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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!

Keeping Ants Outside!

Ants in the house? Few things are more frustrating than finding trails of ants invading your kitchen or living space. At J&J Exterminating, we know that staying ahead of these unwelcome insects can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can enjoy an ant-free home.

This blog shares practical tips and insights on how to keep ants outside where they belong. Whether you’re looking for preventive measures or ready to take action against an active ant problem, we’ve got you covered.

Why Ants Enter Your Home

Ants are natural explorers. They are constantly on the hunt for food, water, and shelter, which your home readily provides. Even the smallest crumbs, pet food, or leaky pipes can attract these tiny foragers. Louisiana’s warm and humid weather only makes it more appealing for ants to venture indoors.

How to Keep Ants Outside

Step 1: Seal All Entry Points

Ants can enter your home through the tiniest cracks and gaps. Inspect your windows, doors, baseboards, and even utility entry points.

Apply caulk or weatherstripping around doorframes and windows.
Use mesh screens or steel wool to block off small crevices.
Install door sweeps at the base of exterior doors.

Step 2: Eliminate Food Sources

Ants have an incredible sense of smell and are drawn to even the smallest food scraps.

Clean counters, tables, and floors regularly to remove crumbs and spills.
Store food in airtight containers to minimize access.
Avoid leaving pet food or sugary items out for extended periods.

Step 3: Address Moisture Problems

Ants are also drawn to water, making leaky faucets and damp areas a beacon for them.

Fix plumbing leaks promptly.
Use a dehumidifier in particularly damp areas like basements.
Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.

Step 4: Maintain Your Landscaping

Outdoor plants and wood piles can serve as nesting grounds for ants.

Trim shrubs and trees so they don’t touch the exterior of your home.
Keep woodpiles and compost bins at least 10 feet away from your house.
Regularly clear yard debris and keep your lawn tidy.

Step 5: Use Natural Deterrents

If you’re looking for eco-friendly solutions, consider these natural ant deterrents:

Lemon Juice and Vinegar—Wipe down surfaces with a mixture of these liquids to disrupt ant scent trails.
Essential Oils—Peppermint, tea tree, and citronella oils can be applied at entry points.
Cinnamon—Sprinkling cinnamon at doorways or windows can deter ants due to its strong scent.

Step 6: Set Up Barriers and Baits

Switch to preventive measures with physical barriers and bait systems.

Lay down ant bait traps near entry points. The bait attracts ants, which carry it back to their colony, eventually eliminating the infestation.
Apply a thin line of diatomaceous earth around your home’s foundation. This natural powder dries out ants, deterring them from crossing the barrier.

When to Call the Experts

Despite your best efforts, ants can be remarkably resilient. If their numbers seem to grow no matter what you do, it’s time to call the pest control professionals. At J&J Exterminating, we specialize in identifying ant species and crafting targeted solutions to eliminate them for good.

Our Gold Shield 365 program offers year-round pest protection with a combination of Integrated Pest Management techniques. That means we not only remove existing ants, but we also help prevent future infestations using proven baits and physical barriers.

Why Choose J&J Exterminating?

J&J Exterminating has been Louisiana’s trusted pest control partner for over 60 years. Here’s why you can count on us:

Customized pest solutions tailored to your needs.
A network of 15 locations throughout Louisiana and Texas.
A guarantee that our services will meet your satisfaction.

We are proud to offer free inspections and estimates to start you on the road to being ant-free.

Additional Services

Besides ant control, we offer a full suite of pest management solutions, including termite control, rodent control, and bed bug treatment. Our services are designed to give you peace of mind, whether at home or in your business.

Final Thoughts

Keeping ants outside may seem like a never-ending challenge, but with the right mix of prevention, natural deterrents, and professional support, your home can remain pest-free for good. Take steps today to seal up your home, eliminate attractants, and leverage expert knowledge when needed.

For a trusted, effective solution to your ant problems, contact J&J Exterminating today and request your FREE estimate. Our team is ready to help you safeguard your home from ants and other unwelcome guests.

Request an Estimate Now

Stay Pest Free This Holiday Season

The holidays are about family, friends, and creating memories—but there’s one kind of guest no one invites into their home during this festive season. Pests. From mice sneaking into the warmth of your attic to ants invading your kitchen in search of holiday treats, pests can put a damper on your celebrations.

At J&J Exterminating, we believe you should spend your holidays enjoying good food and company—not worrying about uninvited guests. That’s why we’re sharing our best tips to help you keep pests at bay this holiday season. And, if things get out of hand, we’re always here to help with professional pest control services.

