Category Archives: Bed Bugs Maryland

We can all agree that bugs belong outsidebut they somehow always make their way into an indoor crack or crevice you werent expecting. And when they do, spotting one in your home is well, not fun, no matter how big or small the critter is. The good news is: Most common house bugs wont harm you. In fact, theyre likely more afraid of you than you are of them. Still, its nice to know what they are and what their intentions could be during their stay in your humble abode.

You may notice more insects lurking about during a major season change, after a heavy rain sets in, or if you have food lying aroundand even though most of bugs shouldnt concern you, you dont necessarily want to cuddle up with them at night. (Bed bugs, though? Those, you should definitely be concerned about.)

So, we turned to several entomologists and pest control experts to help us round up a list of creepy crawlers you can find living inor passing throughyour home. From invasive species like stink bugs to weird-looking wolf spiders to brightly-colored beetles, here are the most common house bugs to know, how to identify them, and whether or not you should worry if you spot one. Just remember that we share this Earth with all kinds of creatures, and they just happen to be the (mostly harmless) ones that give us the heebie jeebies. They cant help it!

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What it looks like: Youre probably very familiar with this one. Ladybugs are tiny, oval, winged beetles that are usually between 1 to 10 millimeters (mm) in length, depending on the species. They are typically bright red with black spots.

Where youll find it: You can find them in your home in autumn between September through November, when the temperatures drop and they seek a warm spot for winter. They like to gather together within crevices, like cracks around windows and door frames, soffits, attics, wall voids, and the area behind fascia boards and exterior siding.

Can it harm you? These beetles are believed to trigger allergies, ranging from eye irritation to asthma, potentially because they emit a stinky, yellow secretion when they feel theyre in danger. Lady bird beetles also can bite (it feels like a pinch), but they are not poisonous and are rarely harmful.

What it looks like: This invasive bug is large, as it can grow up to 2 centimeters long. When you look at its abdomen from the top, just around where its wings are, youll see a marbled pattern on its back, which is shield-shaped, says Michael J. Raupp, Ph.D., professor of entomology at The University of Maryland and creator of Bug of the Week. A brown marmorated stink bug also has distinct white bands on its antennae and legs, which distinguishes it from other native species that are also brown in color.

Where youll find it: Youll spot these in your home from September through October to find a protective spot as its gets colder. Theyll enter homes via windows, door cracks, vents, siding, shutters, loose sidingyou name it. Unfortunately, they congregate in masses, so getting rid of stink bugs can be annoying.

Can it harm you? Besides the pungent odor they give off, stink bugs do not bite humans or pets, but they can do a number on your garden.

What it looks like: Wolf spiders are hunting spidersand can be pretty big, up to an inch and a half long, Marc Potzler, a board-certified entomologist and technical services manager with Ehrlich Pest Control recently told Prevention.com. They are usually black, gray, or brown, and have a hairy appearance.

Where youll find them: After mating in the fall, female wolf spiders look for protected areas to produce their egg cocoons. Youll find them under and between boards, stones, firewood, and siding, most commonly in basements, sheds, or garages where other insects are, says Potzler.

Can it harm you? Wolf spiders can bite, but only if they feel threatened. They would prefer to hide than bite, according to Howard Russell, M.S., an entomologist at Michigan State University.

What it looks like: These are spindly spiders with long thin legs. The body of the cellar spider is usually 1/4- 5/16-inch-long, with legs extending another 2 inches.

Where youll find it: Youll always find them in a corner with a cobweb, says Raupp. Their namesake matches their stomping grounds, including basements, attics, or other protected places. Cellar spiders are known for their webbing, continuously adding to them.

Can it harm you? Cellar spiders are not venomous and not known to bite.

What it looks like: These crickets are light brown, tan, and dark brown with a humped back. They have very long antennae, and their bodies grow between 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long.

Where youll find it: Youll find them in the basement or dark mancave, says Raupp, as they prefer dark, moist places.

Can it harm you? No. Camel crickets do not bite and are not known to be harmful to humans and pets.

What it looks like: When you think of a stereotypical cricket, these are the ones. Adult field crickets are black and brown in color and are between 1/2 to 1 inch long. They have six legs, long antennae, and antennae-like appendages at the end of their abdomens called cerci. They also have hind wings.

Where youll find it: They enter buildings through open doors and windows and through cracks in foundations. Youll likely be able to locate them through their signature chirping.

Can it harm you? No. Field crickets do not bite or carry diseases. However, once indoors, crickets may damage clothing, drapes, or wall coveringsthanks to stains from feces or by their feeding.

What they look like: These black ants are tiny. They grow between 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. When theyre crushed, they release a bad (somewhat sweet) odor, often described as rotten coconut or banana.

