Why Do Silverfish Like to Nest in Louisiana Homes?

If you live in New Orleans, you might have noticed more silverfish in and around your home lately. These common pests are especially vexing for people in Louisiana. But even if you don't live in this area, you are not safe from their intrusion. These insects can exist anywhere conditions are ideal for them.

In this article, we’ll discuss why silverfish love to nest in Louisiana and surrounding areas, and how you can prevent them from invading your home.

What are Silverfish?

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small, wingless insects that are usually one-third of an inch long. They have silver-gray bodies with long, slender antennae.

They prefer to live in humid climates and dark areas. They feed on carbohydrates and starches found in many household items like grains, vegetables, fibers, sugars, fabrics, books, and paper goods.  Stored cereals and pet foods are also go-to treats for these pests.

Why are Silverfish Found in New Orleans Homes?

You might be wondering why silverfish like Louisiana homes. Well, it's our hospitality. New Orleans provides the perfect environment for them to live in, sometimes with food and a nice place to sleep.

The city’s hot and humid atmosphere allows these pests to make their homes in different parts of your property. Houses with attics, basements, and crawl spaces, as well as bookshelves, behind furniture, and in kitchen cabinets, give silverfish great places to hide. Without careful food storage and cleaning habits, there is also easy access to food sources that will attract and keep these insects hanging around.

Ways to Prevent Silverfish Infestations

Once you know about what places silverfish like, you can try to keep them away from these areas by making these places unattractive for them. You can either try to drive them away from the places they like or set up traps in the places they go to.

Drive silverfish away: Be careful about using poisons and natural repellants

There is a lot of information out there about placing silverfish poisons or natural repellants in the places where silverfish like to go in your house. Be careful when using poisons and even natural repellants. Make sure you find out about harmful effects to pets, children, plants, and property.

·       SILVERFISH POISON

You can purchase silverfish poisons from a home goods or hardware store. These poisons are placed around the home to eliminate silverfish. CAUTION: Read labels to find out about possible harmful effects. This is not a good pest control treatment to use in homes with pets and children.

·       NATURAL REPELLANTS

There is a lot of advice out there, especially on the internet, about using natural repellants like cedar oil, other essential oils, and spices. Supposedly, silverfish hate these strong smells. CAUTION: There has been little to no scientific evidence for these methods. Bay leaves and some spices are toxic to animals. Also, these items don’t have labels with specific information about using them as bug repellants in your house. So, it is harder to find information about effects on children, pets, plants, and property.

Set up traps in the places silverfish like

·       ROLL UP A NEWSPAPER

Since they like dark spaces, place rolled-up newspaper traps around the home to catch and monitor silverfish. After a few days, check the newspaper to see if you’ve caught any. Then, dispose of the newspaper and replace it with a new trap.

·       SET UP STICKY TRAPS

Another effective way to control or prevent infestations is to set up sticky traps in your home. You can purchase these traps from a hardware store. Or make them yourself using glue and cardboard or jars.

Stop silverfish where they enter

·       SEAL OFF ENTRY POINTS

Silverfish enter your home through cracks, holes, and crevices in your home. You can seal off these potential entrances, like in window sills, vents, doorways, or attic and floor boards, with plaster or a mesh screen if you need to maintain airflow.

·       DON’T CARRY THEM IN YOURSELF

Beware of silverfish that hitchhike in boxes and bags being carried into your home. They especially like the glue used to bind books. Check inside stored items to make sure they are not infested with these pests.

How to Get Rid of Silverfish

If you have a silverfish infestation, you need to act quickly to protect your home. Here are a few things you can do to get rid of silverfish:

·       CLEAN YOUR HOME

These pests love a mess. Clutter gives them a place to hide, and they are attracted to any kind of open food. Clear out closets, vacuum and mop areas where these insects may be hiding, and clean up any food spills on the floor immediately.

·       TRY TO REGULATE THE TEMPERATURE

Since silverfish prefer humid climates, monitor the temperature of your home. Keep your home cool and dry to help prevent silverfish from entering and feeling at home inside your house. If you have an HVAC system, make sure to check it often and try to keep the humidity levels low. If you live in New Orleans or other areas in the South, you know there are places, like your attic, that the temperature cannot be regulated.  

·       CALL A PROFESSIONAL

Pest control companies offer the experience to tackle all different kinds of pest infestations. At Dial One Franklynn Pest Control, we have seen virtually every type of pest problem imaginable. So, we have the knowledge and experience to handle silverfish infestations, give you peace of mind, and make your home pest free.