Why Pests Love the Holidays

You might not think about it, but the holidays are as appealing to pests as they are to us. Here’s why pests thrive this time of year:

1. Cold Weather Drives Them Indoors

When temperatures drop, many common pests—from cockroaches to rodents—seek shelter in warm, cozy homes. Cracks, gaps, and poorly sealed doors or windows are all invitations to insects and critters looking for a winter refuge.

2. Holiday Feasts Are a Magnet

Pests love holiday leftovers even more than we do. That pie you left cooling on the counter? Or the crumbs from the cookies you baked last night? These small oversights can create a buffet table for pests like ants, flies, and mice.

3. Boxes and Decorations Hide Hitchhikers

When you pull out decorations from storage, you may accidentally transport pests like spiders, silverfish, or other insects that have made themselves comfortable in your holiday storage bins.

Now that you know why pests are extra active during the holidays, here’s how to keep them out of your home.

Tips to Keep Your Home Pest-Free

We’ve put together practical, easy-to-follow tips to stop pests in their tracks this season.

Seal Up Entry Points

Before temperatures drop further, check your home for any cracks or gaps that pests could use as entryways.

Inspect windows, doors, and your home’s foundation for cracks.
Seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulking.
Use metal mesh on vents and chimneys to prevent rodents from sneaking in.

A little effort today can save you the stress of dealing with a rodent infestation later.

Store Food Properly

Holiday kitchens are filled with delicious smells that attract pests, but you can minimize the risk by following these steps:

Store pantry items like flour, sugar, and snacks in airtight containers.
Clean up spills and crumbs as soon as they happen.
Take out the trash regularly to avoid odors that attract pests.

Trust us, these small habits make a big difference.

Keep Your Holiday Decorations Pest-Free

Decorations are the heart of holiday cheer, but they can also hide sneaky pests.

Before bringing decorations inside, inspect and shake them out.
Store holiday items in durable, sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes.
Avoid using natural materials like dried plants or pine cones, which can harbor insects.

Maintain a Clean Yard

Outdoor pests like ants, mice, and termites often use your yard as a stepping stone to get inside. To reduce their chances:

Keep firewood stacked away from your home and elevated off the ground.
Rake up leaves and outdoor debris where pests could hide.
Trim shrubs and branches to prevent pests from crawling into your home.

Monitor for Signs of Infestation

Even with your best efforts, some pests might still sneak in. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

Droppings near food storage or trash bins (a sign of rodents).
Chewed wires, insulation, or boxes.
Ant trails leading to crumbs or spills.
Dead insects in window sills or storage areas.

If you suspect a problem, don’t wait—it’s always easier to deal with an infestation in the early stages.

Why Trust J&J Exterminating

Keeping pests out can be a big job, but we’ve got your back! With years of experience, J&J Exterminating knows exactly how to handle the unique pest problems that the holiday season brings.

Here’s why homeowners choose us year after year:

Comprehensive Service: From ants in your pantry to rodents in your attic, we handle it all.
Safe and Effective Treatments: Our professional solutions are family-friendly and highly effective.
Reliable Expertise: We’re not just exterminators—we’re pest-prevention experts.

If pests threaten to ruin your holiday cheer, just give us a call. Our team will ensure your home stays pest-free so you can focus on what really matters.

Turn to a Trusted Expert

The holiday season should be about laughter, togetherness, and good food—not unexpected pest surprises. By sealing entry points, storing your food securely, and staying vigilant, you can reduce the risk of infestations.

But if pests still make their way inside, J&J Exterminating is here to save your holidays. Contact us today, and we’ll take care of the rest. Call or visit our website to schedule your consultation.

Together, we’ll ensure your holidays stay happy, healthy, and pest-free!

How to Prevent Ant Infestations in New Orleans

Ant infestations are one of the most frustrating pest problems homeowners face. Their tiny size allows them to infiltrate homes with ease, and the warm, humid climate of New Orleans provides the perfect environment for ants to thrive. But don’t worry—there are proven ways to keep these pesky insects out of your home!

With over 60 years of experience, J&J Exterminating is the trusted name in pest control across Louisiana. If you’re looking for effective solutions to prevent ant infestations in your New Orleans home, this guide will walk you through essential prevention tips and explain how J&J can help ensure your home stays pest-free.

