Integrated pest management IPM is the future of the pest control industry. For far too long the pest control industry has relied on chemicals to achieve control of the infesting insect.
The limitation of only using chemicals to achieve insect control is that the insects can adapt and become resistant to the chemical. If the insect becomes resistant to the chemical being applied than the chemical is no longer effective.
Another issue with an all-chemical approach is environmental. As our understanding of environmental impacts evolves, using chemicals that are stronger and more potent is going to effect the environment.
As chemicals become more regulated, it may be more difficult to find a chemical that can control the insect you are having issues with.
For all of these limitations, the pest control industry has moved towards a new approach to pest control and exterminating. That approach is called integrated pest management or IPM.
IPM in action
IPM utilizes chemicals in conjunction with other processes to achieve insect control. These other processes include sealing and exclusion, habitat modification, and environmental modification.
Habitat modification could be as simple as removing a food source that pests find attractive. Environmental modification could involve eliminating moisture issues or areas where pests can hide and live.
Creating a physical barrier between the outside world and the inside of a structure is the most effective means for keeping pests out. The best way to achieve this is by sealing pest entrances and performing exclusion services.
Keeping a log book of pests sighted is an extremely valuable tool for pest control professionals. Knowing where the pest was last seen and when helps in the eradication process and helps to track issues and results.
Chemical application can still be used with an IPM program but are viewed as a second option, and not the first choice.
IPM Services Chester County
We provide IPM programs as part or our residential and commercial pest control plans.
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive species that was imported from Asia. Although not a hazard to humans, the SLF is extremely destructive to certain plants and trees.
Where is the SLF?
The spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in many areas of Pennsylvania including Chester County. Due to the fact that the SLF does not have many natural predators, it has been able to spread throughout the region.
Spring Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted Lanternfly Treatments
In the springtime, the spotted lanternfly nymphs are emerging from their egg casings. These nymphs look nothing like their adult form and are unable to fly.
These crawling nymphs will be found throughout the springtime into the summer.
You can find more information on the lanternfly nymphs here.
Summer Spotted Lanternfly
The SLF nymphs are still present in the summertime. They will have changed color from dark with white spots to red with white spots.
Adults will begin to emerge later in the summer and into the fall.
Fall Spotted Lanternfly
Come fall time, the SLF is in its adult form. The adult form, pictured in the photos on this post, is able to fly. The adult SLF will seek out certain tree and plant species in order to feed and deposit their eggs.
Although the adults can fly, they are not great flyers. They will often “hitch” a ride onto cars and materials. This is how they are able to spread to different areas.
Winter Spotted Lanternfly
The cold winters in Chester County will kill off all of the adult spotted lanterflys. What remains behind are their eggs and egg masses. These egg masses are deposited on trees and other surfaces.
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass destroying. Treating lanternfly egg mass
Egg masses of the SLF should be identified, located, and destroyed. Remember, any egg masses destroyed in the winter will be less SLF to deal with the following year.
Lanternfly Treatment Options
Spotted Lanternfly Treatments
Treatments for the SLF
Depending on the time of year, treatments for the SLF include the use of insecticides on the trees that are infested with the Spotted Lanternfly.
Approved insecticides are able to kill the adults and nymphs but NOT the egg masses. The insecticides will also help to protect the tree in the short-term against future infestations.
A great chemical-free treatment to prevent SLF infestations is to seek out and destroy SLF egg masses in the winter.
Spotted Lanternfly Treatments
Spotted Lanternfly Treatments
We provide affordable spotted lanternfly treatments!
If you live in Chester County and have an issue with Lanternflys, we can help.
Here are our 6 tips to be pest-free for Spring. After a long winter and with Spring right around the corner, it is time to inspect your home for pest issues.
Below are some of the common issues we encounter at our client’s homes that can cause pest issues when the weather warms up.
#1 Check your downspouts
Prudential Pest Solutions
Moisture around the home is one of the BIGGEST conditions that can lead to pest issues. You might be surprised to find that your downspouts are dumping all of that rain water directly onto your home’s foundation.
By ensuring that your downspouts are in good shape and channeling the water AWAY from your home, you can lower your chances of getting pests.
Downspouts can be extended in many different ways. Just get that water away from your house!
You can learn more about moisture and pest issues here.
#2 Keep Gutters Clear of Debris
Prudential Pest Solutions
You downspouts can’t do their job if the gutters above them are clogged with leaves, sticks, and gunk. Gutters, when cleared out, channel rain water from the roof to the downspouts. When the gutters are clogged with debris, the water will not flow and become trapped.
Trapped, non-moving water in gutters can cause many pest problems. Mosquitoes can use the standing water to breed and create many, many new mosquitoes come summer.
Water in the gutters can also start to degrade the wood fascia and other roof support pieces. Besides the structural issue of the water rotting the wood, this environment is perfect for carpenter ants. Carpenter ants require a certain moisture level in the wood and blocked gutters can provide that.
