we’ve been protecting homes and businesses from pests for over 60 years. Here’s your guide to the ant species you’re most likely to encounter and how you can manage them with confidence.

Most Common Ant Species in New Orleans

1. Fire Ants

Known for their painful sting, fire ants are a major problem in New Orleans. These reddish-brown ants are aggressive and quick to defend their nests, which are often found in lawns, parks, and agricultural fields. Fire ants can enter buildings in search of food and water, making them a nuisance indoors.

Key traits:

Aggressive behavior and stinging
Build large, dome-shaped mounds
Attracted to sugary and greasy foods

Why they’re a problem:

Fire ants not only cause painful stings but can also damage electrical systems by nesting in electrical boxes.

2. Argentine Ants

Argentine ants are one of the most common ants in urban areas of New Orleans. These ants form massive colonies with thousands of workers, often outcompeting other ant species. Argentine ants are small, light to dark brown, and produce a slightly musty smell when crushed.

Key traits:

Large colonies with multiple queens
Attracted to sugary substances
Commonly found near water sources

Why they’re a problem:

Argentine ants can invade kitchens in search of food and water, disrupting homes and businesses.

3. Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are the largest ant species in New Orleans and are often mistaken for termites due to their wood-damaging habits. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood—they hollow it out to create nests.

Key traits:

Large size (up to 0.5 inches)
Black or dark brown in color
Prefer damp or decayed wood for nesting

Why they’re a problem:

Carpenter ants can weaken wooden structures over time, leading to significant property damage if left untreated.

4. Odorous House Ants

Odorous house ants get their name from the strong, rotten coconut smell they emit when crushed. These small, dark brown ants often invade homes, particularly during rainy weather, as they look for shelter.

Key traits:

Small size (1/16 to 1/8 inch)
Emit a noticeable smell when crushed
Highly adaptable and attracted to sugary foods

Why they’re a problem:

Once inside, odorous house ants can form trails along walls and countertops, contaminating food supplies.

5. Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are common in urban settings, often building their nests in cracks of pavement or under concrete slabs. These ants are small, dark brown to black, and less aggressive than other species.

Key traits:

Build nests in cracks and along sidewalks
Attracted to sweet and greasy foods
Active at night

Why they’re a problem:

Pavement ants can enter buildings in search of food, creating unsightly trails and contaminating food products.

Preventing Ant Infestations

While ants are highly adaptable and resourceful, you can take steps to reduce the risk of infestations in your home or business:

Store food properly – Seal all food items, especially sugary and greasy foods, in airtight containers.
Clean up spills immediately – Wipe down countertops and floors to eliminate potential food sources.
Seal entry points – Inspect your property for cracks, gaps, and crevices that ants can use to enter, and seal them with caulk.
Address moisture issues – Fix leaky pipes and faucets, as many ants are attracted to damp environments.
Trim vegetation – Keep tree branches and shrubs away from your home, as they can act as bridges for ants.

How J&J Exterminating Can Help

When DIY measures aren’t enough, J&J Exterminating is here to help. With over 60 years of experience in pest control, our expert technicians are equipped to handle ant infestations of any size. Here’s how we can assist:

Comprehensive Inspection

Our team will perform a thorough inspection of your home or business to identify the type of ant, locate nests, and assess the extent of the infestation.

Customized Treatment Plans

We understand that no two infestations are the same. That’s why we create tailored treatment plans that target the specific ant species and eliminate them effectively.

Ongoing Prevention

Our Gold Shield 365 program provides year-round protection against ants and other pests. This proactive service ensures that once ants are gone, they stay gone.

Eco-Friendly Solutions

We prioritize eco-friendly pest control methods that are safe for your family, pets, and the environment.

When to Contact a Professional

If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it’s time to call in the professionals:

Recurring infestations despite DIY efforts
Damage to wooden structures, indicating carpenter ants
Large ant mounds on your property
Trails of ants persistently entering your home or business

At J&J Exterminating, our 24-hour response time ensures that your pest problem is addressed quickly and efficiently.

Take Control of Your Ant Problem Today

Ants may be small, but their impact can be anything but. By understanding the common ant species in New Orleans and prioritizing pest prevention, you can protect your home or business from these unwelcome invaders.

For expert ant control services, trust J&J Exterminating, Louisiana’s largest independently owned pest control company. Request a FREE estimate today and take the first step toward a pest-free life.

Learn More and Get Your Free Estimate Now

Protect Your Home From Termites

Termites are more than just a nuisance—they can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home before you even notice them. Preventing termite infestations is crucial for protecting your biggest investment, and with J&J Exterminating, you can take the right steps to safeguard your property effectively.

