When Is the Best Time to Visit New Orleans?

New Orleans. Hot. Muggy. Sticky. Not so fast. The Crescent City can be enjoyed without air conditioning on full blast. In fact, its winter season is a welcome break from the heavy snowfall up north.

With Mardi Gras in full swing, you’ll find more than enough attractions and entertainment to make a visit a success. If you’re planning to visit or have company coming in, make winter your time to explore the best NOLA has to offer.

The Weather’s Anything but Frightful

Love curling up in a light sweater? New Orleans is the home of sweater weather during the winter. You’ll rarely need a large coat or scarves. Instead, the weather is perfectly comfortable enough to walk around and enjoy the city.

There’s also little rainfall during this time of year. Instead, the high temperatures average at 64 degrees and the lows fall to around 46 degrees. Pack a few layers, your favorite boots and head to New Orleans for a perfectly cozy winter visit.

It’s Mardi Gras Time
Mardi Gras falls on February 6 in 2016, but you can expect parades to start in January. The week before Mardi Gras is when the city most comes to life. Be sure to check one of all of the parades below for a quintessential Mardi Gras experience.

Endymion
This is one parade that delights both locals and tourists alike. Named after the Greek god of youth, Endymion began in 1967 and rose to Super-Krewe status in 1974. Its many star-studded guests have included Dolly Parton, Britney Spears and the Beach Boys.

Morpheus
Here’s a parade that’s the stuff of dreams. The Morpheus parade takes place the Friday before Fat Tuesday with Krewe of Morpheus members entertaining visitors long into the evening. Established in 2000, Morpheus has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of Mardi Gras’ premier parades.

Muses
This all-female krewe is known for throwing glitzy shoes, sparkling necklaces and purses to the crowd. The Muses theme often pokes fun at societal ongoings with themes like 2007’s “Super Muse” and 2009’s “Muses 009: License to Swill.”

Zulu
Like coconuts? Then you’ll love the Zulu parade. One of the most cherished parades of all, its origins date back to the original Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club in the early 20^th century.
The organization was formed to provide aid and insurance to participating members through the collection of minor dues. A historically African-American organization, Zulu enjoys a strong and active membership to this day.

Rex- Fat Tuesday
To really understand Mardi Gras, you’ll need to attend the Rex parade which takes place on Fat Tuesday. The Krewe of Rex was formed in 1872 as means to encourage tourism and business advancement in the Crescent City.

The Rex parade features the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold as well as the reigning monarch (or the Rex) of the parade.

Family Gras in Metairie
As you might have imagined, Family Gras is full of fun for every member of your family. Located in Metairie, the celebration includes free concerts, local vendors, traditional Louisiana cuisine and of course, parades.

After the fun of Mardi Gras is over, take some time to get your lawn and home ready for spring. Get rid of pests and insects before they have time to take over in the warmer months. Fischer Environmental has taken care of Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast homes for over 50 years.

For more information about our pest control and lawn care services, click here.

What are the 7 Venomous Snakes of Louisiana?

If you’re like 51% of Americans, snakes are one of your biggest fears. Whether it’s general distaste or full blown ophidiophobia, a fear of snakes has some roots in reality. We don’t mean to alarm you, but there are 7 venomous snakes who call Louisiana home. Read on to learn more about the 7 most deadly snakes of Louisiana and tips for keeping them far, far away from your home.

1. Copperhead

The copperhead snake is one of the more eye-catching venomous snakes, but you’d be wise to be wary of it. This snake is on the smaller side, ranging from 14 to 25 inches long. The infamous hourglass-like pattern fills its body while the head is typically a copper or orange tone (hence the name). This snake camouflages well into its surroundings. You’ll typically find them in forests and woods throughout nearly all of Louisiana.

2. Canebrake Rattlesnake

You might also hear this pit viper referred to as a timber rattlesnake. These large serpents can grow up to 6 feet but typically range from 25 to 70 inches. Their appearance is characterized by black rattles on their tails and grayish hue. Canebrake rattlesnakes typically dwell in thickets, forests and rural areas. They’re most commonly seen during the spring, but males are also active during the summer and fall as they look for mates.

3. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is one of the easiest to identify. The largest of all rattlesnakes, they range from 25 to 90 inches and can weigh up to 10 pounds. Diamond-like shapes form large patterns across the serpent’s back. Though they’re not often seen in Louisiana, these snakes are known to strike if feeling threatened.

4. Pygmy Rattlesnakes

The Pygmy rattlesnake is one of the smallest rattlesnakes. These little guys are typically light gray or tan with dark-colored blotches. They love grassy areas where they can find plenty of frogs, lizards and insects. Pygmy rattlesnakes are not known for being aggressive but can be quite hard to spot.

5. Texas Coral Snake

If you’ve ever seen a Texas Coral snake, chances are you’ll never forget it. It has the classic coral snake pattern of black, red and yellow rings. These smooth-scaled serpents don’t just call the Lone Star State its home. They’re also present in the central and northern Louisiana. They favor humid habitats and are some of the most toxic of all snakes in the United States.

6. Harlequin Coral Snake

Harlequin Coral Snakes are nearly identical to Texas Coral Snakes. The most obvious difference between the two is that the black ring on the neck of the Harlequin does not touch its parietal shields. Regardless, both species are venomous and quite good at hiding. It’s unlikely you’ll run across many in Louisiana unless you’re in the Florida parishes.

7. Cottonmouth

The cottonmouth is the stuff of legends in the South. These large, water-loving serpents can strike fear in the bravest of souls with their dark coloring and white-lined mouth. They can grow up to 55 inches and are quite agile swimmers. Cottonmouths are well-known for being aggressive, and their bites are potentially fatal.

 

A Word on Keeping Snakes Out of Your Home Of course, the last thing you want is one of these creatures in your home. They are known to enter dwellings during the winter in search of warmer temperatures. Here’s how you can keep your home snake-free:

• Keep your grass cut and landscaping well-trimmed
• Seal any cracks in your foundation, floors and ceilings
• Avoid stacking woodpiles near your home
• Exterminate rodents, insects and other food sources

Click here if you need to contact us regarding snake matters!

5 Tips to Get Your Lawn Ready By Mardi Gras

New Orleans is certainly lovely during Mardi Gras. Just the anticipation of parades and fun makes the city look a little brighter. You and your family will likely be spending a lot of time outdoors, celebrating the event. Whether you’re planning on having guests over or making it a family event, your Mardi Gras celebration will be even better with a well-cared-for lawn. Despite the cooler temperatures, there are things you can do it make your front yard look beautiful just in time for Mardi Gras.

 

Check out these 5 tips for a lush, healthy lawn.

1. Avoid Fertilizers High in Nitrogen

Who doesn’t want their lawn to look beautiful during the spring and summer? But don’t let you desire for the greenest of grass compel you to use fertilizers high in nitrogen. While they might make your lawn look lusher at first, they’ll likely lead to weaker grass down the line. Nitrogen fertilizers can even cause fungus disease, which is not something you want to contend with right now or this summer.

2. Use Winterizers

If you do want to do something to improve the appearance of your grass, put down the fertilizer and pick up a winterizer. These treatments keep your lawn looking and feeling healthy during the coldest months of the year. For best results, use a winterizer high in potassium to encourage lots of growth.

3. Weeding

You’ve probably put your lawnmower away for the season and are enjoying a little break from cutting grass. However, it is worth it to brave the cold and do a little weeding. Some weeds come alive during the winter time. Get control of them before they flourish in the spring and summer. The last thing you want to do is pull up stubborn, deep-rooted weeds in a Louisiana summer. To stop weeds in their tracks, you’ll need preemergence herbicide. It targets germinating weed seeds and kills them before they have a chance to take root. It’s the secret to a weed-free lawn.

4. Aeration

Want to really do something to improve the appearance of your lawn? Get a head start and lay down new sod. This is your best time to get the task done for a healthier lawn. Laying sod down in the winter gives the roots enough time to grow and settle. If you have any winter bulbs you were planning on planting, now is the time to get it done as well.