Gutters should be checked and cleared out before spring to prevent water issues.
#3 Keep Tree Branches and Bushes Away from the house
Prudential Pest Solutions
Keeping trees, branches, and shrubbery away from the house is incredibly important to preventing pests. Insects, rodents, and even wildlife use the trees, branches, and shrubs as a natural ladder onto your home!
We have trailed ants going up a tree, onto a branch, and then onto the roof of a home. Squirrels and mice can do the same thing. Even though these pests can climb, when you remove the “natural ladder”, they have a much harder time getting onto your home.
We recommend trimming branches and not planting trees within 8 feet of your home. This will keep insects, rodents, and wildlife from getting onto and then INTO your home!
#4 Check your door seals
Prudential Pest Solutions
You may be surprised by inspecting your door seals. Sometimes the most used pest entrances are the same ones we use!
Door seals are easily found at hardware stores and can easily be installed. Door seals can prevent pests and rodents from strolling right on into your home!
#5 Seal up Rodent Entrances
Prudential Pest Solutions
Here is a video of common rodent entrances around the home:
#6 Sign up for a Pest Control Plan
Pest Control Chester County
Many pest control companies offer pest control service plans. These plans are designed to keep your home pest-free year-round. Many of these plans are extremely affordable and effective. Why do it yourself when you can hire a pro?
Chester County Pest Control Plans
If you live or work in Downingtown, West Chester, or Chester County, we have a pest plan for you!
Our pest control plans can get you and keep you pest-free year-round. With FREE in-between service calls for covered pests, you can rest easy knowing that pests won’t stand a chance!
We often receive calls regarding bed bug heat treatment options. Our company does not use heat treatments for bed bug infestations. There are many companies that do offer heat treatment services and there are some reasons for and against them. In this article we will look at the pros and cons for using heat to treat for bed bugs.
Using Heat to Kill and Treat Bed Bugs
Heat is a common method for treating bed bugs and their eggs. The general idea is that if you can heat the area up to approximately 120 degrees (F), it will kill any and all bed bugs and their eggs. The use of special fans and heaters are often the equipment of choice to heat up the area.
Heat Treatment Pros
There are definitely benefits for using a heat treatment method to treat for bed bugs. Below are some common reasons that a client may request a heat treatment.
Chemical-Free Bed Bug Treatments
Since the heat is actually killing the bed bugs and their eggs, there is no need for chemicals during the treatment process. For the customer that wants a completely chemical-free bed bug treatment, heat is a great choice.
Heat Treatments are Quick
Bed Bug heat treatments work very quickly to kill the bed bugs and their eggs. Once the area is heated to approximately 120 degrees (F), the bed bugs are dead almost instantly. The quick work of the heat makes for no stragglers later on. As long as the high temperature contacts the insect, they are killed. Physically heating up the area can take a very long time, but once it has reached the high temperature, the treatment starts to work immediately.
Heat works where chemicals can’t
There are certain items that cannot have chemicals sprayed onto them to treat for bed bugs. Clothing and bedding are good examples of this. Using a heat chamber or even the dryer can treat these articles with heat.
Cons of Heat Treatments
With good, comes the bad. We do not offer heat treatments as part of our bed bug treatment process. Below are some of the reasons why we don’t use heat to treat.
Bed Bug Heat Treatments are EXPENSIVE
The use of specialty heating equipment along with the time to actually heat the area means that bed bug heat treatments are often more expensive than a chemical treatment. Costs vary between jobs and locations but you can expect a bed bug heat treatment to cost considerably more than a chemical treatment.
No Residual Protection
Bed Bug Heat Treatments leave no residual protection behind. If ALL of the bed bugs and eggs haven’t been killed, then there is nothing stopping them from continuing on. Once the heat is gone, there is NO protection remaining.
Chemical treatments have a residual that will last approximately 2-4 weeks. This means that a bed bug not initially killed, will contact that chemical at some point and be killed.
Very Difficult to Heat to Temperature
Heating a space up to 120 degrees (F) is very, very difficult to do. Even if the room space is heated to temperature, what about inside of the walls? What about behind the wood trim and baseboards? Bed Bugs love to hide and deposit their eggs in cracks and crevices. Will the treatment be able to actually heat up inside of the walls, behind the baseboards, and in all of the nooks and cranny’s? Probably not, leaving those unaffected bugs to continue to survive and thrive.
Heat Treatment Damage to your Stuff
Let’s assume that the heaters actually heated up your belongings to 120 degrees (F) or hotter. Yes, the bugs and eggs are dead, but what about your stuff? Can your TV, Computer, Xbox, or other electronic device operate perfectly fine after being in an oven for hours on end? Probably not, as most electronics are very sensitive to heat.
What about your walls, wall paper, pictures, and other items in your home? Can they or should they be subjected to a long period of intense heat? Damage claims issued to pest control companies that use heat treatments are on the rise due to these factors and more.
