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Posts Tagged ‘Atlanta Bedbug control’
Bedbug Seminar in Atlanta
Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
Six Facts You Didn’t Know About Bed Bugs
Thursday, August 2nd, 2012Six Facts You Didn’t Know About Bed Bugs
If you follow the news and have seen all the attention bed bugs have received in the past few years, you might think you know all there is to know about this pest: They feed on humans while they sleep, they cause itchy, red bumps and they are hard to get rid of! But these pesky insects have a lot of secrets that you might be surprised to learn.
1. Bed bugs can live anywhere.
When most people think of bed bugs, they think of hotels. But the truth is, bed bugs can thrive in single-family homes, apartments, hospitals, college dorm rooms, office buildings, schools, buses, trains, movie theaters, retail stores and just about anywhere that humans are. In fact, according to the “Bugs without Borders” study, 89 percent of pest professionals report treating bed bug infestations in single-family homes, and 88 percent report treating bed bug infestations in apartments/condos. Respondents also report other common areas, with 67 percent treating bed bug infestations in hotels/motels, 35 percent in college dormitories, 9 percent on various modes of transportation, 5 percent in laundry facilities, and 4 percent in movie theatres.
2. Bed bugs aren’t just city dwellers.
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not just in big cities or third-world countries. They are found in all 50 states. The “Bugs without Borders” survey found that 17 percent of pest control professionals report treating bed bugs in the Northeast; 20 percent in the Midwest; 20 percent in the South; and 19 percent in the West. However, the incidence of bed bugs is three times higher in urban areas than in rural areas due to factors such as larger population size, apartment living and increased mobility, which are conducive to the rapid spread and breeding of bed bugs.
3. Bed bugs are hardy.
These pests can live for several months without a blood meal. This means they can linger in furniture, bags and suitcases for a long time until they are near a human host again. In addition, bed bugs can survive temperatures of nearly freezing to 122 degrees. Because of this, bed bugs are not a pest that can be treated with DIY measures. Professional pest control is the most effective way to treat an infestation.
4. Bed bugs are smart.
As a survival instinct, bed bugs are elusive. They know to stay out of view during the daytime, hiding in mattress crevices, box springs, baseboards, behind electrical switchplates, in picture frames, and even behind wallpaper. But at nighttime, the carbon dioxide we exhale drawls them out of their hiding spots.
5. Bed bugs are methodical.
Bed bugs have a predictable feeding pattern. Once a bed bug finds a host, it will usually feed three times, for 5 to 10 minutes each time. These three meals are often jokingly referred to as breakfast, lunch and dinner. But the three bite marks they leave behind – usually right in a row and on exposed skin on the chest, arms or legs – are telltale signs of a bed bug infestation.
6. Bed bugs could have a degree in anesthesiology.
People often wonder why a biting bed bug doesn’t wake up its human host when it feeds. The answer is that bed bugs feed by inserting two hollow, beak-like feeding tubes into their host. The first tube injects the bug’s saliva, which contains anesthetics to numb the feeding area. The second tube draws blood. After feeding, they move to secluded places and hide for 5-10 days. During this time, they do not feed but instead digest their meal, mate and lay eggs.
If you have a bed bug infestation, don’t try to treat it alone. Instead, contact a licensed pest professional who is trained on the (unique, often sneaky) habits of bed bugs. They will be able to inspect your home and recommend an effective course of treatment.
Flying Insects Captured in 3D
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012“Flydra,” a new multi-camera, real-time, three-dimensional method of recording multiple flying animals, shows the minutest details of airborne insects. Click link at right to get the whole story. This movie shows various 2-D cameras tracking…
COCKROACHES POSE SERIOUS HEALTH CONCERNS
Friday, March 2nd, 2012COCKROACHES POSE SERIOUS HEALTH CONCERNS
Though they have long been a pest that causes one of the strongest reactions when discovered in a home, cockroaches are more than just unwelcome houseguests. This pest poses severe health risks once indoors, especially as an asthma trigger in children. Bug Busters USA encourages homeowners to take preventative measures to protect their families and properties from the health threats associated with cockroaches.
“Many people consider cockroaches as merely a household nuisance, but this pest is a hidden danger in homes,” said Court Parker, Operating Officer at Bug Busters USA. “They can also spread food-borne disease like Salmonella by picking up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies and can aggravate respiratory systems.”
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reports that cockroaches are known to spread 33 different kinds of bacteria, six parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. The saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies of cockroaches contain allergen proteins known to trigger allergies and increase the severity of asthma symptoms, especially in children.