Where youll find them: Odorous house ants feed on pretty much anything, but are drawn to sweet things. So, youll often find them near water and food sources, like garbage cans and kitchen sinks or counters. They also nest indoors near sources of warmth, commonly in wall voids near pipes or heaters.

Can they harm you? Nope, just keep an eye on your groceries.

What it looks like: Carpenter ants are one of the largest ant species in North America. Wingless types grow between to inch, while those with wings can grow up to 1 inch. They are shiny, usually black or dark brown, and known for their narrow waists. They also have mandibles (jaw-like appendages) used for chomping.

Where youll find it: They often damage homes and other wooden structures, so they can be found in moist or decayed wood caused by exposure to water leaks, condensation, or poor air circulation.

Can it harm you? Unfortunately, yes. Carpenter ants can bite, and theyve been known to break skin when they do, which can be painful. While they dont use venom, they do inject an irritant called formic acid into the area, which may cause an allergic reaction. The bites usually dont require medical attention but should be cleaned well to avoid any issues.

What it looks like: These bugs are shaped a bit like a stink bug and grow up to 3/4 inch long. They are a reddish-brown color, and usually have a bright yellow or orange underside with black patches.

Where youll find it: Western conifer seed bugs tend to congregate in the fall as they seek shelter for the winter. They can be found around baseboards, window and door moldings, openings for electrical outlets and fixtures, openings for heating or cooling vents, and other similar pathways.

Can it harm you? They do not bite or sting, but can gather in annoyingly large numbers within the home.

What it looks like: While they look similar to your standard house fly, cluster flies are often larger, about inch long. They are dull-gray and black and have golden-yellow hairs on their bodies, which give them a golden sheen and bristly texture.

Where youll find it: Cluster flies head indoors to outlast the winter. Youll likely find them in attics, under siding, and around windows and crevices on the outside of buildings. They also congregate between walls and work their way out through openings in window frames and electrical fixtures.

Can it harm you? Cluster flies arent venomous and do not bite, dont lay eggs in food like house flies, and arent associated with transmitting diseases.

What it looks like: This creepy crawler get its name from its silvery scales and three, tail-like appendages that protrude from its abdomen. Its antennae is as long as its body and can grow up to 12 mm in length.

Where youll find it: Silverfish are known to feed on foods high in starches and destroy books, papers, wallpaper, and more. They are found in high-humidity environments, but are able to survive a wide range of temperatures. They usually hang out indoors in concealed, temperature-controlled areas such as bathrooms, attics, and basements.

Can it harm you? Silverfish do not bite, do not have venom, and are not poisonous if ingested. They are gross, though.

What they look like: An adult bed bug can be anywhere from - -inch in size. They are often compared to the size of an apple seed, says Nancy Troyano, Ph.D., a board-certified entomologist with Western Exterminator. Bed bugs can range in color from a mahogany-red to light brown, depending on when they last fed, Troyano says.

Where youll find them: In general, youll find them around people. Blood is their only food source, says Glen Ramsey, a board-certified entomologist and senior technical services manager at Orkin. Bed bugs are normally nocturnal, and theyll come out of hiding from places like a mattress to feed on sleeping or quietly resting people. They can travel from place to place with ease, including items such as luggage, purses, and other personal belongings, Ramsey says.

Can they harm you? Yes. While bed bugs have not been found to transmit any diseases to humans, their bites may cause symptoms such as itching, red welts, or swelling the day after being bitten, Ramsey says. However, many bites can leave no mark and go completely unnoticed.

What it looks like: There are different types of cockroaches, but the most common are the American, German, oriental, and brown-banded cockroaches, Ramsey says. Cockroaches can measure over two inches length, with tropical species tending to be larger than those found in other climates, Ramsey says. They have six legs, two antennae, and some even have wings. However, most winged cockroaches are not particularly adept at flying, Ramsey says.

Where youll find it: You can find cockroaches in a lot of places in your home, Troyano says. They could pop up in the bathroomthey love to snack on soap residuedark places in your kitchen like cupboards and cabinets, laundry rooms, basements, and drains, she says.

Can it harm you? Unless you have a serious infestation, cockroaches wont bite you. While cockroaches dont give people diseases through bites, they can transmit foodborne illnesses from one place to another. They can also trigger asthma because of a protein in their saliva, droppings, and on their body, Troyano says.

What they look like: Fruit flies look like light brown flies, says Russell. Theyre usually very smallabout 1/8 of an inch. There are two main types of fruit flies: the common red-eyed fruit fly and the dark-eyed fruit fly, Ramsey says.

Where youll find them: Fruit flies like to hang out around fruit and produce, especially when its ripe, rotting, or decayed, and theyre also attracted to fermented items like beer, liquor, and wine, Ramsey says. Fruit flies also may breed and develop in drains, garbage disposals, trash cans, and mop buckets, he adds.

