Author Archives: Pest Controller

The resurgence of Cimex lectularius, the common Bed bug, is being reported across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Here at ProTech Pest Control we used to receive 1 or 2 bedbug calls a year yet our service department is now reporting 1 to 2 calls each week. Thats 50 times more calls!

ProTech Pest Control offers comprehensive service for bed bugs from inspection to treatment. We are the areas only pest control company to have a Certified K-9 Bed Bug Inspector.

To eliminate bed bugs you must first find them. Although visible, bed bugs hide and many times elude even the most experienced human inspectors. That's why ProTech Pest Control uses Inspector Roxy who can detect the smell of bed bugs even when they are hidden from view.

Using Inspector Roxy also reduces costs by accurately pinpointing the needed areas of treatment. With ProTech and inspector Roxy on your team, you can eliminate bed bugs more quickly, more safely, and at the least possible cost.

When Inspectors Marlowe and Roxy are not working, they receive the best pampering care at:

Dogtopia of Tysons Corner 703-821-0700 1524 Springhill Rd, Suite EE-FF McLean, VA 22102

Once Roxy finds the bed bugs, experienced ProTech technicians can be much more effective in their elimination using both bed bug specific chemicals and non-chemical methods such as hot air, steam, cold-cryonite, mattress and pillow encasements, and vacuum.

Bed bugs can be extremely persistent, but Virginia-based ProTech Pest Control has the experience and know-how to get the job done. Our technicians are not only trained and experienced, they regularly update their knowledge with continuing education programs. They also work to educate homeowners, apartment management and residents to enlist their teamwork to get the best results at the least possible cost.

Download our Bed Bug Identification Guide

This insect has a famous history as a bloodsucker and is named due to its tendency to feed on a bed's occupants at night. The bed bug primarily attacks humans but can feed on any warm blooded animal such as birds, mice, and pets. The bed bug is found worldwide and probably came to the US from Europe in the 17th century.

Adults are just under a 1/4" long and are relatively flat, nearly as wide as long, and oval in shape compared to most other insects. The color is brown to reddish brown. The body may have short golden hairs and will exude a "sickening sweet" smell from glands on its body.

Commonly, the first sign of bed bug infestation is the appearance of small brownish or reddish dots on bed linens. These are fecal spots or droppings on the surface of linens from these bugs. Occupants may also notice swelling where they have been bitten.

An infestation of bed bugs is NOT evidence of unclean or unsanitary living areas. World class hotels have reported bed bug infestation in recent years perhaps due to the increased domestic and international mobility of society in the past few decades.

Female bedbugs can lay over 500 eggs over a lifetime and each bed bug will molt or shed its shell five times as it grows and a blood meal is required for each molt. If blood meals become scarce, bed bugs can slow their life process until a blood meal source is found. The saliva of the bed bug may cause a swelling on most people when they are bitten but they do not leave a wound. Swelling may include redness in some sensitive people.

The bed bug is able to crawl into very small crevices in and around the human environment. These include between mattresses, seams in bed linens, upholstery, behind wood trim, inside electrical boxes, in floors, behind wallpaper, and in any other area near a blood meal that will hide a very thin insect.

Note, however, that bed bugs will move distances at night for a blood meal which is why infestations occur throughout bedroom areas, so merely washing bed linens or other infested areas might not eliminate the source. Bed bugs are also excellent at relocating by hitching rides in luggage, boxes, shoes, and any other mobile material.

Pest management professionals are often asked what individuals can do to avoid bring home a bed bug problem. Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation and then seal and dispose of the vacuum bag. When staying at a hotel always check your bed sheets and behind the headboard for tell-tale blood spots before unpacking your luggage.

Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation. The first step of control is to have a professional thoroughly inspect the area. Here at ProTech we enjoy the services of Roxy, our trained and certified bed bug detection canine. This inspection is required to determine the places where the bed bugs are living.

Once the inspection is complete, your ProTech Pest Control professional will determine the proper type of control technique; treat the area and will return for a follow up service and inspection.

Heat is the most effective tool available for complete eradication of bed bugs and their eggs. When exposed to temperatures above 113F their cells stop working and their body tissues dry up leading to death within minutes.

Since every structure and situation is unique we employ various types of heaters to achieve our goal. As we introduce pure heat into the treatment zone we use powerful fans to distribute it evenly to all areas. This convection processes forces heat into beds, furniture, electronics, wall voids and clothing. To ensure proper treatment we will need to open all drawers, closets, bags and boxes, furniture may need to be moved and beds taken apart. Our technicians use wireless probes (under carpets, behind baseboards, inside mattresses, etc) to continuously monitor temperatures and insure success. Once temperatures above 130F have been recorded in all areas, we will continue to heat for an additional 3-4 hours. The entire process takes 6-10 hours, we will ask you to leave after breakfast but you may return in time for dinner. Not only does our safe, green heating process kill bed bugs, it also kills bacteria, viruses, allergens and spores.

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Bed Bugs Springfield Virginia - ProTech Pest Control