How Should you Treat for Bed Bugs?
We utilize a combination approach to bed bug treatments and control. Using a chemical treatment and vacuuming by us combined with the client drying their clothes and bedding on HIGH Heat works really well for us.
If you want to learn more about our bed bug treatment process, click here.
Heat Treatments for Bed Bugs
Even though we do not use bed bug heat treatments, there are many companies that do. I do believe that there are situations where a heat treatment may be the best course of action. This article was intended to show some of the pros and cons of using heat to treat for bed bugs.
Bed Bug Treatments West Chester
Chester County Bed Bug Treatments
We provide bed bug inspections and treatments to Downingtown, West Chester, and all of Chester County. If you would like a free consultation, you can call or send us a message.
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass destroying. Treating lanternfly egg mass
Winter is a great time to locate, remove, and destroy the egg masses of the Spotted Lanternfly. Since all of the adults are dead, the more egg masses you find and destroy, the fewer Spotted Lanternfly you will have to deal with in the spring.
If you have a Spotted Lanternfly problem and live in Chester County, we can help. Give us a call or send us a message to get lanternfly free today!
Moving into a house, whether it is brand new or not, is a very exciting time. Your home is usually the largest purchase that you will make in your lifetime. Before you move all of your stuff in and get unpacked, here are some new home pest control tips.
Pest Control Before you Move
Depending on where you live and how you obtained your mortgage, you may have needed a WDI. A WDI, or wood destroying insect, is a report that is written following a specific inspection on the property. As the name suggests, the WDI Inspector is inspecting for termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood beetles. These insects are all wood destroyers and could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the structure.
Termites in your new home
If the WDI report stated that termites were found, a termite treatment would be performed. This almost always happens BEFORE settlement and before you move in. If termites were found and treated at your new home, look to see if there was a warranty included with the treatment. Often the termite warranty will cover the property for a period of 6 months to 2 years, depending on the company.
Termite Warranties and the new homeowner
With all of the excitement of the move, it is easy to skim over important documents. You are signing and receiving a ton of paperwork at settlement and something as simple as a termite warranty can easily get lost.
Termite warranties can often be renewed on a year to year basis. This is important if you ever decide to sell the property. The new buyer will go through the same process you just did and have to have a WDI. If the WDI states that there is evidence of termites, which it will because your house was treated, then you will have to show documents that prove that a professional termite treatment occurred. If you cannot produce these documents or if there are active termites, you may have to pay for another termite treatment!
Termites are the main insect that most people think of that can destroy their home. Carpenter ants, wood beetles, and to a lesser extent, carpenter bees, can also cause substantial damage. Most of the time, these treatments are less expensive than termite treatments and are quicker to resolve. You can find out more about these insects here.
Rodents in your new home
Before you move all of your furniture and boxes into your new home, you should inspect for rodent activity. In a vacant home, rodent droppings should be pretty easy to spot. Look along the edges where the wall meets the floor for droppings and chew marks. Keep in mind that the previous owner may have cleaned up rodent droppings before you move in.
New Home INFESTED with Mice
We had a situation where a brand new home was absolutely INFESTED with mice. How can a new home have such a terrible mouse problem? Well for starters, think about how a new home is constructed. They will lay a foundation, and then assemble the walls and roof. One of the very last thing the contractor will install is the garage door. This extremely large opening allows mice and insects to enter the new home.
The home in our example above was infested with mice. Once the mice entered the garage area they would follow the piping, electrical, and HVAC lines throughout the home. This allowed the mice to be found throughout the entire home, all three floors! The new homeowner was shocked that a brand new home could be infested with mice.
Mice cause other pest problems in new homes
I once got a call from a frantic realtor who had just shown a prospective buyer a home. The home was staged for the showing and smelling like freshly baked cookies to entice the buyers into making an offer. What the realtor was unprepared for though, was a SNAKE making an appearance during the showing!
Having a snake slither out of a kitchen cabinet during a real estate walk through can make even a solid deal fall through. The snake was in the home because the home was infested with mice. This snake was enjoying a mouse buffet for months as the home was put up for sale. The best way to prevent a snake in the house is to eliminate its food source. The home later sold with a sales pitch of “mouse free”.
Rodents Damage Homes
It is unknown the exact dollar amount attributed to rodent damage in the home. Many estimate that a large number of home fires can be attributed to rodents damaging wiring. Rodents love to chew on things and they seem to prefer wiring. If your new home shows evidence of rodent activity, the time to treat is now.
Nothing will zap your new home excitement like being bitten by insects. The most common type of blood feeding insects that we treat for new homeowners are bed bugs and fleas.
Bed Bugs in New Home
Imagine you’ve just moved in and are ready to sleep in your new house for the very first night. You wake up the next morning ready to start unpacking the boxes and realize that you have bites on your body. How do we have bed bugs, we just moved in?!
