BedBugs
|
DUE TO THE SUBSTANTIAL
INCREASE IN BEDBUG CALLS WE HAVE RECEIVED… PLEASE
BE AWARE:
|
Bedbug
numbers are rapidly increasing around the United States.
Metro Guard Termite & Pest Control
is concerned about how this development may affect you when
you travel or when visitors travel to see you. Hotels are
unlikely to tell you when they have a Bedbug problem.
These insects will travel on luggage, moving trucks, and
furniture delivery trucks to name a few. Consider that when
a new mattress is delivered, the old mattress is placed
in the truck with the other deliveries. |
 |
Bedbugs are great hitchhikers.
We would like you to read the following which will assist
you in recognizing and understanding these insects. |
BIOLOGY
AND HABITS:
|
Bedbugs are
small wingless insects (3/16 of an inch or 4-5mm long) and
are fast runners. They are rust brown in color and change
to a deeper red/brown (mahogany) color after a blood meal.
Bedbugs are flat and oval shaped. They develop in stages
and shed their skin five times. Females will lay 200-500
eggs in a lifetime. Eggs are white/clear in color and are
very small. Several eggs can fit inside the head of a screw.
Bedbugs will travel more than 20 feet for a blood meal but
can survive for months without feeding.
A blood meal requires 3-10 minutes and usually goes un-noticed
by the victim. Some persons react strongly to bites while
others may not even know they have been bitten. Studies
have shown people who have been bitten repeatedly can show
symptoms such as nervousness, agitation and sleeplessness.
Bedbugs are nocturnal creatures and will come out of hiding
at night to feed. They feed exclusively on blood. Most common
areas for bites are the sides, shoulders and arms. |
 |
In early infestations,
Bedbugs are usually found in the vicinity of their
host such as on a mattress or sofa. As infestations
grow, these insects will move to baseboards, moldings,
furniture, behind pictures/wallpaper and under carpet.
Bedbugs usually stay in close contact with each
other and can give off a distinctive sickly sweet-smell
in numbers as small as 50 insects. |
|
Blood spotting
on mattresses and shed skins are a common clue to an infestation.
Although Bedbugs have been associated with over 25 diseases,
transmission to humans has not been conclusively proven.
|
PROTECT
YOURSELF: |
Here are some helpful tips
to lessen the odds of a Bedbug infestation. |
· Treat baseboards
as part of overall home pest control
· Ask your hotel if they have experienced Bedbug
problems (they may tell you)
· Use luggage stands at hotels avoid placing clothes
in drawers
· Treat your luggage with a preventative spray (available
through Metro Guard)
· Inspect your luggage when returning home
· Wash all clothes upon returning – regular
wash will kill Bedbugs
· Inspect your mattress occasionally when you change
your linens
· Sanitation alone will not eliminate Bedbugs
· Call a professional upon first signs of a problem.
Bedbug services will cost between $700.00 and $1,200.00
and can take up to 90 days for elimination |
Are
you a frequent traveler? |
We offer an aerosol spray
that you can use as a preventative on your luggage or any
other water-safe fabric. In cases where you know you have
been exposed to Bedbugs, we recommend using this spray on
the items exposed. This product comes in a 17oz can for
$14.99 plus delivery/shipping. Call for details: (817) 572-3995
or (972) 484-3995 |
