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Beneficial Insects

Admin • Dec 14, 2016
Different Insects — Louisiana — DA Exterminating
While in our previous blog we discussed the downside of insects, we thought it only fair to bring you some of the actual benefits of insects (and yes there are quite a few). Despite the tremendous economic losses they may cause, it is not entirely fair to cast the members of Class Insecta as villains who rob us of our food and livelihoods. They are also cherished allies on whom we depend to keep the natural environment clean and productive. They have shaped human cultures and civilizations in countless ways, they supply unique natural products, they regulate the population densities of many potential pest species, they dispose of our wastes, decompose the dead, and recycle organic nutrients. Indeed, we seldom stop to consider what life would be like without insects and how much we depend on them for our very survival.

As consumers, scavengers, and decomposers, insects play a vital role in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients. Insects help aerate the soil, improve its retention of rainwater, and enhance its tilth. They turn more soil than earthworms and redistribute nutrients within the root zone as they burrow and nest in the ground. Flies and dung beetles prevent the build-up of manure from large animals and speed up its decomposition by fungi and bacteria. Without such scavengers, the gradual accumulation of waste products from large herds of cattle and other ungulates (mammals with hooves) would soon render much of the landscape unsuitable for agricultural purposes. 

As parasites and predators of other organisms, insects are part of a natural system of checks and balances that strengthen community stability and prevent explosive population growth from overrunning natural resources.

But above all else, insects play an essential role as pollinators of flowering plants. These plants are dominant producers in many terrestrial ecosystems, but they cannot reproduce without insect intermediaries to carry pollen (the male gametophyte) from flower to flower. Many of our agricultural crops like almonds, apples, cherries, blueberries, cucumbers, squash, melons, etc., would be non-productive without insect pollinators. 

It’s important to note that DA Exterminating, while providing pest control services, does not target beneficial insect species. We focus on just those insects that pose a threat to your living environment. Call us if you’re being “bugged.” 800-650-PEST.
By Lorenz Marsh 26 Sep, 2022
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By Lorenz Marsh 14 Jun, 2022
Always proud to be a member of PCT Magazine’s “Top 100” companies ( by annual revenue) in America. This is Ed, Jed and me accepting the award in Orlando the other night. Thanks to our wonderful DA team at all 3 DA branches and our loyal customers, it takes everyone to achieve success! (David Cherry, our longtime GM in Houma, left before we grabbed this photo…sorry David!) — Chris Caire, Jed, and Ed Reynolds.
By Admin 28 Mar, 2022
By Admin 14 Dec, 2018
One noticeable change in the outdoors as winter approaches is the reduction of flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and bees.
Christmas Decor — Louisiana — DA Exterminating
By Admin 06 Dec, 2018
When the holidays come to an end, it will be time to store the trees and decorations until Christmas 2019. Safeguard all of your favorite holiday decorations so they are free of pests while sitting in the attic, basement or other storage space until the holiday season comes around next year. Christmas decorations provide harborage and, in some cases, food for various kinds of pests, especially rodents. So we have assembled some decoration storage tips to prevent surprises next year when you open your decoration containers. to seal them in plastic containers if you must save these from 1) Dried berries, seeds and other natural materials are especially attractive to mice. The best idea is to seal them in plastic containers. Discard natural decorations after using each year including real gingerbread houses, candy canes and natural wreaths. 2) Cardboard can be a favorite nesting material for rodents, so don’t store artificial Christmas trees in cardboard; instead, use plastic sealable bags or containers. That goes for all other Christmas decorations. 3) Examine all decorations for any that are broken or that you won't use next year and discard them. 4) Wash linens and other fabrics and store in sealed plastic bags to prevent moisture. 5) Before loading containers into a garage, basement, attic or other storage area, examine them and clean thoroughly to remove any debris that may be harborage areas for mice. 6) Store holiday candles separately. The scent from a candle can attract unwanted guests. Placing the candles in an area that is not exposed to extreme heat (e.g., attics or sheds) will resolve this problem. Wrap candles in plastic to prevent them from melting together or transferring color in warm conditions. If you follow these tips to properly pack and store your decorations, not only will you be more organized for Christmas 2019, but you will reduce the possibility of pests trying to share next year's holiday with you! To get more information on pest control services in New Orleans, contact the experts at DA Exterminating today by calling 800-650-PEST . Wishing you and your family a pest-free New Year!
By Admin 14 Nov, 2018
DA Exterminating is proud to present these easy pest prevention tips to keep pests from taking up residence in your New Orleans-area home.
By Admin 01 Nov, 2018
The time it takes to check your home before winter arrives will pay off in preventing pest problems. Here are five things you can do!
Spider on Web — Louisiana — DA Exterminating
By Admin 15 Oct, 2018
Most spiders are fairly harmless but for those who do not want these eight-legged critters to share their life space, here are some tips
Black Spider — Louisiana — DA Exterminating
By Admin 01 Oct, 2018
Two poisonous spiders explained.
By Admin 17 Sep, 2018
t’s that time of year when certain pests seek a warm place to overwinter and this usually means YOUR HOME! We’ve assembled some tips to prevent these critters from moving in with you. Vacuuming is the best way to eliminate the insects once they are inside. Before the winter months approach, seal gaps around windows and doors, including garage doors. The best time for this is during the summer after pests have left their overwintering site, and before they come back for the next season. Look for areas where pipes and electrical or cable lines enter the building. Gaps around these areas should be sealed. Look for openings around soffits, eaves, attic fans, windows and vents in the attic used for ventilation. Many times these areas are not screened, allowing overwintering pests inside. Be sure screens on windows are in good repair and have no openings. Inspect chimneys. Be sure the damper is closed when not in use, and know that if you’re dealing with a wood-burning fireplace, lighting a fire may discourage the insects from using the chimney as an entry point. Tell customers that using “bug bombs” to treat the inside of a house can backfire — they may end up with dead insects still inside the walls, which then attract secondary pests, such as carpet beetles. Concerned about Fall Invaders? Call us today. 800-650-PEST .
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