This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about preventing termites, including what makes your home susceptible to them, how to spot the warning signs of an infestation, and the proactive measures you can take to keep termites out for good.

What Attracts Termites to Your Home?

Understanding what attracts termites is the first step in preventing an infestation. Termites are drawn to certain conditions that make feeding and nesting easier for them. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

1. Moisture

Termites thrive in damp environments. Leaky pipes, improper drainage, or areas of standing water around your home can create the ideal breeding ground for termites.

2. Wood-to-Soil Contact

Wooden structures like decks, fences, or even your home’s foundation can easily become an entry point. Termites love when wood is in direct contact with soil, as it provides them with a direct route to your property.

3. Clutter and Debris

Piles of firewood, wooden mulch, or even cardboard boxes stored near your home provide an easy meal for termites and encourage them to move closer to your property.

4. Cracks and Openings

Small gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, or roofline can serve as entry points for termites. They may be small, but these insects are incredibly persistent.

By addressing these issues, you eliminate some of the key factors that attract termites, significantly reducing your risk of an infestation.

How to Spot Termite Warning Signs

Even with preventative measures in place, it’s critical to be aware of the signs of a termite infestation. Here are some red flags to watch for:

1. Mud Tubes

Termites build pencil-thin mud tubes to travel between their colonies and food sources. You’ll often find these tubes on your home’s foundation or walls.

2. Discarded Wings

After termites swarm and establish a new colony, they shed their wings. Piles of discarded wings near windowsills, doors, or other openings are a telltale sign of activity.

3. Hollow-Sounding Wood

If you tap on wooden surfaces in your home and they sound hollow, it could indicate that termites are eating away inside.

4. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Termites leave small, wood-colored droppings called frass near the areas they infest. This is another clear indicator that they’re active in your home.

5. Buckling Paint or Wood

Blistering or peeling paint and warped wood can often be mistaken for water damage, but termites may be the true culprits.

The earlier you catch these signs, the easier it is to address the problem and minimize damage.

Proactive Measures for Termite Prevention

Prevention is always better than repair when it comes to dealing with termites. Here are six actionable tips to protect your property:

1. Schedule Regular Termite Inspections

Partner with professionals like J&J Exterminating for annual or biannual termite inspections. Our team uses advanced methods to detect even the smallest signs of termite activity.

2. Fix Leaks Immediately

Whether it’s a leaky pipe, a dripping faucet, or poor gutter drainage, addressing water issues promptly is essential. Ensure your home stays as dry as possible, especially in crawl spaces and basements.

3. Create a Moisture Barrier

Installing a moisture barrier in your crawl space or under your home can significantly reduce the humidity levels in these areas, creating an uninviting environment for termites.

4. Limit Wood-to-Soil Contact

Where possible, avoid direct wood-to-soil contact. Use concrete or metal barriers for fences and decks, and maintain at least an 18-inch clearance between the soil and any wood structures.

5. Declutter Your Property

Remove wood piles, mulch, and debris near your home’s foundation. Store firewood off the ground and away from your property.

6. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Use caulk or another durable sealant to close cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, or roofline. Pay special attention to areas around utility lines and plumbing that penetrate your home.

These simple yet effective steps will help ensure your home remains free of termites year-round.

Why Choose J&J Exterminating?

At J&J Exterminating, we’ve built a reputation as trusted experts in termite prevention and pest control. Here’s why homeowners turn to us:

Expertise and Experience: With decades of experience, we’ve developed innovative solutions tailored to tackle termite problems effectively.
Advanced Treatment Options: We use cutting-edge treatments like baiting systems and liquid barriers to protect and treat your home.
Ongoing Support: Our termite control programs provide continuous monitoring and support to ensure your home stays protected.
Eco-Friendly Solutions: We’re committed to using environmentally safe products that won’t harm your family, pets, or the planet.

When you partner with J&J Exterminating, you’re choosing a team that cares about protecting what matters most to you.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until termites have already caused damage to your home. By implementing preventative measures and partnering with professionals like J&J Exterminating, you can safeguard your property, save money, and enjoy peace of mind.

If you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your home, schedule a free consultation with J&J Exterminating today. Together, we’ll create a customized plan to keep termites at bay for good.

Pest Prevention Tips to Start Your New Year the Right Way

Pesky pests invading your space can quickly put a damper on your fresh New Year energy. Whether it’s ants marching through the kitchen or rodents scurrying around the yard, pests are not only annoying—they can also impact your home and health. That’s why at J&J Exterminating, we’ve put together some effective pest prevention tips to help you maintain a pest-free home all year long.

By understanding what attracts pests and how you can stay one step ahead of them, you can enjoy a healthier, cleaner environment without uninvited guests.

