Many people are still frustrated and confused by the resurgence of bed bugs in the United States. These pests have been around for thousands of years, but following World War II and the invention of the pesticide DDT, bed bugs were largely eradicated from most developed countries. Unfortunately, these pests made a reappearance in the mid 90s. Since then, the occurrence of bed bugs in this country has dramatically increased to the point that it is a threat in all 50 states. Though the cause is not confirmed, most experts expect that the increase in travel, particularly to and from developing countries, has played a major role in the resurgence of bed bugs. While most of us have heard these pests talked about enough to fear them, the majority of us don’t know what causes these nuisances and what kind of problems they cause.
So, what makes these pests so resilient? Continue reading
Monthly Archives: February 2012
When Pests Become More than Just a Nuisance; Health Risks in Your Home
Everyone hates to open the shower curtain and see a centipede darting around or lift up a box only to have a roach scurry out across your foot. Finding pests in your home is never a pleasant experience, but many common household pests pose serious health risks to you and your family. Here’s a helpful list of what kind of risks these intruders may cause. Continue reading
Roaches
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As I was getting ready for work this morning, I had the unpleasant experience of seeing a cockroach scurry out from underneath my desk and dart across the floor. My first reaction was a squeal and a jump, before my more effective response kicked in, which was to grab a shoe and smash it. After disposing of this wretched creature, it got me wondering what exactly had attracted this pest into my room and what species it was. Because roaches are so common in the United States, this is an experience that occurs far too frequently for many of us. To give you a better idea of what kind of roaches you may face in your home and what they look for, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most common species of cockroaches in the United States. Continue reading
Battling Bugs in Winter
Ever noticed that winter brings a lot of unwanted pests into your home? Just like humans, these critters look for ways to stay warm as the temperatures drop. Unlike most animals, insects don’t have body fat, which provides a great deal of warmth. Therefore, their insides can easily freeze as the temperatures drop significantly. Some species migrate south for the winter, but for those that remain in the same area year round, they have to find ways to survive the winter. Burrowing into logs or underground is one way to ride out the winter, but if a warm, heated house is nearby, this is the ideal lodging place for many pests. Every species handles the winter differently. Some insects actually have anti-freeze chemicals in their bodies; others face the winter in larvae or cocoon stage. There are a few key pest control practices that will help keep these critters from joining you inside for the winter. Continue reading
5 Easy Tips for Keeping Your Home Roach Free
Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests and arguably the most detested by homeowners. These pests are invasive and have no problem making themselves comfortable inside your home. Cockroaches are more than just an unpleasant nuisance to have around, as they can also spread diseases, aggravate asthma problems and emit unpleasant odors. If you develop a significant roach problem in your home, you will most likely have to seek professional help to eliminate these pests. However, there are several steps you can take around your home to prevent and alleviate cockroach problems from occurring. Continue reading