5. Prep Your Lawnmower

When’s the last time you gave your lawnmower a little TLC? Before you retire it to the shed for a long winter’s nap, give it a tune up. Have the blades sharpened and drain the gas. Now is the ideal time to check the oil as well. A new spark plug and filter will have you mower looking as good as new. Doing so helps you avoid a burned out motor or costly repairs down the line. Replacing them takes little time and might cost you $15 total. Money well spent.. Let’s face it. Caring for your lawn can be a time-consuming task. Between the weeding, trimming and landscaping, you might spend your whole weekend just tending to your yard. With Fischer Environmental, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn without sacrificing your time to celebrate Mardi Gras with friends and family.  We’ll get your lawn looking the best it ever has in no time at all. Click here to learn more.

What Are the 5 Best Neighborhoods in New Orleans?

The Big Easy. Crescent City. NOLA. Whatever you choose to call the iconic city, there’s no place like New Orleans. The city received 9.52 million visitors in 2014, and its tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down. And of course, some of those tourists fall head over heels for the land of po’boys and Mardi Gras and decide to call it home. Whether you’ve been a New Orleanian since birth or are new to the city, you’ll find it has some of most inspiring and vibrant neighborhoods around. From the 19^th century homes of Uptown to the colorful shotgun houses of Bywater, there’s something for everyone in New Orleans.

 

1. Uptown

Billy Joel might as well have been thinking about New Orleans when he sang the classic hit, “Uptown Girl.” Uptown New Orleans is one of its most distinctive areas, running along Magazine Street, Jefferson Avenue, La Salle Street and Napoleon Avenue. The area falls under District 3 in the Uptown/Carrolton Area. Here you’ll find stately homes on St. Charles Avenue and the beautiful oak trees of Audubon Park. Uptown is characterized by its charming, classically New Orleans style. If you love center hall and double-gallery houses, then you’ll love Uptown.

2. Midcity

If living like a local is your thing, then Midcity may be the perfect place to make your home. Located smack dab in the middle of New Orleans, the area has a more tranquil vibe than Uptown and the Central Business District. That doesn’t mean Midcity is short on entertainment, however. You’ll find plenty to do with nearby attractions including Bayou St. John, the City Park and New Orleans Museum of Art. Raised-basement houses are a common architectural style in Midcity.

3. Central Business District

The Central Business District (CBD) combines the hustle and bustle of city life with the ease of Southern living. The Mississippi River runs to the east of the district, making it New Orleans’s closest equivalent to a downtown. Here you’ll find the heart of New Orleans’ business activity with the Mercedez-Benz Superdome, Harrah’s Casino and Canal Place. In CBD, you’ll find plenty of skyscrapers, high-rise apartments and condos to satisfy the most metropolitan of tastes. Be sure to check out the nearby Warehouse District for world-class art galleries and premier museums.

4. Faubourg Marigny

It’s nearly impossible to talk about New Orleans neighborhoods without mentioning the artsy and incredibly popular Faubourg Marigny. A wonderful mix of colonial French, Spanish and Caribbean architecture, the neighborhood retains a Mardi Gras element all year round. Just around the corner from the French Quarter, Marigny falls between Esplanade Avenue and Press Street. Its unforgettable Creole cottages, American townhouses and shotgun houses give the neighborhood its distinctively eclectic style.

5. Bywater

One of the most up and coming neighborhoods in New Orleans, Bywater is located near the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny. The laid-back neighborhood has seen a revival of late with local artists and musicians moving into escape the high prices of the French Quarter. However, you’ll see plenty of families in the area as well. You’ll love exploring the neighborhood’s local pubs and eateries on foot. Classic shotgun houses in bright colors make Bywater one of the most vibrant areas in New Orleans. No matter what part of NOLA you decide to call home, your abode will look even more charming with a well-cared-for lawn.

Fischer Environmental has been caring for New Orleans lawns for over 50 years. For a horticultural service you can count on, click here.