Call Dial One for Help

Silverfish are not at all dangerous for your health. However, they can cause damage to your home. This can be anything from damaged wallpaper and ruined fabrics or books to food contamination.

If you find yourself dealing with a silverfish infestation, make sure to contact a reliable New Orleans pest control company. At Dial One Franklynn Pest Control, we have been providing quality termite and pest control services in the New Orleans area for more than 50 years. We have experience eliminating silverfish infestations, as well as preventing them from returning.

To learn more about our silverfish pest control and to get an estimate, contact us today. Our pest control experts are just a call away.

Dial One: Cooler Weather in New Orleans Increases Roach Activity

If you live in the New Orleans, Louisiana area, you are no stranger to roaches. These pesky critters seem to thrive in the warm climate, and they are active all year round. However, many people don’t realize that roach activity increases in winter months. That’s because cockroaches don’t migrate. Instead, they find warm spots to nest when it is cold outside. 

If you’re seeing more roaches than usual this winter, it’s time to call a roach exterminator! Read on to learn more about why roaches tend to be more active in winter and what you can do to prevent them from taking over your home. 

Why Are Roaches More Active in Winter? 

Roach activity generally increases in the winter months as roaches seek shelter from the cold weather. They scurry around looking for warm places to nest. Unfortunately, your home is the perfect spot for them. Roaches can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices to get inside, and once they’re in, it’s hard to get rid of them. This is because roaches reproduce quickly and can live for up to a year without food. 

If you think a roach spray will suffice, think again. Roaches are becoming more and more resistant to over-the-counter sprays. The best way to get rid of roaches is to call professional roach pest control services. At Dial One Pest Control, we have the experience and expertise to get rid of your roach problem for good. We also offer regular pest control services to prevent roaches and other pests from getting into your home in the first place. It’s always better to take a proactive approach to roach control rather than wait until you have an infestation. 

How Do You Know When You Have a Roast Infestation Problem? 

A lot of homeowners make the mistake of ignoring roaches until they see them running around during the daytime. By then, the roach population in your home is already out of control! The best way to determine whether you have a roach problem is to look for signs of roach activity, like the following examples. 

Roach Droppings 

Cockroaches leave behind dark brown or black droppings that look like coffee grounds or black pepper. These roach droppings are one of the first signs of a roach problem. 

Smear Marks 

As roaches travel along surfaces, they leave behind oily marks called smears. Smears are usually brown or black and may be found on walls, floors, ceilings, or baseboards. 

Egg Cases 

Cockroaches lay egg cases that are about the size and shape of a bean. The egg case will contain anywhere from 12 to 48 eggs, depending on the species of roach. Egg cases are typically brown or black and may be found on walls, floors, or in cabinets. 

If you see any of these signs of roach activity in your home, it’s time to take quick action. Failure to do so will only result in the roach problem getting worse. 

How To Prevent Roach Problems at Home 

There are many species of roaches, however, American roaches and German roaches are the most common pests in New Orleans.   

The American roaches are typically living in your attic and eating cardboard storage boxes.  They often enter the living space when they are carried down in these boxes.  Often, homeowners may see a surge in activity during the holidays when they pull out stored decorations.   

German roaches, which are not outside pests, are typically found in kitchen cabinetry year-round.    

There are a few things that you can do to prevent roaches from infesting your home in the first place. Here are some examples. 

Keep Your Home Clean 

Cockroaches are attracted to dirty homes and are more likely to infest homes that are cluttered or have food or garbage lying around. Be sure to regularly clean your home — especially the kitchen and bathroom — to remove any potential roach attractants. 

Seal Up Entry Points 

Cockroaches can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, so it’s important to seal up any potential entry points. Potential entry points include cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, openings around plumbing pipes, and holes in walls. 

Check for Signs of Infestation 

Even if you take preventive measures, cockroaches can still find their way into your home. That’s why it’s important to regularly check for signs of an infestation, such as roach droppings or egg casings. If you do see signs of an infestation, contact a professional roach exterminator right away. 

It’s also important to remember that roaches can also invade offices and business premises if preventive measures are not taken. If you own a business, be sure to keep your office or workspace clean and free of potential roach attractants. This way, you can prevent roaches from infesting your business and causing a nuisance. 

Why Is Regular Roach Pest Control Important? 

Roaches are one of the most common pests in New Orleans. Without preventive measures to deal with a roach problem, roaches can quickly become a big nuisance in your home or business. Therefore, it’s very important to keep up with roach pest control on a regular basis, even if you don’t currently have a roach problem. This way, you can help prevent roaches from becoming a problem in the future. 