Bed bugs feed on human blood. They can go dormant for over a year if there is no food around. This means that if the home you just moved into had a bed bug problem before, it may STILL have a bed bug problem. When the old homeowners left, the bed bugs didn’t just disappear. No, they went into hiding until a new food source arrived. That new food source, you, have the bed bugs coming out again to feed and reproduce.
It is very common for us to get bed bug treatment calls for folks who have just moved into a new home or apartment. Truth be told, it can be very difficult to determine where the bed bugs came from. Did the bed bugs come from the new home or apartment from a previous bed bug infestation? Maybe the bed bugs came from the moving truck? The moving truck goes from home to home and is loaded with who knows what. Or was your last place infested with bed bugs and your brought them with you?
Finding out where the bed bugs came from can be difficult but do not worry. Below is a list of additional bed bug information where you can learn more about signs and evidence of bed bugs.
Fleas, like bed bugs, are blood feeding insects. Fleas can also go dormant when their food source leaves. It is not uncommon for fleas to go dormant for 6 months or longer when they don’t have a food source. This means that you could move into a vacant home and have a flea problem within a few days. Fleas prefer pets but will definitely bite humans as well.
You can learn more about fleas and flea treatments here.
Wildlife Issues in a New Home
There are a few species of wildlife that cause new homeowners problems. Many times, wildlife issues are disclosed to you prior to settlement. Sometimes the wildlife issue was discovered during your inspection process and the animal removal and exclusion is currently or recently happened.
Common wildlife species that cause problems for new homeowners include squirrels, groundhogs, skunks, raccoons, birds, bats, and snakes. Squirrels and raccoons can cause substantial damage inside of a home. Groundhogs and skunks can cause damage to foundations and structures by digging and making dens. Birds and bats cause damage with the accumulation of their droppings.
In most cases, if you are hearing noises in your new home that sound larger than a mouse, its time to call in a pro. You can find out more information on wildlife control here.
Insects in your new home
Common insects found when you move into a home include ants, spiders, centipedes, and bees/wasps. Many of these pest problems will be pretty apparent when you walk around the house. Seeing bees or wasps coming in and out of your home is evidence of a nest.
As you are putting boxes away and unpacking you want to make note of any insect activity. Many times this will be the only time that your home is this empty and you will be able to see everywhere. Seeing lots of ants or spiders could mean there are insect issues. If you see a lot of centipedes, that is evidence of a moisture issue. By inspecting and looking around your new home, you can have a better understanding of the pests in your home.
Insect Treatments in a new home
If the new home is still vacant and you haven’t moved in yet, a one-time treatment can really reduce the amount of insects in the home. Whether you call an exterminator or handle it yourself, this is a prime time to treat for pests. There will not be another opportunity when your new home is this empty to treat.
Preventing Pests in your New Home
There are some really important preventative measures that you can do to protect your new home from pests.
Moisture Problems
Insects, rodents, and nuisance wildlife, like us, require moisture to survive. By making sure your gutters are clear and that the land is graded AWAY from your home can go a long way in preventing moisture issues. Many times, simply adding extenders to your downspouts so that the water is channeled away from the home can really help. Moisture problems lead to more than just insect and pest issues. You can learn more about moisture and pests here.
Removing Access to Pests
Keeping trees and shrubbery trimmed back and away from the house can prevent pests from gaining access to your home. Sealing up openings and accesses, and making sure door seals are in place can really stop pests from getting in.
Pest Control Service Plans
We offer pest control service plans to homeowners for year-round pest protection. Service plans protect the inside and outside of your new home from pests and rodents. Our service plans include free in-between service calls for covered pests. You can learn more about our service plans here.
New Home Exterminator
Congrats on moving into your new home! By following some the guidelines and inspection techniques we have provided, you can protect your largest investment for years to come. New home pest control can be DIY or you can contact a pest control professional.
Why does Prudential Pest Solutions use a vacuum as part of their pest control and exterminating services? The answer is simple, why should YOU have to do any work after you hire a pest control professional? Not only do we clean up the mess we make during a treatment, but we also remove hazardous waste from your home.
Insects, rodents, and wildlife leave behind more than a bad memory when they are living in your home. Droppings, urine, and dead carcasses can lead to poor indoor air quality in your home. Is you current exterminator leaving the cleanup up to you?!
Prudential Pest Solutions utilizes a special bug vacuum to suck up and remove droppings and dead carcasses of insects, rodents, and wildlife. Our vacuum has a HEPA filter to make sure that we are not spreading or making airborne any contaminated material.
Chemical Free Pest Control Chester County
Cleaning up Rodent Droppings
Rodents living in your home or business can cause health concerns to the occupants. The rodent droppings can lead to contaminated food, water, and air quality. As part of our rodent treatments, we vacuum and remove the accessible droppings.
