Alternatives To Bug Bombs

We hope that everyone is staying warm and safe in the cold weather! Unfortunately, the pests are considering the same concerns. Recently, we’ve been getting calls from frantic homeowners who have major roach problems. Roaches are the sort of pests that can get out of control pretty quickly. They breed fast, and, being nocturnal, they tend to stay out of sight. By the time homeowners see the roaches, they could already have a serious issue.

Sometime, we’ll do a full post on roaches, but today I want to talk about the use of foggers against such tough pests. Some recent callers were extremely frustrated because they’d spent time and money on foggers or “bug bombs,” but the devices just hadn’t solved the problem. In addition, the time wasted allowed the roaches to get a stronger foothold in the house. So, let’s debunk the myth of the all-powerful bug bomb and look for some better alternatives.

Fogging for pests is outdated. Professionals (including Russell’s Pest Control technicians) almost never use bug bombs, and they would only do so in extreme need. Foggers may give homeowners a good feeling because they’ll see lots of dead bugs right away. Unfortunately, the healthy, smart roaches and the eggs weren’t out in the open near the foggers. They were in the walls, behind the cabinets, under the refrigerator, etc. Most roaches stay tucked away in hiding places that bug bombs will never reach. If an infestation is completely out of control, a professional may fog to knock down the adult pest population quickly, but they’ll always follow up with more effective methods.

The best way to tackle persistent pests like roaches is with a two-fold attack. One part includes a crack-and-crevice treatment, where product is applied into the small cracks that the bugs use for home-base. The second part involves carefully leaving baits in well-hidden areas so that the roaches will encounter them.

These are some steps that you should consider if you’re trying to take care of a roach problem:

  • Start by purchasing some glue boards and leaving them in those out-of-the-way places like in the cabinet under the sink. This is an inexpensive way to determine if you really have a roach problem and, if so, where it is worst. Always have the glue boards touching a wall since pests prefer to hang close to cover.

  • If you have a problem and decide to treat for yourself, plan out how you want to treat. Remember that many of the sprays you can buy over the counter are repellants, meaning they drive pests away from the area. If you are using a repellant, don’t use baits in the same area. You’ll contaminate the bait and make it undesirable for the roaches. Read the labels of the products you buy to determine how to use them appropriately. In general, it’s best not to spray around any bait that you use.

  • Skip the bug bombs. They won’t help much anyway, and they are very easy to misuse (a recent news article in another southern state indicated an apartment-dweller forced his neighbors to retreat to the ER after the fumes from his bug bomb leaked into their home).

  • Ask for help before the problem gets out of hand. If your over-the-counter products aren’t working, don’t wait until you’re overrun to get professional help. Doing so will only cost you more in the long run because it will take longer to eliminate the problem. Most exterminators (including Russell’s) offer free inspections and can give you some good advice and help if you feel that you’re in over your head. If you do think you need some help, may I suggest a reliable pest control company?

Bed Bugs Part 2: Keeping Your Home Secure

Hopefully, last week’s advice about avoiding bed bugs in hotels prepared you for holiday travel. Now, we’ll discuss how bed bugs could affect your daily life and how you can work to avoid them.

Bed bugs are getting attention now because they are infesting unexpected places like movie theaters, department stores, and warehouses. The media has created a frenzy by saying these pests are unavoidable. Yes, bed bug numbers have drastically increased over the last 5-10 years, but that doesn’t mean that we’re powerless to fight them. Homeowners can help protect themselves by being aware of their surroundings and acting quickly when they suspect a problem.

Remember that some environments are more prone to bed bug problems than others. Some high-risk areas include emergency rooms or hospitals, airports, and movie theaters. That doesn’t mean you should stop visiting those places. It just means that you should pay attention to your surroundings when you do. Many people forget that adult bed bugs are not microscopic; in fact, their size is comparable to an apple seed. So, if you go to a movie theater, check your pant cuffs, jacket pockets, and other hiding places before leaving. You’ll be able to see the bed bugs and notify the facility manager before you take hitchhikers home with you. When you’re in a high-risk environment, keep your purse or bag on your lap instead of putting it on the floor or in the chair next to you. By doing so, you protect a very desirable hiding place from bed bugs.

If you work in a high-risk career (including hospital personnel, school teachers, police officers, or social workers), you may want to consider a program to monitor for bed bugs. At Russell’s, we can attach bed bug monitoring to a regular pest control service so that you are aware as soon as you have a problem. That means the infestation will be easier to treat and, consequently, less expensive.

Otherwise, use common sense to protect yourself from invasions. For instance, if you see a nice piece of furniture sitting out for trash pick up, think twice before taking it home. It was likely thrown out by its original owners for a reason. If you go to garage sales or consignment stores, inspect your purchases for adult bed bugs or droppings before you buy them, and wash and dry them as soon as you get home. We actually confirmed the presence of bed bugs in a home where a woman had clothes in piles because she was setting up a garage sale, and our results didn’t change her mind at all! If you suspect a bed bug issue, call for help immediately. Taking action early will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

There’s just one more thing to consider. Bed bugs are often found in very clean environments; even the best house keeper could have an infestation (which means there’s nothing to be ashamed of if you do have a problem). However, clutter offers options to bed bugs when they’re looking for secure hiding places, which could make even the most thorough pest control treatment less effective. If you suspect a problem, call for help before you do anything else—don’t remove the mattress or use over-the-counter sprays, which could cause the bed bugs to spread throughout the house. A professional can give you good advice about how to contain your problem so that your treatment is most effective.