Can they harm you? In general, Russell says that fruit flies are just a nuisance. But they have the potential to contaminate your food with bacteria and other pathogens, Ramsey says, which is why its so important to store produce in air-tight containers or refrigerators and inspect any fruits or vegetables brought into your home. Also, establish a schedule to regularly clean drain lines, garbage disposals, and any location where food waste accumulates, he says.

What it looks like: Centipedes have long, segmented, generally flattened bodies with one pair of legs per body segment, Russell says. They also have a pair of venomous fangs they use to take out their prey. Centipedes range from 4 to 152 millimeters in size and usually are brown or a reddish orange color.

Where youll find it: House centipedes live in damp, undisturbed places, such as cellars, closets, bathrooms, and attics, Troyano says.

Can it harm you? Some types of centipedes will bite but do not pose a serious threat, Troyano says. Still, a bite can still lead to some swelling and a little pain in the area.

Additional reporting by Korin Miller

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15 Common House Bugs to Know - What Insects Live in Houses? - Prevention

Bed bugs are a nasty and uncomfortable problem. Signs and symptoms of bed bugs can be hard to detect at first, and even trickier to treat. To the untrained eye, bed bug bites can be confused with those of other biting insects.

Here are nine easy signs help you know if you have a bed bug problem.

People don't often consider bed bugs until they've left their mark. The appearance of flat, red welts in zigzag lines or small clusters is a key sign of bed bugs on humans. Bed bugs can also leave their bites in straight rows and, while they don't spread diseases to humans, their bites are quite irritating and scratching them can lead to bleeding and infection.

Bed bugs are most often found in the bed, where humans spend most of their nights. It makes logical sense for bed bugs to be most active at night while humans are in bed with them. Should you find yourself developing those itchy welts while laying in bed sleeping (or trying to sleep), it's likely bed bugs are the problem.

Bed bugs tend to feed on exposed skin such as that on your arms and shoulders, which you may tend to leave uncovered while sleeping. This is different from, say, fleas and chiggers, which tend to bite around the ankles.

The first sign of a bed bug problem is obvious: the bed. After bed bugs feed on humans, they'll leave behind blood stains resembling small rust spots. These will usually be found near the corners and edges of the bed. Bed bugs also shed their skin, or molt, several times as they mature, so you may find their oval brown exoskeletons during your search.

A strong, unpleasant, musty odor like that of a wet towel is another common bed bug symptom. Bed bugs release pheromones, and when in large numbers, the smell can be quite strong. Should you find your bedroom smelling like a dirty locker room, you may want to perform an inspection.

Remember, bed bugs aren't confined to your home. They can be found wherever you sleep, including hotel rooms.

Here are some quick inspection tips to help you avoid a serious problem, whether on the road or at home:

Strip the mattress and box spring and thoroughly inspect the corners and seams. Use a magnifying glass and a flashlight. You're looking for rust-colored, reddish-brown blood stains and/or small brown ovals (molted bed bug skin).

After searching the bed, it's time to move to the rest of the room. Check anything upholstered, including chairs, couches, curtains and the edges of the carpet. Look in and behind dressers, underneath the bed and if possible, behind the headboard. Always be on the lookout for the signature reddish-brown spots.

Bed bugs can also cling to clothing, which is how they can travel and spread so adeptly. Be sure to look in your closets and check your clothing thoroughly. Bed bugs on clothes means bed bugs on humans.

As stated above, one way detect bed bugs is their smell. The scent of their pheromones can be quite strong. It's often described as a musty odor.

Since it's possible for people to go for long periods without being aware they have a bed bug infestation, knowing the key bed bug symptoms and how to find these pests will go a long way in combating them.

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9 Symptoms and Signs of Bed Bugs | Terminix

Alfreda Miller and her four children live in one of the worst apartment units in Amhurst Gardens. The toilets and bathtubs in her two bathrooms overflow with sewage and feces every few months, she said.

She has thrown away countless towels and blankets trying to soak up the water. Her children help scrub the tubs after each incident.

Miller, 38, had previously shared her story with The Stanly News & Press, but on Monday night she detailed it before Albemarle City Council, during a lengthy town hall meeting at the E.E. Waddell Center where council members listened to concerns raised by public housing residents.

Who wants to throw dirty towels with poop on them in their washing machine? she said, holding back tears. This is my day, this is my life, that I have to deal with.

Her unit on Inger Street is one of several in the public housing community impacted by collapsed pipes, which have caused problems for residents.

Miller said she also has mold in her home, which makes her fear for any potential long-term health effects. She is especially worried for her 9-year-old daughter, who has asthma. She said she believes her daughters condition has worsened since the family has lived there.

The conditions have gotten so bad Miller is afraid to invite people into her apartment.