By vacuuming the rodent droppings we accomplish 2 things. First we are improving the indoor health and air quality of your home by removing the droppings. Secondly, by removing the droppings we can see if there is still rodent activity that requires additional rodent treatments.
More Rodent Information
You can find out more about rodent treatments, rodent entrances, and rodent inspections by clicking on the following topics
We love to use our bug vacuum during and after bed bug treatments. Bed bugs live in cracks and crevices in and near your bed. They deposit eggs as well as excrement in these areas too. Our bed bug vacuuming will remove adults and eggs. This makes our treatments MORE effective. After the treatment, we vacuum again to remove any adults that came out during the treatment process
More information on bed bug treatments
Want to know more about bed bugs and bed bug treatments? You can find more bed bug treatment and inspection information below.
If you have ever been inside of a home that has or had a colony of bats living in it, then you may be familiar with the odor of bat droppings. Bat droppings are similar in shape and size as rodent droppings. The big difference is the sheer amount of droppings that a colony of bats can and do deposit inside of the attic.
Bat droppings inside of an enclosed structure are considered a health hazard. This is due to the respiratory risk if the droppings are not handled correctly. NEVER sweep up any type of animal droppings. Our HEPA vacuum safely and effectively removes and stores these droppings. We are then able to properly transport and dispose of the bat droppings.
Bat colonies are also known to have bat bugs living with them. Bat bugs, the direct cousin or bed bugs, are blood feeders that live with bat colonies. When the droppings are properly vacuumed and removed, bat bugs can also be removed and then the area can be treated.
You can learn more about bat bugs and wildlife control services below.
Our pest vacuum also gets quite a bit of use doing general pest control services. A very effective means to treat for spiders is to vacuum the spiders, eggs, and webbing from the home. Not only will this leave your home cleaner, it eliminates future spiders by removing their eggs and webbing.
By vacuuming and removing pests Prudential Pest Solutions is able to leave your home cleaner, and with less pests. Is your current exterminator leaving dead insects and pests in your home AFTER their service? We believe that pest control and exterminator services include the REMOVAL of pests as well.
Why you shouldn’t use a vacuum in pest control
Unless you have a specific vacuum designed for pest control, an exterminator should NOT use a vacuum for their service. Our vacuum has a HEPA filter to eliminate hazardous particles from becoming airborne in your home. This filter will not allow the indoor air quality of your home to be compromised by our service.
Another key feature of our pest vacuum is that the vacuum itself as a cartridge that houses, stores, and secures anything it sucks up. This means that any pest or dropping is securely trapped and sealed inside of the cartridge and cannot escape. No need to worry about a stray bed bug or roach escaping our vacuum.
The last key feature of a good bug vacuum is in its design. Our equipment is brought into many homes and businesses for service. This means that the vacuum cannot have any nooks for pests to “hitch a ride” from home to home. The pest vacuum we use is does not allow pests to hide or be transported from job to job. This feature protects your home and our vehicles from becoming the pest transports!
To use a vacuum or not
If you intend to use a vacuum for pest control and exterminating services, consider the key features listed above. We use the Atrix Green Supreme vacuum. This vacuum is portable, and meets all of the above necessities for professional pest control services. You can find more information on the Atrix Green Supreme bug vacuum here.
Vacuuming Makes for a Professional Service
We firmly believe that if you are hiring a pest control and exterminating company to resolve your pest issue, then you shouldn’t have to worry about the cleanup. In additional to leaving your home cleaner, we want to ensure that any additional pest activity is able to be noted accurately.
If you live or work in Chester County and have a pest issue, give Prudential Pest Solutions a call. You can also send us a message and we are sure to get you pest free today!
How to prevent bed bugs is one of the most frequent questions we receive. The short answer is that you can’t. Now before you hit the back button on your web page, I wasn’t trying to provide a misleading title. Unless you live and operate inside of a medically sealed bubble, you can get bed bugs. In this article we will discuss ways to prevent bed bug INFESTATIONS!
Bed Bugs can be found anywhere
Bed bugs can be found anywhere where humans are located. Since humans provide the bed bug with its main source of food, they tend to live near where humans are. As there name suggests, bed bugs are commonly found in and around the bed. This is not the only place that I have seen or treated for bed bugs though.
Think about all of the places where people spend a considerable amount of time that isn’t in a bed. Public transportation and movie theaters come to mind. Imagine sitting in a movie theater and inadvertently take home a pregnant female bed bug. That single bed bug could lead to tens, hundreds, and even thousands of bed bugs over time.
Besides the bed, where else are bed bugs?
We gave some examples above of where bed bugs can be found. Once you have inspected the bedroom for bed bugs, begin to inspect other areas. In the home, I always inspect the living room furniture for bed bugs. Start by inspecting the seat that has the best view of the t.v. This is a seat that would be most often occupied by people. Where there are people, there are bed bugs.
