Mandeville – September 12, 2026 -- J&J Exterminating, Louisiana's largest independently-owned pest control company, is warning Mandeville families that common household pests can carry pathogens linked to serious illnesses, urging residents to treat infestations rather than wait them out.
Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are already circulating this season
Louisiana health officials have confirmed West Nile virus activity this season, according to the company, meaning mosquitoes in Mandeville backyards can pose a direct health threat during outdoor gatherings. Ticks in the area also carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Alpha-gal syndrome, illnesses that can produce lasting effects.
Rodents and cockroaches contaminate kitchens and trigger asthma
Rodents contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria linked to Salmonella, while cockroaches shed allergens that are a documented trigger of childhood asthma and respiratory distress. Bed bugs, while not known to spread disease, cause painful skin reactions, disrupted sleep and psychological stress, and can spread quickly through a home.
Company COO says pest problems should be treated immediately, not monitored
"When it comes to your family's health, it's never worth the risk,