Pest Alerts:
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There are two major Pest Alerts we want to let you know about, Bedbugs
and West Nile Virus.
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Bedbugs
Color: Mahogany to rusty brown; red after a blood meal
Legs: Six
Shape: Flat; broad oval
Size: 1/4"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: No
Bed bugs were once a common public health pest worldwide. Nearly everyone
has heard the saying, “Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite!”
But, after the introduction of modern pest control products in the 1940s,
this insect faded from the American scene. Recently however, bed bugs have
undergone a dramatic resurgence and worldwide there are reports of increasing
numbers of infestations. Bedbugs get their name because they like to live
and feed in beds. But that's not the only place they can live. Bedbugs like
to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment, including,
behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery, and in furniture crevices.
These parasites are blood feeders. Like a monster in horror movie, they crawl into beds during the night while their victims are sleeping. The bite can be painless, some people may not react to their bite. Skin reactions are common with bed bugs, their bites can become red, itchy welts. Many note a great deal of discomfort often with loss of sleep from the persistent biting. Bedbugs do not transmit diseases.
*Note that an irritation or bite experienced in bed may not necessarily be due to a bed bug infestation.
A bed bug infestation can be identified by collections of live or dead bed bugs, cast skins, hatched or unhatched eggs.
Bedbugs can be found in All 50 States.
How did they get in my home?
Bed bugs are still not seen much in single-family homes, but they have become
more commonplace in motels, hotels, and apartment buildings. Bedbugs like
to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply.
Typically, an infestation begins in a single motel/hotel room or apartment
and then spreads to neighboring units. Bed bugs spend the day resting in cracks
or voids of furniture or walls. They are elusive, nocturnal creatures. They
can hide behind baseboards, electrical switchplates, picture frames, even
wall paper. They come out at night for a blood meal.
Prevention:
Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation. Check your bedsheets for
tell-tale blood spots. Bedbugs are elusive creatures, it is not recomeded
to treat this problem yourslef. You may think that you could "starve"
the bedbugs out of your house by simply leaving for a few days, but this would
be useless since bedbugs can survive more than a year without feeding. It
is important to seek professional pest management services to address an infestation.
If you suspect a Bedbug infestation, call us at 1-877-989 BUGS or fill out the online appointment form.
West Nile Virus
Mosquito season is on it's way and Mosquitoes aren't just a nuisance,
they can carry West Nile virus and other diseases.
Color:
Varies; Pale brown with whitish stripes across abdomen
Legs: Six
Shape: Narrow Oval
Size: 1/4" - 3/8"
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
The number one most effective way to avoid West Nile Virus is to avoid being
bitten by Mosquitoes all together. The chance that any one person is going
to become ill from a single mosquito bite remains low. The risk of severe
illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old, although people
of all ages can become ill.
Steps to Keep You and You Family Safe:
- Avoid Mosquito Bites: Apply Insect
Repellent Containing DEET
(Also Called: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) to exposed skin when you go outside. Even a short time being outside can be long enough to get a mosquito bite.
- Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours:
From dusk to dawn for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use
repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning -- or
consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
- Clothing Can Reduce Mosquito Bites:
When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes
may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing
permethrin or DEET will give extra protection.
- Mosquito-Proof Your Home: Drain
standing water from around your home, including flower pots, buckets and
barrels. Also, change the water in bird baths and pet dishes weekly. Mosquitoes
lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your
home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water.
- Install or Repair Screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having well-fitting screens on both windows and doors.
If you would like more information about West Nile Virus or want more tips for keeping safe, go to the Center for Disease Control and check out their downloadable brochure.
*For Source Information, Please visit
the Credits Section. Thank You.