Dining room furniture that has upholstered seat coverings also provide bed bug havens. Office furniture in homes and businesses can harbor bed bugs and allow them to feed. Although bed bugs typically are nocturnal, they aren’t always. If their main food source is available during the day, they will feed during the day.
We have a whole article on specific areas where bed bugs can be found. Check it out here.
Bed Bugs in Hotels
I think the most common concern when staying overnight in a hotel are bed bugs. You should always inspect the linen, mattress, and head board for bed bugs and/or bed bug excrement. This inspection should be done BEFORE setting your suitcase down or unpacking. I will place my suitcase in the bathtub, dry of course, and inspect the room PRIOR to placing my suitcase on the floor.
There are some user submitted databases that will list establishments with bed bug issues. You can find one such registry here.
Bed Bugs in Hotels, the reality.
Keep in mind that in the hotel industry, there are literally hundreds and thousands of people that come and go every year in each hotel. Using basic probability, it is inevitable that a hotel will have a bed bug introduced into its facility. The good hotels will identify the bed bug issue and immediately start a treatment process. Other hotels will wait, either on purpose or not, and allow their entire building to become INFESTED.
Proper identification of bed bugs, with a pest control plan in place can prevent hotels from having bed bug infestations. Cooperation and training are provided to the housekeeping staff to ensure that bed bug issues are caught early, and a treatment process can begin immediately.
Bed Bug Infestation Prevention
Since bed bugs can be found anywhere humans are, it can be incredibly difficult to determine where a bed bug infestation originated. I believe that unless you never leave your home and nothing new comes into your home, that you can come into contact with bed bugs. Below I will share some tips on how to prevent bed bug infestations.
Inspect for bed bugs
We discussed checking your hotel room for signs of bed bugs in the section above. Before I sit on any upholstered seat in public, I take a quick glance at the seams. I’m looking for stains, bed bugs, bed bug excrement, and the general cleanliness of the seat. If something doesn’t look right, I don’t sit. Bed bug excrement can be somewhat difficult to see depending on the color and pattern of the seat. Not physically touching something infested with bed bugs is the best way to prevent bed bug infestations.
Bed Bugs in used furniture
I can’t count the number of times I have gotten a phone call for bed bugs where the person states that they started getting bit after picking up some used furniture. This could be a used couch from a friend, or a used mattress on the side of the road. Sometimes “free stuff” can lead to much bigger problems. By that person “saving” money by taking a free couch, they spent hundreds of dollars and many hours on bed bug treatments.
Bed Bugs in new furniture
Most people can understand that used furniture carries a risk of bed bugs. I have seen NEW furniture have bed bugs too! How is that possible you ask? Think about how you get new furniture. The delivery truck pulls up to your house. The delivery folks take your old furniture and put it into the truck. They then take the new furniture and place it inside of your home. Imagine that one of there old furniture removals had bed bugs. That means their truck could have bed bugs and everything inside of it, including your brand new bed!
You think you came in contact with bed bugs, now what?
If you believe you came in contact with bed bugs, you should take the following steps. Let’s assume you woke up in a hotel and have some bites. Takes these steps to help prevent infesting your home with bed bugs.
When you get home, wash and dry ALL clothing (including what you are wearing) on HIGH HEAT.
Quarantine your suitcase outside, DO NOT put it away in a closet or bedroom.
Shower
Inspect your car seats and trunk for bed bugs
Bed Bug monitors can be placed in the bedroom and car to monitor for bed bug activity.
If you decide to use a pesticide spray, make sure you read and follow the directions on the chemical.
Bed Bug Monitors
Bed bug monitors exist so that bed bug introductions can be found early and not turn into infestations. The monitors can be simple glue boards that will capture the bed bugs on their travels. Other bed bug monitors are sophisticated and utilize pheromones or CO2 to attract bed bugs. The bottom line is that bed bug monitors will give you peace of mind. If you did bring home a bed bug, the monitors will pick it up and you can start to contact a pest control professional for treatment. If the monitors do not capture any bed bugs after a week or so, then you can feel pretty confident that you are bed bug free.
Preventing Bed Bug Infestations
In both commercial and residential situations, bed bug infestations can be prevented through quick and early identification. If the bed bug issue is discovered early and treated immediately, then it will not turn into an infestation. Cooperation between the homeowner and pest control professional is critical in resolving the bed bug issue quickly and effectively.
No one wants bed bugs. Your home and your bed should be a place of relaxation and comfort. Don’t let bed bugs make you uncomfortable in your own home!
Here are some other articles on bed bugs and bed bug control:
If you live or work in Chester County and have bed bug questions, Prudential Pest Solutions can help. Our fully licensed and insured technicians can treat your bed bug issue with affordable, professional, effective treatments.
Positive identification is crucial to developing a plan to treat bed bugs.