As always, you can call or visit our contact page if you have questions about bed bugs or any other pests.

(At The Risk Of Being Trite) Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite, Part 1

At Russell’s, we know that many of our customers may be traveling for the holidays, so it might be time to discuss the high-profile topic of bed bugs. Our intention isn’t to cause anxiety, but we want you to be able to visit out-of-towners without bringing any home with you. So, this will be a two-part series. In this post, I’ll discuss some quick tips to protect you if you’re staying in hotels. Next time, I’ll discuss some facts (and fictions) about bed bugs that may help you to avoid them in your daily life.

Everyone wants to know how to tell if bed bugs are in a hotel room. This suggestion may sound a little daunting, but I think that your first line of defense is to ask the hotel employee when you book your room whether they have rooms quarantined for bed bugs. Several people have told me that is rude, but I disagree. You don’t have to attack or accuse; simply ask if they’re having a problem. If they say they do have rooms quarantined, you don’t necessarily have to change hotels. Ask for a room far from the affected area. Bed bugs aren’t long-range pests; their presence in one room doesn’t doom the whole hotel. They will stay put as long as they can obtain consistent meals. This makes it much easier for a pest control company to isolate and eliminate a problem quickly. However, you should always think of bed bugs in three dimensions. You don’t want to be directly next to them or above or below them.

After you check in, go up to your room before bringing anything inside; if you bring a purse with you, don’t lay it down on the ground until you’ve inspected the room. The most well-known signs of bed bugs are small reddish-brown stains in the seams of the mattress; those stains are the bed bugs’ waste (i.e. old blood). Pull up the fitted sheet and have a look at the little ties and grooves on the mattress top, and don’t hesitate to ask an employee if you find something that concerns you.

We recommend getting creative with your luggage. Don’t just pile it in a corner next to the wall. Bed bugs commonly hide under baseboards during the day before emerging at night to feed. Placing your luggage in an out-of-the-way corner gives them easy access to hitch a ride. Oddly enough, a good place for it is the bathroom. Bed bugs are less likely to inhabit the bathroom since they want easy access to their prey in the bed. Also, you can leave the light on in the restroom full-time. Since bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, light will naturally decrease their activity. Some of our inspectors recommend keeping luggage in the bathtub at night. Most bugs have a lot of trouble climbing up and down those sloped tub walls. They may be less likely to pursue your luggage into the bathtub, and you would be more likely to see them if they do.

With the publicity that bed bugs are getting, people have a lot of questions. We understand that sometimes travelers need an expert to talk to for good advice or some peace of mind. You can always contact us with questions, whether you are in need of service or not. Feel free to call or contact us here. We’ll get you the answers that you need as quickly as possible.

The Many-Legged Monster: House Centipedes

Since we are approaching Halloween and the season of scaring, I thought it might be appropriate to ask a question that has plagued children for many years: What kind of monsters do you have in your basement…? In case you can’t think of any, I’ve got one in mind to share with you that might give you a real fright this Halloween season.

Meet Scutigera Coleoptrata, more commonly known as the house centipede. I know someone who woke up in bed with one of these on his chest, and he’s never been quite the same since. Russell’s is not responsible for any nightmares that result from reading this blog post.

These little monsters have bodies that are about an inch and a half long. However, their rear legs and their antennae are both longer than their bodies, making them seem much larger than they are. Despite their name (which means “hundred-legs”), house centipedes only have 30 legs, but those long limbs can help them reach speeds that are positively alarming.

In case their appearance isn’t enough to send a shiver up your spine, you should also know that all centipedes (including this common species) have jaws that pack a poisonous bite. In this way, they are similar to spiders. They all hunt full-time for food, so they need venom to immobilize prey. But, venomous and dangerous are not the same thing. Just like most spiders, house centipedes can deliver a bite that may swell a little and be painful, but they don’t cause lasting harm to humans. In most cases, the bite is no worse than a bee sting.

Keep an eye out for these monsters in the coolest, dampest parts of your house, including basements, utility rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms (they have been known to come out of bathtub drains—yuck!). If you find house centipedes inside, try moving leaf litter and your wood pile away from the house. Centipedes are hunters, and dying or dead plants provide great harborage for all of the little critters they like to eat. You should also keep in mind that if they think your home is comfortable and inviting, it’s likely because there are plenty of other bugs inside that they can eat. If you get rid of their food source, you’ll probably get rid of them. If you need a first-rate monster hunter, for more information click here.

Rodent Control For Messy Housemates

Our days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting colder. While you get out the quilts for the beds, bear in mind that other creatures are eager to put the finishing touches on their winter nests, too. The nest-builders that I mean are mice, and they’re already creating a problem for homeowners in East Tennessee.