How Can Dial One Franklynn Pest Control Help? 

Dial One has been servicing the New Orleans area for roach control and roach extermination for over 50 years. With our extensive experience, we have the knowledge and resources to solve any roach problem.  

If you are seeing an increase in roach activity, don’t wait to call Dial One. Taking a proactive approach to roach control is the best way to keep your home roach-free. Quarterly service from an experienced pest technician will eliminate roach nests and prevent future roach infestations.  Get started by calling 504-885-3101 for a free estimate. 

Why New Orleans Area Homes Need Regular Pest Control Services

Mardi Gras, centuries-old buildings, and the spiritual home of jazz — New Orleans is a city like no other! It’s no wonder why people are drawn to this magical place. However, what many don't realize is that having a home in New Orleans requires one thing: regular pest control.

While the city's unique charm is a large part of what makes it so special, it's also why pest control in New Orleans homes is so important. Roaches, spiders, ants, rats, mice, silverfish, and other pests pose a health risk to residents and cause extensive damage to homes and businesses.

Why are New Orleans homes vulnerable to pest problems? How can you protect your property? Here's what you need to know!

New Orleans Area Weather Condition and Location

One of the main reasons New Orleans area homes are susceptible to pest problems is the city's humid, subtropical climate. Unfortunately, this climate is ideal for pest breeding. The warm weather and high humidity provide the perfect environment for pests to thrive.

The summers are long, hot, and stifling in New Orleans and surrounding areas. The city's winters are short, cool, and windy, and it is wet and partly cloudy all year. These shifts constantly cause changing pest patterns, which can be challenging to keep up with if you don't have a pest control plan in place.

Additionally, New Orleans, Metairie and Kenner are in a coastal area, which means there is a higher risk for floods and hurricanes. These natural disasters can displace pests and cause them to enter homes in search of food and shelter.

Old Buildings and Homes

A dense population could be another factor that contributes to pest problems. When homes are close together, pests have more opportunities to spread from one property to the next.

Another reason pest control is so crucial in New Orleans is the city's architecture. Most buildings in New Orleans are old, which means they are more likely to have cracks and crevices that pests can use to enter homes.

Additionally, many homes in the New Orleans area are raised or have crawl spaces. These provide easy access for pests looking for a way inside. Once they're in, it can be difficult to get them out!

Common Pests in New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner

When you live in a house in New Orleans, Metairie, or Kenner without a pest control program, it is impossible to keep pests out for good. The following are some of the most common pests that homeowners in New Orleans have to deal with:

●      Roaches

●      Spiders

●      Ants

●      Silverfish

●      Rats and Mice

●      Ticks and Fleas

●      Mosquitoes

●      Bed Bugs

●      Termites

That's a lot to handle! These are just some of the most common pests. Many others can also cause problems for homeowners in the city. Pests are not only a nuisance, but they can also pose a serious threat to your health and safety.

Additionally, pests can cause extensive damage to your property. For example, rats or mice will gnaw on wires and wood, while termites will eat away at the structural integrity of your home. What is the key to controlling pests? There's only one: professional pest control!

Regular Pest Control

The best way to protect your New Orleans area home from pests is to have regular pest control appointments. A pest control company will work with you to create a customized pest control plan that fits your specific needs. Your pest control plan may include inspection, treatment, and monitoring.

The inspection identifies pest problems in your area. It is where the experts look for potential pest entry points and make recommendations to prevent them from entering your home in the future.

Once the experts identify the pest problem, the treatment takes place, involving various methods. This could include baiting, trapping, and spraying to get rid of pests. A professional company will monitor the pest activity in your home after treatment. This allows the company to adjust your treatment plan as needed. 

Regular pest control allows you to rest easy, knowing that your home is protected from pests. If pests do find their way into your home, you can be sure that they will be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

A pest control company will have the knowledge and experience to eliminate any pest problem safely and effectively in your home. In addition, they can provide you with tips on how to prevent pest infestations in the future.

Pest control in New Orleans and surrounding areas is not a one-time service. To keep your home free of pests, you must make pest control a regular priority!

For Pest Control Services, Dial One Franklynn

Dial One Franklynn Pest Control is a local pest control company owned by an entomologist. Our team is well-trained and versed in treating homes and businesses to eliminate and prevent pests.

We offer annual pest contracts with quarterly treatments, protecting properties in the New Orleans area from roaches, ants, silverfish, spiders, rats, mice, and other pests.