Cockroaches prefer warm, moist places with available food sources, so eliminating those attractive environments can help prevent cockroach infestations. Experts at the Bug Busters recommend the following steps homeowners can take to avoid cockroach infestations:
- Seal cracks around the outside of the home to prevent pest entryways.
- Properly ventilate basements and crawl spaces to eliminate harborage points.
- Vacuum frequently and remove garbage from around the home on a routine basis.
- Do not allow dirty dishes to accumulate in the sink and remain there overnight.
- Keep food in the refrigerator or in containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent contamination.
- Periodically check and clean the evaporation pan under the refrigerator or freezer.
- If you suspect you have an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment.
For further information on rodents or if you have other questions related to your pest control needs, visit www.bugbustersusa.com
Bedbug Heat Treatment
Wednesday, February 22nd, 20123 Keys to a Successful Heat Treatment:
- Bring Heat. Electric bed bug heaters are placed within the space; introducing and recirculating heated air with a target temperature not to exceed 135°F.
- Monitor. Temperatures are monitored in real time from a remote location using wireless sensors to ensure lethal temperatures are reached without damaging the space and its contents.
- Move Air. High temperature fans move heated air throughout the space to reach insects in cracks and crevices or high infestation zones
Advantages to Heat Treatment:
- Heat Treatment works where chemicals fail. No toxic fumes, no residue.
- Kills every life stage from egg to adult.
- Unlike chemicals bed bugs are attracted to heat – they won’t simply move to re-infest another day.
- Infested items will not need to be thrown away.
- Our trucks are discrete and the process is completed in one working day.
Heat Treatment is a proven non-chemical method of killing bed bugs. All life stages (adult, larva, and eggs) die within minutes at a temperature of 120 degrees F. Using 460 volt electric heaters powered by a trailer mounted diesel generator. Heat Treatment introduces temperatures greater than 120 degrees F(lethal temperature) and less than 140 degrees F (content damaging temperature).
Heat Treatment monitors temperatures in real time with 24 wireless sensors placed in treated areas to ensure lethal temperatures are reached throughout the area and its contents. High temperature blowers are positioned to move the heated air throughout the space, through mattresses, baseboards, cracks and crevices.
Depending on room furnishings, floor surfaces, clutter and square footage the treatment will take between 7 and 12 hours.
Bug Photos!
Friday, February 10th, 2012Checkout some of these great bug shots! Do you have a great insect photo? Email it to us at marketing@bugbustersusa.com and we will post it on the blog. 
Order Scutigeromorpha Family scutigeridae Scutigera coleoptrata House centipede, has much longer legs than typical centipedes, known to prey on cockroaches and other household pests,
Order Hemiptera Family Rhopalidae (Scentless plant bugs) Boisea trivittata Boxelder bug, highly specialized, feeds exclusively on the seeds of Acer (maple, boxelder)
Order Hemiptera Family Pyrrhocoridae (cotton Stainers) Dysdercus suterellus, found year round in gardens, parks, vacant lots & cultivated fields, feed on plants like hibiscus, citruses
Health Scare of 2011 ~ Bedbugs
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012Health scare: Bedbugs via MSN
Bedbugs are notorious city dwellers. But now the little bloodsuckers are spreading so fast that even suburbanites are finding them under mattresses and in dark corners. Infestations leaped by as much as 30 percent in 2011, according to a new survey from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). The reason for the spike isn’t entirely clear, though the study points to an uptick in travel, bedbugs’ increased resistance to pesticides, and a lack of education on how to stop their spread.
Outlook for 2012: Scientists recently convened in Washington, D.C., for the Second National Bed Bug Summit, but it may be a while before we see the results of their strategizing. After the meeting, the EPA awarded 1-to 2-year research grants to explore new methods of eradication. In the meantime, you can expect the spread to continue: The little buggers are among the toughest pests to eradicate, according to the NPMA.
Protect yourself: Bedbugs like to hide near their food source-sleeping humans-so check around your sheets, pillowcases, and mattress for tiny black spots (excrement), reddish spots (crushed bugs), small white eggs, or bloodstains. If you suspect you’re sleeping with the enemy, place a Climbup Insect Interceptor Bed Bug Monitor and Trap ($20) under each leg of your bed. A slick layer of talc lining the traps will capture any passing pests. Catch a couple? Call an exterminator who’s trained in dealing with bedbugs. Click here for even more ways to eliminate germs from your life.
How Pests Can Affect Your Health
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011How Pests and Rodents Can Affect Your Health
The fact remains – pests and rodents, can have harmful effects upon your health and your family’s health. It is important to fully understand the dangers stemming from these types of infestations. Did you know that some of the most common pests in homes are cockroaches, rodents and ants? It is unsettling to think of us sharing our homes with these pests because of the serious threats they pose. Below is a more detailed overview of the health risks associated with particular pests.