Why Start the Year Pest-Free?

Beginning the new year with a pest-free home isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a healthier living space. Pests like cockroaches, rodents, and termites can cause serious issues such as:

Spread of Diseases: Rodents and cockroaches can carry harmful bacteria and viruses like salmonella and hantavirus.
Structural Damage: Termites alone cause billions of dollars in property damage annually in the U.S.
Triggering Allergies and Asthma: Pests like cockroach droppings and dust mites are known allergens.

Taking proactive steps to prevent pests now saves you stress, money, and potential health risks in the future.

7 Practical Pest Prevention Tips

The key to keeping pests at bay is understanding their habits and eliminating the conditions that attract them. Follow these expert tips to ensure your home is less appealing to pests:

1. Seal All Entry Points

Pests are opportunists—they’ll exploit the smallest gaps to enter your home. Over time, cracks and holes can form around doors, windows, and other structural elements.

Inspect your home for gaps, including around utility pipes, door frames, and windowsills.
Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal cracks and crevices.
Install door sweeps to block the tiny spaces under doors.

By fortifying your home, you close the door—literally—on pests.

2. Maintain a Clean Kitchen

The kitchen is a goldmine for pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents, thanks to readily available food sources.

Store food in airtight containers.
Clean crumbs and spills immediately.
Take out the trash regularly and keep bins sealed.

A clean kitchen not only keeps pests away but also ensures hygiene for your family.

3. Eliminate Standing Water

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a water source for many pests.

Fix any leaky faucets, pipes, or AC drains.
Ensure that clogged gutters are cleaned regularly.
Don’t leave pet bowls or birdbaths filled overnight.

Deny pests their water supply, and they’ll look elsewhere for hydration.

4. Declutter Indoors and Outdoors

Mess attracts pests by offering both hiding spots and nesting spaces.

Indoors, remove unnecessary stacks of paper, cardboard boxes, and clothing.
Outdoors, trim bushes and trees near the house to eliminate easy access for critters.
Avoid stacking firewood or debris near your home.

A tidy space is far less inviting for pests looking to settle in.

5. Monitor Your Garbage

Garbage bins are pest magnets, especially when they hold food leftovers.

Always use bins with tight-fitting lids.
Rinse out recyclables before tossing them in.
Place garbage bins away from entry points to your home.

Managing your waste properly is one of the simplest ways to deter pests.

6. Protect Your Pantry

Your pantry is a potential buffet for pests if not maintained properly.

Check for expired food and dispose of it.
Use sealed jars or containers to store dry goods such as flour and rice.
Place bay leaves in pantry shelves—pests like weevils and moths dislike the smell.

Taking these simple steps can save you from discovering unwanted pantry pests.

7. Schedule Regular Pest Inspections

No matter how vigilant you are, some pests can sneak through your defenses. Professional pest inspections can reveal hidden pest problems early.

Schedule inspections at least once a year.
Ensure professionals check common infestation spots like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Work with a reputable pest control company like J&J Exterminating for expert advice and solutions.

With regular inspections, you can stay ahead of any pest problems before they escalate.

A Seasonal Pest-Prevention Checklist

Pests tend to come and go with the seasons. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure year-round pest prevention:

Winter: Check for any rodent activity as they seek warmth indoors.
Spring: Address termites, as warmer weather triggers swarming activity.
Summer: Watch out for mosquitoes, ants, and flies, which thrive in heat.
Fall: Prevent spiders and beetles from finding shelter before the colder months.

Being mindful of the seasonal habits of pests can help you prepare and act effectively.

Strengthen Your Pest Control Strategy with J&J Exterminating

A pest-free home is within your reach—and when it comes to pest control, you don’t have to go it alone. At J&J Exterminating, we provide tailored pest control solutions that blend expertise with proven methods to protect your home.

Here’s how we can help:

Free initial inspections to identify and gauge potential pest issues.
Customized treatment plans designed to address specific concerns.
Eco-friendly and family-safe solutions for long-term pest prevention.

Don’t wait for pests to become a problem. Take action now to safeguard your home. Contact J&J Exterminating for a free consultation and see how our services can make this year a truly pest-free one.

A Fresh Start for a Pest-Free New Year

As you step into the New Year, don’t forget the importance of keeping your home pest-free. By following these simple but effective tips, you’ll not only protect your home but also set the stage for a healthier, happier environment.

Whether it’s sealing entry points, getting rid of clutter, or scheduling regular pest inspections, every small step adds to a life free of unwanted guests.

Need a helping hand? At J&J Exterminating, we’re always ready to help you take the next step in pest prevention. Give your home the professional pest control care it deserves and ensure a pest-free start to the year today!