Our pest control company has been in business for over 50 years and has over 150 years of experience, and our team is knowledgeable in the latest pest control methods and products. Our treatments target both the inside and outside of the home. If a problem arises in between your usual appointments, a pest control technician will return to help you.

Investing in regular pest control services is the best way to protect your New Orleans, Metairie or Kenner home from pests. Don't wait until your home is infested to call for help. Call Dial One Franklynn Pest Control today.

New Orleans Termite Swarm: Signs and What to Do

As warmer weather approaches in New Orleans, so is the time for many termite species to swarm. This is between Mother's Day and Father's Day that we typically see termite swarms. Termites love warm and moist places, so with the humidity and heat picking up in New Orleans, this is perfect for these pests to come out and find a new place.

As the number of infestations in New Orleans increases, many homeowners worry about termites and what they can do to their homes. If you are amongst those who suffer from termite infestations in New Orleans, then this blog is for you.

We've included the common signs of termite infestation you can look for, which termites are active in the New Orleans area, and how you can protect your home from them.

Types of Termites in Louisiana

New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and other places in Louisiana have several termite species. Homeowners from these areas should be familiar with the termites that might attack their homes.

Here are the three types of termites that are active in Louisiana during termite swarm season:

Native Subterranean Termites

These are the most common termites in Louisiana. They are known to infest and snack on paper products and cellulose-based materials. Reticulitermes are commonly seen as black and about one-third of an inch long. They are seen active anywhere between February and March. Treatment and prevention for native subterranean termites are the most common termite control jobs state-wide.

Formosan Termite

These termites are seen as larger than native subterranean termites. Their caramel-colored body is how they are commonly identified. These half-inch long-termites usually swarm during the night time right before the summer season. The Formosan termite is the most common infestation reported in New Orleans and other southern parts of Louisiana.

Drywood Termite

As the name suggests, these termites live in dry wood. This type of termite is rarely seen in Louisiana compared to the other two listed above.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Now that you know the common termites present in New Orleans and Louisiana in general. Let's go over the signs of termite infestation. These are critical as they will give you a hint as to whether your house or yard is termite-free or not.

1. Piles of Wings

Not all termites can fly, but those who do easily lose their wings after their first flight. The most common reason why termites relocate is to find a mate. Once impregnated, they commonly lose their wings, burrow their way into a wood, lay their eggs, and build a colony.

That being said, a pile of wings is common in areas where termites might be present. Inspect your windows, places with light sources, and near doors for any termite wings.

2. Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are an obvious sign of termite activity. These pests use mud tubes to protect themselves from predators. They also use it as a way to access food sources without being exposed. You can break them using a screwdriver or any hard materials to see if there's any activity inside. If you are unsure what to do, then best call a termite company to have it inspected.

3. Damaged Drywall

Drywall or sheetrock is a material partially made from a paper-like material that termites can easily snack on. As termites burrow their way into your house, a place with drywall is one of the first places they would go to. Inspect your drywalls. If you see any inward sags or holes, then termites might be the reason. Discoloration can also be spotted on termite-infested drywalls.

4. Holes in Wood

Holes from termite infestation are hardly seen if you don't know what to look for. They create a very small hole that is only about one-eighth of an inch. This is usually spotted by a termite control professional.

5. Piles of Frass

As termites feast on dry woods and leaves, they also excrete. These termite droppings are known as frass. Frass is commonly mistaken for sawdust as they look the same. Coffee grounds are what others describe frass to look like. These termite droppings can be found in small piles near windows, access doors, and other areas where you can also see termite wings.

6. Decaying Wood

This is the most common sign of having a termite infestation. Not only in Louisiana but in other termite-prone areas. Termites are known to feast on wood, and by seeing a damaged or decaying wood, assume that termites might be present. You can try tapping on the wood to see if it sounds hollow. By moving the wood, you can also see if there's termite activity underneath. Contact a termite company if the affected area is too large to handle. Do not store fire wood or stacks of wood near your home.

Termite Pest Control Solutions

March to July is the usual termite swarming season. But as the weather changes, so do their swarming behavior. Termite activity and damage occur year-round. That is why it is important to know exactly what to look for and inspect. By doing so, you don't have to wait until the swarming season just to spot termite infestations in your home.

Remember these signs of termite swarming, and be more vigilant and active in spotting them. Termite infestations is best handled by a termite control company such as Dial One Franklynn Pest Control. Aside from over 50 years of experience in the field, Dial One has all the necessary equipment and expertise to fully get rid of termites in your home. The company is locally owned by a Board-Certified Entomologist and is experienced in termite prevention and treatment.