Cockroaches
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reports that one-in-five children in the United States have severe sensitivities to cockroach allergens, which increase the severity of asthma symptoms. These allergens are most commonly introduced in homes through cockroach saliva, droppings and the decomposing bodies of these pests. Cockroaches can also carry bacteria such as E coli and salmonella on their bodies, which can contaminate food, cooking equipment and food surfaces.
Rodents
Rodents can enter a building through almost any opening or crack. It is important to inspect for rodent droppings, especially in undisturbed areas such as pantries, under baseboards and along walls. Rodent droppings most often cause allergic reactions in human beings but can also cause disease, including the potentially deadly Hantavirus. More frequently, though, rodents serve as vectors, carrying bacteria, such as salmonella, on their bodies and contaminating food sources, kitchen surfaces and equipment. A pest control professional can offer the expertise and knowledge of rodent biology to best protect your health and rid your home of a rodent infestation.
Mosquitoes
With the increased prevalence of West Nile Virus in the summer months, mosquitoes continue to be, not only a summer nuisance pest but also, a major health threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), West Nile Virus infections have appeared across the United States in recent years, which makes avoiding mosquito nesting/breeding sites and eliminating standing water in or around the home even more important to the protection of public health. In addition, to the potential for West Nile Virus, mosquitoes can also cause itchy, unsightly marks as well as severe allergic reactions in human beings.
Ticks
Lyme disease has emerged, in recent years, as a major health risk to human beings. Transmitted by ticks, typically between May and October, lyme disease is largely found in the Northeastern, upper mid-western Western states of the U.S. However, there has been an increase in the diagnosed cases of lyme disease in the South. It is critical to be vigilant of ticks, especially if you are in wooded areas. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a “bull’s eye” rash around the bite, flu-like symptoms and extreme fatigue.
Summer Stingers (Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, etc)
Stinging pests send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year. These pests are aggressive in nature and often sting as a way to protect their colonies or larvae from human beings who attempt to remedy an infestation on their own. This aggressiveness, combined with being disturbed, often means that these pests tend to sting repeatedly, which adds to the potential for greater skin irritation or a serious allergic reaction. A pest control professional can provide a level of expertise and knowledge of technology that can best rid these stinging insects and prevents future infestations.
Ants
Ants are social insects. Therefore, spotting one ant unfortunately signifies there are many more to follow. Ants are not simply unsightly – they can also be dangerous contaminates to food. Considering that you likely eat multiple meals a day in your home, the presence of ants and the potential for food contamination from their presence is an issue that must be addressed when considering your health and the health of your family. If you have an ant infestation, be sure to take action to treat the problem and contact a licensed pest control professional to aid you in preventing future infestations
Fleas
Fleas aren’t just a problem for man’s best friend. These pests, which commonly appear in warmer months, feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. Typically biting human beings, fleas can cause itchy, unsightly marks as well as severe allergic reactions. Fleas tend to travel with mammals on the move, which can include not only you and your pet but also rodents. If you have a rodent problem in your home, fleas may be soon to follow. If you suspect a flea infestation, be proactive in treating the problem and contact a licensed pest control professional to rid your home of fleas and to prevent future infestations.
PEST PROOFING YOUR HOME FOR THE WINTER
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011When it gets colder outside, pests look for a place to live inside. Our homes are the most likely refuge. It is something we experience every year and homeowners need to take steps during the fall to pest proof for the winter months.
With a cool, moist summer and spring in the Northeast, and extreme moisture in the South from hurricanes, you can expect to see a heavy pest season this winter. Pests love moisture and, after such a wet summer and fall, they’ve been given an opportunity to thrive.
We are already seeing an increase in calls to professional pest control companies about infestations this fall. Mice, squirrels, spiders and insects are already beginning to move in for the winter. Compared to last year, we are already seeing up to a 35% increase in calls to professional pest control companies about these types of infestations.
This time of year, the house mouse is the most common pest in and around homes as well as spiders, squirrels and small insects. While spiders, for the most part, are not aggressive, many homeowners and children find them frightening. Mice on the other hand can be dangerous as they eat and contaminate our food, chew up woodwork and can create electrical fires by gnawing on wires. Other rodents such as chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums can get into open areas seeking food
Pests are adaptable and will always seek shelter from the cold. Most times the shelter is in our homes and businesses. Homeowners who do not pest proof their homes are taking a real chance. Pests are always drawn to conducive conditions. Unfortunately, the warmth, shelter and food found in our homes are just irresistible to pests, especially in winter moths.