Bed Bug Inspections and Evidence
When conducting an inspection for bed bugs, you will be looking for evidence of bed bugs. Evidence could be seeing live or dead bed bugs in or around the bed. The picture above shows a bed bug on the quarter. Other forms of evidence would be seeing the excrement of the bed bugs. The excrement will look like tiny black spots, that are concentrated in clusters. Here is a picture of bed bug excrement. If you spot any of these signs during your inspection, you have identified a bed bug situation. Let’s take a look at some common bed bug hiding places.
Bed Bug Hiding Places: The Mattress
It may sound obvious, but a thorough inspection of the bed is a great first step in identifying a bed bug issue. Bed Bugs are considered crack and crevice insects. This means that unless the infestation is severe, the bed bugs will not usually be found in the middle of the mattress during the day. As the description suggests, bed bugs will be most likely be found along seems, creases, and crevices of the mattress, box spring, and bed.
When inspecting a mattress for bed bugs, remove all of the bedding. This includes blankets, sheets, and pillows, and any padding that is not connected to the mattress. Begin by searching along the seems of the mattress. Besides the seems, common bed bug hiding places on the mattress include the mattress tag. Lift up the mattress tag and inspect for bed bugs, excrement, and eggs.
The box spring inspection is a little different than the mattress inspection. Box springs usually have a cloth underside that is stapled to the sides of the box spring. This thin cloth provides tons of hiding places for the bed bugs. Bed bugs can and will live between stapled areas, and inside of the box spring itself. With permission, remove the cloth and inspect the interior of the box spring. Other areas to look for are at the corners of the box spring. Sometimes the box spring will have plastic corner protectors. Gently pry at the plastic and inspect the area between the plastic and the box spring.
Bed Bug Hiding Places: The Bed
After inspecting the mattress and box spring it is time to inspect the bed itself. Beds, depending on their material, can have a lot of crack and crevices. Inspect the head board, foot board, side rails, and slats. Other areas to inspect include where the side rails connect to the head and foot boards and the feet of the bed. Depending on the color of the bed, it may be difficult to spot some of the bed bug evidence. Make sure to inspect behind the head board, and the bottom of the rails.
Other Bed Bug Hiding Places
After you have inspected the bed and mattress, it is now time to take a look at areas beyond the bed. Since bed bugs are crack and crevice insects, they will squeeze through very small openings. You will want to check the area around the bed in a 10′ foot bubble. For facts and biology on the bed bug, check out Penn State’s Department of Entomology here.
Baseboards
Baseboards are a common area for bed bugs to live and hide. They can easily crawl up the wall and onto the bed or crawl up the bed from the floor. Unless the baseboards are caulked tightly to the floor, which is never the case, bed bugs can easily live under the baseboards. Regardless of whether you have carpeting, laminate, hardwoods, or vinyl, the bed bugs can get under the baseboards. Other areas to insect at the baseboards are the top of the baseboard. If there is a gap at the top of the baseboard where the wall meets, bed bugs will find it. Also, inspect at the corners of the wall where the baseboard may not be caulked.
Wall Paneling
Wall panels create many potential bed bug harborage areas. Check the seems where the wall panels meet for excrement. Other areas to inspect are where the wall panel meets the floor or baseboard. Make sure you also inspect where the wall panel meets the ceiling for evidence of bed bugs. Lastly, inspect for any cracks or damage to the wall panel which would allow bed bugs access.
Drop Ceiling
A drop ceiling, just like the wall panels, provide many opportunities for bed bugs to hide. Inspect first along where the ceiling meets the wall. Make sure to inspect the paneling and the supports. Pay particular attention to where the metal supports meet at the top of the wall.
Misc Hiding Places
Any time there is hole or gap in the wall of ceiling, you have a possible bed bug hiding place. This includes wall sockets and light switches. Inspect around the wall sockets and light switches, removing the covers if needed. Other areas include where conduit, electrical, or plumbing is coming through the wall or ceiling. This could include radiator heating lines, cable conduits, or even plumbing.
You have bed bugs, now what?
Treating for bed bugs is almost a job for a professional exterminator. Not only do we have the best chemicals, we have the knowledge and experience to properly and safely treat your home
Chester County Bed Bugs
If you live in Chester County and have a bed bug issue, we are here to help. Our fully licensed and insured technicians are experienced and knowledgeable to resolve your bed bug issue. Our bed bug treatments are affordable, effective, and professional. Our treatments always consider the health and safety of your family and pets. From the initial consultation to the treatment and the follow-up, you can trust us to resolve your bed bug problem. Contact us to setup an appointment.
Chester County’s Best Exterminators
We specialize in residential and commercial pest control, wildlife control, and termite control. We offer preventative plans that can keep your home or business pest free year-round. All of our technicians are licensed by the State of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. As a veteran owned company, you can trust us with your pest problem. Give us a call or send us a message to get pest free today!
There are three main conditions that insects need to survive and thrive: Food, Water, and Harborage. Just like people, they need to eat, drink, and have a safe/warm place to live. In this week’s post, we will discuss how water and moisture can lead to bug problems.
