Daily Archives: June 28, 2014

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs have largely been thought of as being a problem of the past. The truth, however, is that there are bed bugs in Tampa, Jacksonville, Gainesville, and throughout Florida and that these pests are making a strong comeback. One of the major reasons for such a strong reappearance is because of the increase in international travel and the prevalence of mass transit. Adult bed bugs are about 3/8" long with flat, oval-shaped bodies and are visible to the naked eye. They mainly feed on human blood but may also feed on the blood of pets or other warm-blooded animals. Amazingly, though, they are able to go a long time without any food if necessary; sometimes, as long as a year. When they are engorged with blood, the females will lay eggs- two hundred at a time.

Because bed bugs are superior hitchhikers you may have picked them up from your hotel room, or even from your suitcase on the plane! They are also introduced into a home or business on luggage, clothing or furniture or even on a person who was recently exposed to an infestation.

Bed bugs are not known to carry or transmit diseases to humans, but bed bug bites often cause redness and some swelling. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be given to help relieve the itching. It is important to note that approximately 50% of bed bug victims do not show any evidence of bites, so you may not be aware a problem exists.

While many bed bugs hide in mattresses, some may also hide in a sofa or chair, or behind wall paper or pictures. They are also known to congregate beneath flooring and inside electrical outlets and on personal items including electronic devices. Thoroughness is the only real way to kill bed bugs. Every corner and crevice needs to be searched. As you might guess, this means that simply getting rid of an infected mattress will not totally solve the problem. Since their reappearance, researchers have found that the new bed bugs are much more resistant to chemicals that have previously been in use. Insecticides that are often used for roaches and similar insects do not work on bed bugs. To ensure complete eradication of your bed bug problem, contacting McCall Service is the ideal solution. Our trained pest professionals know how to identify, reduce and eliminate your bed bug infestation using the latest bed bug fighting technology, including bed bug heat treatments.

At McCall Service we take all pest problems seriously and are committed to helping you as soon as possible. In most cases we can respond the same or very next day.

Because of their high level of mobility, bed bugs are a difficult pest problem to prevent and that is why you should contact McCall Service at the first sign of a bed bug infestation.

"I wanted to drop you a note to pay a huge compliment for the way Steve dealt with Jennifer today. This morning we found a dead rat in our garage (literally as I was pulling out of the driveway, Jennifer came running & screaming out of the garage). I told her to give you guys a call and have someone come out to investigate. Turns out that we apparently have a pretty big rat & mouse problem in our garage - thankfully they aren't in the walls or attic. We also have an armadillo who has taken up residence under our house.

Steve was fortunate enough to be the lucky guy who got to deal with my screaming and almost hysterical wife. I honestly wouldn't have wished that on my biggest enemy :-). But, from all accounts, he was exceedingly professional, kind, and very calming for Jen.

Needless to say, we became McCall's newest customer today.

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Bed Bugs In Florida | Bed Bug Identification In Tampa ...