Although some homeowners may have higher pest tolerance than others, pests can create major havoc inside a home, ultimately creating a dangerous and potentially costly situation for a homeowner. People who decide against pest proofing for the winter could be unintentionally creating prime conditions for property-damaging pests like termites to surface in the spring.
Bug Busters USA and The National Pest Management Association recommends the following steps to pest proof your home:
- Seal up any cracks and holes on the outside of your home including areas where utilities and pipes enter your home. Frequent vacuuming can help to eliminate tiny pests that other pests feed on.
- Make sure vents are screened and gaps around windows and doors are sealed.
- Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
- Inspect boxes, grocery bags and other packaging thoroughly to curb hitchhiking insects.
- Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
- Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
- Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off of the ground.
- Repair fascia and soffits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
- Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the basement foundation and windows.
- A licensed and qualified pest control professional such as Bug Busters USA is your best resource to ensure these steps are completed properly.
Some things can be done by a homeowner, however a professional knows the habits and biology of the pests that come into our homes. This time of year we get a lot of calls because homeowners are frustrated — they’ve tried to keep pests out and can’t figure out where they are living.
If you are already seeing signs of pests inside your home – such as rodent droppings – it is always a good idea to call a professional pest control company. They can help you identify where pests are entering your home, what they are feeding on, and how to eliminate the conducive conditions.
You can also visit Bugbustersusa.com where we have a list of our services.
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Bed Bug Control ~ Not a DIY Project!
Thursday, October 6th, 2011Not a DIY Project: Eradicating bed bugs can make you sick
In an effort to sleep tight and not let the bed bugs bite, some Americans have gotten sick from do-it-yourself eradication methods, according to a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
The FYI on bed bug DIY
Researchers used federal data on illnesses linked to bed bug eradication efforts reported between 2003 and 2010. Of the 111 cases reported in seven states, 93 percent were among people who tried the DIY method to solve the infestation.
Most of the illnesses reported involved headache and dizziness, pain and difficulty while breathing, and nausea and vomiting. Many were workers who visited the homes, such as carpet cleaners or EMS technicians, and who had not been told that insecticides had recently been used. Though most of the illnesses resolved on their own in about a day, but 18 percent of the cases required medical attention.
In one extreme incidence cited by the CDC report, a woman in North Carolina, with several existing health issues, died after her husband used too much of a bed bug-ineffective pesticide, over several days, to get rid of the nighttime bloodsuckers. She also sprayed her arms, hair and chest with the pesticide, and with a flea insecticide, before going to bed.
Get professional help instead
“If you can’t control bed bugs with non-chemical means, such as washing and vacuuming, that means it’s probably going to be difficult to eradicate them, and we would recommend that people enlist the services of a pest control operator,” said report co-author Geoffrey Calvert, M.D., M.P.H., a medical officer at the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in a released statement.
But make sure the exterminator you hire is licensed and qualified; if not, the results can be disastrous. One uncertified exterminator used malathion, an organophosphate insecticide not registered for indoor use, up to five times a day over three days in an apartment to treat a bed bug infestation, saturating beds and floor coverings, according to the CDC report. He pleaded guilty to criminal charges and was fined after children living there required medical help and the apartment was rendered uninhabitable.
An ounce of prevention
The National Pest Management Association has an All Things Bed Bugs page with information on bed bug prevention as well as breaking news of bed bug infestations nationwide, i.e., places you’ll want to avoid. In addition, check out BedBugRegistry.com, a free, public database of bedbug sightings in the United States and Canada.
Travel site Frommers.com also put together a recent piece on how to stop bed bugs from hitchhiking home from your travels. Prevention tips include using hard sided luggage which makes it more difficult for the pests to settle in, inspecting your room thoroughly upon arrival, especially any nooks and crannies near the headboard, and keeping your luggage in the bathroom while you inspect said room.
In fact, use this check-in checklist to make sure your home away from home won’t send critters back with you:
* Throw your luggage in the bathtub, it’s usually white so it’s easier to see any creepy crawlies and also a bit too smooth for them to easily crawl into.
* Then, yank all the bedspreads, sheets and mattress covers off the entire mattress perimeter and get on your hands and knees to inspect the baseboards in the room. If you see brown spots or other obvious signs, call the front desk and ask for a new room.
* Repeat the process with the new room.
But you can ease your anxiety, by perusing online hotel review sites to see whether anyone has complained about bedbugs at a hotel you’re considering booking. If you read online reports of bed bugs, call the hotel to confirm what you’ve read — something to do whenever you read online complaints of any ill service somewhere. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself what is a legitimate complaint and what is simply Internet badmouthing. When it comes to bed bugs, prevention definitely beats eradication.
