Tag: exterminator

Is bed bug pest control even necessary? Individuals thought bed bugs were eradicated during the 1940s and 1950s, yet the country is seeing a resurgence of this unwanted pest. This is due in part to international travel, as individuals unintentionally bring the critters home as a souvenir in their bags. In addition to being found in private homes, bed bugs are becoming a problem in multi-unit residences and hotels.

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An Interview with a Cockroach

Cockroaches have been around since the beginning of time and it seems that no matter how hard you try, they just never go away. They continue to adapt to most any environment and weather conditions and are believed to have originated more than 280 million years ago, in the Carboniferous era.

If we were to have an interview with a cockroach we would certainly learn some interesting things:

Take for instance their circulatory system. Did you know that roaches breathe through little holes in each of their body segments? This basically means that they are not dependent on the mouth or head to breathe. If the roach were headless, it could actually live up to a week before dying of thirst because it did not have a mouth to drink water.

Roaches don’t have to have a food source daily as do humans. Because they are cold-blooded insects they can live without food for a month but would continue to need water to survive.

Cockroaches are worldwide and there are more than 4,000 species. The world’s largest roach found in South America is six inches long with a one-foot wingspan. Average cockroaches can vary in size from ½”- 2″ long. The most common roaches encountered in our area are:

  • German Cockroaches
  • Brownbanded Cockroaches
  • Oriental Cockroaches
  • American Cockroaches

We would also learn that roaches like to brag and are quite proud of their young.

Imagine trying to hold your breath for 30 seconds … impossible to accomplish by most everyone. Did you know that a cockroach will hold their breath often to help regulate their loss of water and can continue to hold its breath for 40 minutes? They can also survive being submerged under water for half an hour. As far as speed? In one hour a cockroach can run up to three miles. This allows them to spread germs and bacteria throughout a home very quickly.

As far as family life; Newborn German cockroaches become adults in as little as 36 days and a one-day-old baby cockroach, which is about the size of a speck of dust, can run almost as fast as its parents.

Roaches are interesting insects but they are also unwanted pests when they are found in our homes. If you are experiencing problems with roaches protect your family’s health by scheduling pest control services for your home.

 

 

Hitching a Ride with Bed Bugs

When someone mentions BED BUGS we all have a tendency to start scratching…. but have you ever wondered what a bed bug’s life is really like? Let’s get to know bed bugs a little better.

What does a bed bug look like?

They are small reddish-brown insects and are about 3/16 inch long (size of an apple seed) and easily visible to the naked eye. They are wingless, but are fast crawlers. Their bodies are very flat with slender legs and antennae.

Where can they be found?

We know that all 50 states have bedbugs. We also know that they’ve expanded their reach and can now be found in single family homes, apartments, hospitals, motels, hotels, office buildings, schools, college dorms, buses, trains, movie theaters and retail stores. Just about anywhere you find human activity you might also find a bed bug nearby.

When are they most active?

You won’t see them out and about…running across your floors or countertops. They are elusive, staying out of view during the daytime. Their favorite hiding places could be in mattress crevices, box springs, baseboards, behind electrical switchplates, in picture frames, and even behind wallpaper. But when nighttime comes they come out of their hiding places seeking human contact. Some say that the carbon dioxide we exhale often tempts them out of their hiding places.

What are their feeding habits?

Bed bugs have a predictable feeding pattern. Once a bed bug finds a host, it will usually feed for 5 to 10 minutes until full. We often wonder why a biting bed bug doesn’t wake us up when it feeds. Experts say that the components in bed bug saliva act as an anesthetic and promote increased blood flow at the bite site, making the feeding process quick and nearly painless. After feeding, bed bugs go back to their hiding places and stay for 5-10 days. During this time they do not feed, instead they will digest their meal, mate and lay eggs.

How long do bed bugs live?

There are many case studies on bed bugs and under “good” conditions, bed bugs can survive up to a year.

If I have bed bugs what can I do?

Bed bugs are difficult to control and if not properly treated they will extend their reach to other areas in your home. If you think you have a problem get in touch with your local pest control company and schedule a free evaluation.

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