Bed bugs are hitchhikers by nature. They travel from place to place, sneaking around, and starting new infestations. People often blame themselves for the contamination, when the truth is, unlike many pests, there is nothing they could have done to mitigate their risk.
Many of the environmental issues that play a part in other pest issues, like sanitation, are not a factor for these invaders. The bed bug’s natural environment is where their hosts (us) sleep, or at least spend time idle in the dark. This is the reason movie theaters have been known to have difficulties with these blood suckers. Unlike mosquitos, humans are their preferred host; in fact, they cannot survive for long without human blood meals. Like fleas, they need specific proteins to survive, proteins that are available only in human blood. Even though they will feed on other hosts like dogs, they cannot survive, let alone thrive, long periods without human blood.
Hotels or
traveling
are often the first things that come to mind when thinking about bed bugs. The truth is that the problem is often a lot closer to home. Often a friend or family member may be the culprit. It has also been noted that schools, especially when coats are hung next to each other (including lockers), have helped transport them. Other places are medical facilities, retirement homes, movie theaters, and other places that people are in close proximity with each other. One of the main ways bed bugs get from place to place is by clinging to clothing, then moving to another person’s clothing. Eventually they find a nice hiding spot in a couch, chair, or bed. Despite their name, they don’t mind hanging out in a lazy boy, and feeding while you are watching your favorite movie.
Certain people are more prone to allergic reactions from bites. It is not uncommon for 2 people who share a bed to explain different experiences. One may insist that there is nothing there and no reason to be alarmed. The other person will insist something is going on and they have skin reactions as evidence. In these circumstances, it is likely that both individuals are hosts, one simply shows the reaction while the other doesn’t. Although this is true, it has been noticed that some attract bed bugs more than others. This more than likely has to do with the amount of carbon dioxide someone releases and differences in body heat. Like mosquitos, these two characteristics are how bed bugs identify hosts.
If you suspect bed bugs, it is best to have a professional inspection. Technicians are familiar with the biology and activity of the pest. This includes being very familiar with where to look and what signs to look for. Trained technicians can typically find bed bugs when others don’t.
If bed bugs are found, I highly advise NOT using store bought remedies. Bed Bugs are known to be resistant to the active ingredients in these products. In addition, they act as a repellent, which can make abatement far more difficult by pushing the pests into other rooms, into walls, electrical outlets, deeper in bedframes, and into stored clothing.
The other problem with consumer products is the false claims the commonly make. Many are labelled as “kills bed bugs and eggs”, when a deeper look shows these products contain nothing that has any effect on eggs and often only a contact kill (it must be applied directly to the bed bug) to be lethal. In the rare case that I’ve heard of success with these products, it is nearly always 3 to 6 months later, and the problem returns. More often than not, those who attempt these products end up spending far more than those that receive service from a high quality trained professional. They end up needing professional service due to the ineffectiveness and false claims of the consumer products.
As NWI’s most qualified pest control professionals, The Green Advantage has completed and continues its research on all areas of pest management. We have developed a proprietary method on eliminating bed bugs. This includes several different products and formulations. These products are used due to their mode of action (the specific way an active ingredient effect a target). We are devoted advocates of resistance management and continue to be a leader due to the continued research.
The Green Advantage has also developed a prevention program designed for high-risk individuals. Designed for people who don’t want to worry about the high costs of abatement and are unwilling or unable to avoid the high-risk environments. Common recipients of this program are retirement home workers, teachers, nurses, and those with family members who have or have had bed bug issues. We also use this program to extend warranties on abatement services. This adds to our success record as victims of bed bugs are at an extremely high risk of reinfestation.
If you suspect bed bugs or any other pests for that matter, you have NWI’s most qualified pest control professionals ready to serve you. An inspection gives you a professional, honest assessment of the situation. We will not nor have we ever marketed services that are unnecessary (as we’ve witnessed others do). We also do not over service customers as this is not responsible use of products, in addition we pride ourselves on our honesty and integrity as well as our vast knowledge and experience.
We ARE local, We support OUR community, and We are here for YOU!!!