7 Tips to Keep Pests Away This Holiday Season

22nd December 2024
Ants, Pest Control, Roaches, Rodents, Termites
JJ Exterminating
no responses

The holiday season is a time for joy, good food, and spending quality moments with loved ones. Unfortunately, it’s also the perfect time for pests to invade your home. Between cooler weather driving pests indoors and an abundance of holiday treats lying around, your home can quickly become an unintended sanctuary for unwanted guests like ants, rodents, and cockroaches.

At J&J Exterminating, we believe prevention is key. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide to help you avoid potential pest problems and enjoy your holidays without any unwelcome critter interruptions.

Why Pests Are a Problem During the Holidays

Before we jump into tips, it’s important to know why pest activity picks up during the holidays. Holiday decorations often come from storage, where pests like spiders or mice may have been nesting. Food, especially sugary treats and leftovers, tends to be more abundant and can attract ants, flies, and rodents. Cooler weather is another factor, as pests like to find warmth indoors. The combination of these three factors creates the perfect storm for pest invasions.

Knowing this, it’s essential to take proactive measures to keep your home pest-free.

1. Inspect Your Decorations Before Bringing Them Indoors

Many pests, like spiders, rodents, and even cockroaches, use storage spaces such as basements and attics as their hideouts. When you bring holiday decorations inside, you might unknowingly transport these pests into your living spaces.

Quick Tips to Prevent This:

Unpack decoration boxes outdoors and inspect each item for signs of pest activity.
Shake out artificial trees, wreaths, or garlands before setting them up.
Use plastic storage containers with secure lids rather than cardboard boxes, which attract pests.

2. Keep Holiday Treats Well Sealed

Nothing attracts pests faster than the aroma of sugary holiday treats. From cookies to gingerbread houses, holiday deserts are magnets for ants, cockroaches, and rodents.

How to Protect Your Holiday Goodies:

Store baked goods in airtight containers when not being served.
Clean up spills and crumbs immediately after preparing or enjoying food.
Avoid leaving leftovers uncovered on countertops overnight.

3. Seal Entry Points into Your Home

During the colder months, many pests seek warmth and shelter indoors. Common culprits like rats, cockroaches, and spiders can enter your home through even the tiniest openings.

Steps to Block Their Way:

Inspect around doors, windows, and utility entry points for gaps or cracks.
Use weather stripping and caulking to seal any openings.
Check for cracks in your home’s foundation and repair them as needed.

4. Clean Up Your Christmas Tree Quickly

If you’re planning on bringing a live Christmas tree into your home, beware—it might come with hidden bugs. Aphids, spiders, and mites often hitch a ride on pine trees and can quickly spread throughout your house.

Proactive Measures to Take:

Shake your tree thoroughly before bringing it indoors.
Allow the tree to rest in the garage or on the porch for a day or two before decorating it.
Inspect and clean artificial trees as well, as they can still harbor pests from storage.

5. Empty Trash Regularly

Holiday gatherings often lead to more trash—food scraps, wrapping paper, and more. Overflowing garbage bins are a feast for pests like cockroaches, ants, and flies.

How to Stay on Top of It:

Empty indoor trash bins daily, especially when disposing of food waste.
Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids to keep pests out.
Rinse out food containers before tossing them into your recycling bin.

6. Keep Firewood Away from Your Home

If you’re enjoying a cozy fire during the holiday season, be mindful of where you store your firewood. Firewood can invite pests like termites, ants, and beetles into your home.

Firewood Safety Tips:

Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and lift it off the ground using a rack.
Only bring in as much firewood as you intend to use immediately.
Inspect firewood for any visible pests before carrying it inside.

7. Consider Professional Pest Control

Even with the best preventative measures, pest activity can sometimes be beyond your control. This is especially true if you already have an infestation or if your home is particularly prone to pests.

Why Call the Experts?

At J&J Exterminating, we specialize in preventative and emergency pest control to keep homes safe year-round. Whether it’s sealing your home, providing a pest inspection, or eradicating an existing problem, we have the tools and expertise needed to ensure your holiday season remains pest-free.

Schedule your inspection today, and our team will help safeguard your home from pests so you can focus on creating wonderful holiday memories.

Keep Your Holidays Happy and Pest-Free

Pests don’t have to ruin your holiday cheer. By following these preventative tips and staying diligent, you can keep your home safe from unwanted creatures while enjoying all the joys of the season.

If you notice signs of pest activity or want expert advice to reinforce your home’s pest prevention measures, contact us at J&J Exterminating. From ants to rodents, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—book a pest inspection with one of our professionals today!