In some 2013 research, 46.1 percent of households in New Orleans reported a pest sighting of some sort. At DA, we treat for virtually any pest problem but we see five pests on a regular basis that seem to us to be the most prevalent in New Orleans. We want you to know about these pests and the threats they pose to New Orleans residents.
1) Formosan termites
A single colony of Formosan subterranean termites may contain several million individuals. Because of its population size and foraging range, the presence of Formosan subterranean termite colonies poses serious threats to nearby structures.
Because of their population sizes and foraging ranges, the presence of Formosan termite colonies pose serious problems.
In New Orleans, where this termite species was introduced in the 1950's, the control and repair costs due to Formosan subterranean termite is estimated at $300 million annually (Suszkiw 1998).
2) German cockroaches
The German cockroach is the cockroach of concern, the species that gives all other cockroaches a bad name. It occurs in structures throughout New Orleans, and is the species that typically plagues multifamily dwellings. The German cockroach is found throughout the world in association with humans.
German cockroaches adulterate food or food products with their feces, physically transport and often harbor pathogenic organisms, and may cause severe allergic responses.
3) American cockroaches
The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus), is the largest of the common cockroaches measuring on average 4 cm in length. It occurs in buildings throughout New Orleans, especially in commercial buildings.
It is found mainly in basements, sewers, steam tunnels, and drainage systems (Rust et. al. 1991).
The American cockroach is an omnivorous and opportunistic feeder consuming decaying organic matter but will eat almost anything. American cockroaches can become a public health problem due to their association with human waste and disease and their ability to move from sewers into homes and commercial establishments.
4) Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism -- over one million people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Due to the recent publicity about the Zika virus, many people are aware that mosquitoes can be detrimental to their health and are taking measures to avoid them. Some of the diseases associated with mosquitoes include: malaria, chikungunya, dog heartworm, dengue, yellow fever, eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, LaCrosse encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, west nile virus, and zika virus
5) Bed bugs
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood and are one of the most difficult pest problems to eradicate quickly. A number of adverse health effects may result from bed bug bites, including skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergic symptoms. Bed bugs are not known to transmit any pathogens as disease vectors. Certain signs and symptoms suggest the presence of bed bugs; finding the adult confirms the infestation.
Call DA if you see these or any other pests! 800-650-PEST