Mice can be cute (reference attached photo for evidence), but they’re considered one of the most troubling pests for mankind. They don’t just want to share space with humans—they also want to share supplies, and they are famous for contaminating food and spreading diseases with their droppings and parasites. Consider these statistics about mouse activity that the National Pest Management Field Guide documented. If two mice inhabit a structure for six months, they will eat about 4 lbs. of food. They will also leave behind about 18,000 droppings and will expel 12 oz. of urine, particularly while marking their territory (which they do often). Not a very pleasant thought, is it? Now consider that mice can produce litters of 5-8 young every six weeks. Suddenly, the rodent problem has taken on a broader scope.

Mice aren’t like rats—they are naturally curious and are not suspicious of changes in their surroundings. This can work to your advantage. If you know you’ve got mice in a certain area, move around the objects nearby and then add a trap with food on it. The mouse will be eager to relearn the once-familiar environment and is more likely to fall prey to your rodent control measures. Another home remedy for getting rid of mice is to block up the extra space around your plumbing and electrical openings with steel wool or copper mesh. As rodents, their tendency is to chew through obstructions, but the metal will hurt them when they try. Copper is toxic to rodents, so it has even faster effects.

We encourage homeowners to remember that one mouse isn’t too big of a problem, but a mouse colony is a major issue. If you find evidence of mice or know that you’re in a high-risk area for them (like land surrounded by fields or near construction sites), take action immediately. If you’re busy and just can’t find space in your schedule to handle rodent control, click here to hire a professional who can carefully monitor for mice and eliminate them efficiently if they get inside.

Ladybugs: Unwanted Winter Pests

As our evenings grow colder, it’s time for East-Tennesseans to start thinking about ladybugs (or Asian lady beetles). These pests enter homes during the fall and then emerge when the days get warmer. The trouble is that they sometimes get lost and enter the home instead of heading back outside—much to the dismay of their surprised hosts!

Although they’re frustrating, these bright little bugs prey on some of the most destructive plant pests. In fact, the USDA has released loads of them onto crops that were endangered by pests (which partially explains why ladybugs invade houses so often now: their numbers have been artificially inflated). Still, Asian lady beetles may be the hero of the garden, but they’re less welcome inside. Finding bugs all over the house is generally upsetting, but these also produce yellow ooze when threatened (or smashed) that stains, and, although it’s hard to believe, they can actually deliver a painful bite!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, exclusion is always the best place to start with pest management. Ladybugs choose a structure for overwintering and then start to search for cracks or crevices. If your home is well-sealed, the beetles will be forced to move on. Screens in attic and roof vents should be carefully checked since ladybugs find the high points of two-story buildings appealing and often enter homes through attics. Are there cracks in your siding? Openings underneath your doors? Holes around your plumbing connections? These are all situations that ladybugs will exploit.

Don’t forget: If we’re getting consistent frosts at night, it’s too late to act. The ladybugs are already inside, so the best thing you can do is get a vacuum with a hose attachment ready. Vacuuming up ladybugs and taking the bags outside is the best way to get rid of the ones that are inside, even though the smell won’t be good. If ladybugs are in the house, DO NOT find an exterminator to treat your attic or wall voids. Killing the bugs inside does you no good because the smell will be terrible, and the dead bugs will create a food source for other, more offensive pests. If you want to have a pest control treatment for ladybugs, hire a professional before the frosts set in and save yourself a lot of hassle.

It’s Spider Season

Despite the fact that spiders play a beneficial role in our environment, arachnophobia (the fear of spiders) is more common than any other kind of phobia. Unfortunately for the people of east Tennessee, spiders are considered a year-round pest and can be found in homes during any season and in the midst of any weather conditions. Let’s go over the basics of what you need to know if you’re finding spiders in your home, particularly because early September is when we at Russell’s start to get more phone calls about indoor spiders.

First of all, DON’T PANIC! No one likes to be startled by a large spider somewhere unexpected, but there are very few spiders in Tennessee that can deliver a bite even as powerful as a bee sting. And, despite their bad reputation, only a few spiders are considered aggressive. Many wouldn’t bite you even if you tried to provoke them (this, of course, doesn’t change the fact that you should never provoke what you can’t identify).

Spiders aren’t like roaches; they don’t move indoors just because they like it there. All spiders are predators, which means if you’re finding spiders in your house, it’s because there are already other small bugs there that can provide a food source for your eight-legged friends. The trick, then, is to get rid of the food source and make your home uninviting for a hungry spider.

Keep exterior doors closed. Caulk around your windows so that cracks don’t offer convenient entry points for small pests; this will also help lower your bills so you’re not air conditioning or heating the outdoors. Check your window screens. You need to be sure you’re not leaving holes for unwanted guests when you let in that sweet autumn air. Replace weather-stripping and seals around doors if needed, particularly since overhangs at the back door are a common place for spiders to set up shop.

Try some of these tips to keep your home spider-free in September. And, if the spiders are still more than you can handle, remember Russell’s offers convenient pest control services that can take care of most common house spiders. We’ll even knock down their webs.