PHYSICAL CONTROL OF BED BUGS Physical control is the use of hands-on methods to physically remove bedbugs from, or keep bed bugs out of the home.  These include methods like vacuuming or steam-treating an area to collect or destroy bedbugs, eggs, shells, or nymphs that are in a target area or location. When using this method it is important to remember that bed bugs eggs are made to stick to …Read More

MECHANICAL CONTROL OF BED BUGS Mechanical control utilizes either simple cost effective devices or expensive, industrial specialized equipment to control bed bugs.  Mechanical trapping devices can effectively trap or kill bed bugs but more importantly they can help you estimate how many bedbugs are in an area using sampling methods. Mechanical control of bed bugs does not provide a realistic offer towards total eradication of a target pest, but can …Read More

CULTURAL CONTROL FOR BED BUGS Cultural control focuses on any environmental changes that may have contributed to the initial introduction of bedbugs, or other factors which may allow or promote a re-introduction of infestation. During an in-depth inspection or in-home consultation, the pest professional has an opportunity to help better understand various behaviors which may be contributing to the infestation.  By identifying the hidden but relevant factors of a bed …Read More

BED BUGS AND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT Using all parts of a system known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective way to control a bed bug infestation. With IPM we use a variety of methods in logical combination which maximizes efficacy of control and minimizes pesticide exposure to people, pets and our environment.  If you have any reason to suspect bed bugs are present you should seek professional …Read More

AFTER TREATMENT FOR BED BUGS Recommendations may vary based on the complexity or severity of an infestation. Also, the method of treatment deployed may have specific follow-up recommendations that the exterminator will cover with you. It is important to remember that it is common to still see bed bugs after the initial treatment takes place.  This is due to the fact that bed bugs may be hiding in an area …Read More

BEFORE BED BUG TREATMENT There are various approaches to bed bug control, each method does have advantages and shortcomings when compared to other methods. There may never be a single method or form of treatment which can provide a silver bullet solution for all possible scenarios involving bed bug infestation. Short of this, the method of extermination Alert #1 recommends will be based on information that is gained during the …Read More

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND BED BUGS? Bed bugs aren’t hard to kill, but they can be very difficult to find. If you happen to spot a bedbug in your home, don’t panic. Instead, capture the insect and call a pest management professional for positive identification.  The easiest way to capture a bed bug is by hand, with tissue, or by using adhesive tape. We recommend that you do …Read More

BED BUG CHARACTERISTICS Bed bugs fall into the insect family having six legs and three body parts known as the head, thorax, and abdomen. Bedbugs are also known as true bugs and that places them in the order of Hemiptera along with all other true bugs. Most insects that are in the “true bug” category are easily recognized by the fact that they use piercing mouthparts in order feed. Some …Read More

IDENTIFY EARLY WARNING SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF BED BUG INFESTATION There are a few very important things to remember when trying to determine if bed bugs are present.  We should all become familiar with the signs & symptoms of a bed bug problem. If you find a possible bed bug, capture the insect for identification. Take note of its size and color and the specific location that you found it. …Read More

EARLY DETECTION IS KEY Bed bugs are difficult to detect, but a sharp eye can find visible evidence in the areas bed bugs infest. Fecal deposits from bed bugs are probably the most visible evidence and appear as small, inky black spots which will smear when wetted with a damp cloth. Bedbugs feed on human blood roughly every 7 to 14 days, and much of the rest of their time is …Read More