Chester County had record breaking rainfall this year. To date, Chester County had approximately 61”of rain according to a map from The National Weather Center. This amount of rainfall is up to 50% higher than average for our area. Since the frequency of rain was higher, the ground stayed moist and didn’t really get a chance to dry out.
Warm, moist conditions allow many insects to thrive and reproduce. We receive a lot of calls for service for ants after a period of rain. Ants are put into one of two categories: wood destroying and nuisance. Wood destroying ants, more commonly called carpenter ants, are very common in Chester County. They live and seek out wood that has high moisture content. Nuisance ants, such as pavement ants, seem to “come out of nowhere” after a period of rain. Although they won’t physically damage your home, nuisance ants can become very concerning for the homeowner.
When it comes to warm and wet soil, termites are the first thing to come to mind. The type of termite that we have in Chester County is the subterranean termite. This type of termite lives underground and will seek out wood that has a higher moisture content. Termites are very good at finding and detecting wood that has a higher moisture content. Once they find that wood, they will start to eat. Termites are called the “silent destroyers” because their damage often goes un-noticed for years. Once discovered, termite damage is sometimes quite extensive and quite expensive to fix. Identifying key moisture issues around the home can identify and or prevent termite infestations.
Other insects that we typically associate with moisture is cockroaches. Cockroaches like warm, damp areas to breed and live. Many times, these areas are in basements and kitchens where moisture is common. Sinks, drains, and even appliances can provide the moisture and harborage for cockroach survival. Depending the species, the cockroaches can even come from the drains. Eliminating moisture zones when dealing with cockroaches is often more difficult due to the moisture being on the inside of the structure.
Other nuisance insects that we associate with moisture include centipedes and crickets. Spiders are also found but that may be more due to the fact that there are other insects present. The same could maybe be said for centipedes since they are also a predatory species. Insects not associated with moisture issues include bed bugs, bees/wasps, and stored product pests.
So where does this moisture come from? On the outside of the home the obvious answer is moisture comes from rain. While true,the real question that should be asked is “why is the moisture not be funneled away from the home?”. Common causes of moisture pooling around the foundation of a home include downspouts and gutters.
Gutters are designed to channel rain from the roof and funnel it into downspouts. These down spouts are supposed to channel that water down from the roof and away from the house. Often times this does not happen correctly. Leaves and other debris can accumulate in the gutters and prevent the water from flowing. This results in the rain spilling over the gutter and landing directly at the foundation of the home.
Downspouts are designed to carry the water and distribute it away from the home. If the down spouts are not long enough at the ground, they will discharge the water directly into the foundation of the home. If the down spouts go underground, they could be compromised by tree roots or just break and water can just collect at the foundation. Sometimes the simple solution is to purchase downspout extenders from the hardware store. These extenders extend the length of the downspout to allow the water to be discharged further from the foundation.
Another major cause of moisture on the outside of the home is incorrect or missing metal flashing. Whether along the roof line or near the gutters, the metal flashing protects the wood underneath from water. Although inexpensive,flashing that is incorrectly installed can cause huge issues when it comes to water channeling. Many times, I have seen a $1piece of incorrectly installed flashing result in thousands of dollars in moisture damage.
Leaking faucets on the outside of the home are another cause of moisture at the foundation. Whether the hose is leaking or the faucet itself is, the steady drip of water can cause big problems. Since the faucet is connected to the house, the leaking water pools and sits directly on the foundation. Checking and inspecting your outdoor faucets for leaks can prevent big moisture issues.
On the inside of the home, moisture can come from many different areas. Common moisture conditions that are not caused by outside moisture include basements, plumbing,and appliances. Leaking pipes from drains can create a moisture issue. Common plumbing issues include leaky toilet seals, and leaky drain pipes. These leaks often are slow and go un-noticed for a long time. Insects coming up from the drains can also be common especially with insects such as the American cockroach.
Sump pumps in basements provide a constant source of moisture. Sump pumps, by their very nature, are installed because there is water under the foundation. There is little that can be done about the level of the water table under the house. The sump pit can be sealed and the basement can be treated on a regular basement if the sump pump water is leading to moisture issues.
Appliances causing moisture issues are typically found in commercial settings such as restaurants. There is little that can be done about a moist commercial dishwasher to prevent water issues. We offer maintenance plans to prevent infestations because eliminating the moisture issue is not always possible.
We offer pest control services to Chester County. Our fully licensed and insured technicians will not only inspect your property for pests, but also identify current and future moisture issues that can lead to insect issues. Our pest control services are affordable,professional, and effective. Give us a call or send us a message to get pest free today!
Citation: US Department of Commerce, and NOAA. “New
York/Pennsylvania Year to Date Precipitation Departures.” National Weather
Service, NOAA’s National Weather Service, 2 May 2017,
www.weather.gov/marfc/NorthPrecipitationYTD. Updated 12/9/2018
