The Bed Bug Revolution
Mar 6, 2014, 15:30 PM
by
Clark Pest Control Belmont
Highly mobile bed bugs have the capability to crawl in or on almost any object making them almost unstoppable.
In a recent survey from the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky of the nation’s pest management professionals, 99.6% indicated they had performed a bed bug service for a customer in the past 12 months and that single-family residences and apartments/condominiums are the most common locations for bed bugs.
The survey also revealed that 72% of pest professionals felt the incidents of bed bugs are on the rise and the nation’s Western region, including California, saw the second highest response from pest professionals indicating they had performed a bed bug treatment – 81% (the Midwest had the highest response at 89%).
Highly mobile bed bugs have the capability to crawl in or on almost any object and that is what makes stopping them from being brought into a home difficult. Once inside your home bed bugs are likely to be found hiding in the following areas:
- Cracks and crevices in and around mattresses
- Bed frames
- Drapes
- Picture frames
- Electrical outlets
- Light fixtures
- Luggage
- Clothing and shoes
Bed Bug Prevention
You can help deter bed bugs from entering your home by packing clothing in sealable plastic bags before a business trip or vacation. Upon your return home unpack those items outside in the garage and give your suitcase, backpack or briefcase a good onceover and cleaning.
The same applies for backpacks, gym bags and laundry brought home by college students. Give these items a good cleaning and immediately wash clothes and bedding in hot water. If an item cannot be washed you can place it in the dryer at the highest setting for 10 minutes.
The Clark Man hopes that your home wasn’t one of those that bed bugs invaded but if it was or you think you may have these nasty little critters roaming around your house. Clark Pest Control is ready to help.
Maggie is an English springer spaniel that is specially trained and certified to use her keen sense of smell to locate bed bugs in your home. If Maggie’s highly skilled nose doesn’t pick up a scent then chances are your home doesn’t have bed bugs.
Once the inspection is complete and if bed bugs are found, we will make the necessary treatment recommendations and design a customized treatment plan for your home. Clark Pest Control uses the latest bed bug elimination solutions including heat remediation treatments, fumigation or targeted applications of liquid or dust materials.
If you think you have bed bugs in your home, call 800/WE-NEED-YOU or drop me an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com
Until next time, I’m the Clark Man and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.