Why Ants Are a Common Problem in New Orleans

New Orleans’ subtropical climate creates ideal conditions for ants to flourish. High humidity, warm temperatures, and food debris from bustling neighborhoods all contribute to an environment ants love. Common ant species in the region include fire ants, sugar ants, and carpenter ants—all of which can cause damage, contamination, or even stinging problems.

Ant colonies are incredibly resourceful. They can quickly rebuild after disruption, and worker ants are tireless in their search for food and water sources. This resilience makes infestations a recurring challenge for New Orleans residents.

Tips to Prevent Ant Infestations in Your Home

The best way to keep ants at bay is by cutting off their access to food, water, and shelter. Here are six practical steps you can take to prevent ant infestations:

1. Seal Entry Points

Ants are tiny and can squeeze through the smallest cracks and gaps. Inspect your home for potential entry points such as:

Cracks in walls
Gaps around windows and doors
Openings near pipes and electrical wires

Seal these areas with caulk or weatherstripping to block access.

2. Keep Your Home Clean

Ants are primarily attracted to food. Maintaining a clean living space reduces their attraction to your home. Focus on:

Wiping down kitchen counters and tables after meals
Sweeping and vacuuming regularly to remove crumbs
Storing food in airtight containers
Taking out the trash frequently and using tightly sealed garbage bins

3. Address Moisture Issues

Ants, like most pests, need water to survive. Eliminate moisture problems by:

Fixing leaky pipes and faucets
Ensuring proper drainage outside your home
Using a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces

4. Trim Vegetation Near Your Home

Ants often use branches and plants as bridges to access your home. Trim back bushes, trees, and plants so they don’t touch exterior walls, and keep firewood stored away from the house.

5. Monitor Outdoor Food Sources

If you love outdoor grilling, picnicking, or gardening, be mindful of food scraps or pet food left outside. Clean up after outdoor meals and store pet food in sealed containers to avoid attracting ants.

6. Use Ant Baits Strategically

If you notice a few ants around your home, they’re likely scouting food sources for the colony. Place ant baits near these areas to attract and eliminate the entire colony. However, for large infestations, it’s best to call in the professionals.

How J&J Exterminating Can Help

At J&J Exterminating, we’ve been helping New Orleans residents tackle pest problems since 1960. We provide comprehensive pest control services tailored to the unique challenges of your home and environment. Here’s how we eliminate and prevent ant infestations:

Customized Pest Control Solutions

Our licensed technicians assess your home and identify problem areas specific to your environment. Whether you’re dealing with fire ants or sugar ants, we create a personalized plan to eradicate the issue.

Quarterly Pest Control Services

Our Gold Shield 365 service makes protecting your home simple and ongoing. Through Integrated Pest Management (IPM), we focus on reducing pesticide use while creating barriers that keep pests out year-round.

Proven Ant Control Products

We use effective, environmentally-friendly bait and barrier treatments to combat ant colonies and prevent their return.

Fast and Reliable Service

With a 24-hour response time, J&J Exterminating ensures your pest problems are addressed promptly so you can regain peace of mind.

Experienced Local Professionals

Being Louisiana’s largest independently-owned pest control company, J&J Exterminating has specialized knowledge of New Orleans’ pest problems. Our technicians are experts in battling ant infestations in the region’s unique climate.

Benefits of Choosing J&J Exterminating

Wondering why J&J Exterminating should be your go-to ant prevention service provider? Here’s what sets us apart:

Over 60 years of experience in pest control
Family-owned and operated with a local focus
Guaranteed service with unlimited call-backs all year round
Free termite inspections and estimates
Expertise in serving both residential and commercial properties

When it comes to keeping your home pest-free, trust the company that thousands of Louisiana residents rely on year after year.

Why Preventing Ants Matters

Preventing ant infestations isn’t just about avoiding a nuisance—it’s about protecting your property, family, and health. Certain ant species, such as carpenter ants, can compromise the structural integrity of your home, while others, like fire ants, can cause painful stings or allergic reactions.

Taking proactive steps now ensures that your home remains a safe and comfortable space all year long.

Take the First Step Toward an Ant-Free Home

Ant problems might be persistent, but with the right strategies and professional help, they’re entirely manageable. By following the prevention tips outlined above and partnering with J&J Exterminating, you can safeguard your New Orleans home from ant infestations.

Don’t wait until an ant trail takes over your kitchen—act now! Contact J&J Exterminating for a free estimate and regain control of your home.

Call us today or visit J&J Exterminating to start your ant prevention plan!