She signed paperwork in late May to move into a vacant property while her unit is renovated but, several months later, she and her children remain in the same unit, despite having all of their belongings packed.

My kids shouldnt have to live like this, she said. We shouldnt have to live like this and be treated like this, like its our fault.

The council decided to schedule a meeting with residents after initially hearing from them during a council meeting in August. At that meeting, several council members mentioned it was the first time they had heard of such problems. Public housing director Dr. Kim Scott spoke in more detail about some of the problems during the Sept. 6 council meeting.

Victoria Ingram, who has lived on South Bell Avenue for more than 30 years, was one of the residents who spoke during the August meeting and again Monday. Shes had numerous problems over the years with household items, including her refrigerator, air conditioner and the toilet in her bathroom.

Shes had to discard new furniture due to infestation of bed bugs and often has to throw out food because her refrigerator is not working. Her air conditioner recently stopped working and it felt like hell in that apartment, she said.

This doesnt come easy to me because Im on a fixed income, Ingram said. Im to the point where Im fed up.

At least half a dozen residents spoke, including some, likeAngelina Kelder, who felt the city could have done more over the years to address the issues.

The thing that still continues to bug me is that you all continually pass the buck on to somebody else instead of taking accountability, she said.

In response, Mayor Ronnie Michael said the council is very disappointed in the conditions many residents are living in, adding that weve got to figure out answers and thats what were hoping Dr. Scott can help us to figure out.

Since public housing is under the jurisdiction of the city, Scott told council he has struggled to help his residents as a result of the red tape he has to go through on the municipal level. He alleged that the procurement process changes often and when he has gone to the finance department with funding requests, he is told he does not have the money in his budget to spend.

I have run schools that have $6.9 million budgets and I was able to get what I needed through the procurement process and this is the most difficult procurement process that I have ever had to deal with in 25 years, he said.

Michael stressed Scott needs to work within his budget and follow the proper procedures, including having written specifications for what is needed.

The citys 63-page Purchasing and Contracting Policies and Procedures Manualwas last updated in January 2021 and all departments are educated on it, according to a statement sent to the SNAP from the city.

As with any level of government, the City of Albemarles procurement policy is in place to make sure taxpayer money is spent responsibly, the statement said. All departments of the City of Albemarle are required to follow the Citys procurement policy. This procurement policy is based on local, state, and federal laws and procedures.

While he said he understands rules and regulations need to be followed to procure necessary items for residents, City of Albemarle Section 8 inspector Eric Allsbrook said some rules are made to be broken.

When it comes to appliances like refrigerators and stoves not working, thats a 24-hour emergency, Allsbrook said.

Councilman Benton Dry emphasized the importance of everyone coming together to try and solve the problems.

Were here tonight to listen and do what we can to move this thing forward, he said. We appreciate what each of you have said and I hate like hell that youre in this situation.

At the end of the meeting, Michael told the SNAP: The city is dedicated to finding how to address these issues and move forward and correct the problems.

Scotts plan to improve the public housing community

In a presentation before the residents spoke, Scott mentioned there are 10 units with existing sewage line issues.

The facilities are about 50 years old, as the housing community has been around since 1971.

He first discovered the problems in January, when he took over as director and stepped in what he thought was a pool of water but instead was sewage leaking from one of the units.

Scott and his staff are working with Stogner Architecture in Rockingham to determine the severity of the problem and hire contractors to renovate the properties. Since 1991, Stogner has worked on 18 public housing projects within the city, according to its website.

In addition to the collapsed pipes, Scott has found 30 inoperable refrigerators and stoves and four HVAC systems that are not working. Many of the HVAC units have not been serviced in six years, he said.

Scott would like to modernize and refurbish at least 20 apartment units each fiscal year. This would include mold testing and abatement, sheet rock repair and replacement, floor, ceiling and cabinet replacement, as well as painting, appliance replacement and incidental repairs.

Stogner will work with the public housing department to help identify the existing condition of cast iron sewer systems in the units and replace the existing systems with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping.

The sewer repair project is forecasted to begin next February, Scott said.

Capital funding for the public housing department for fiscal year 2022 is $724,485, with funding for 2023-2026 expected to be $578,517 each year.

A key problem has been that several vacant units on Inger Street, which will temporarily house several of the residents dealing with sewer problems like Miller and her children, are still not yet ready. Scott has looked at alternative options, such as hotels in the area, but they have all been booked.

My concern is I dont have units to put my residents in because theyre not finished, Scott told council.

He anticipates the vacant units should be completed within the next two to three weeks.

In addition to the sewer problems, as part of his five-year plan, Scott recently changed portions of the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy, including rent collection and security deposits.

Scott and his staff have been updating residents rental amounts, which had been inconsistent in the past, and have reduced the waiting list, which had been inflated due to individuals who have been dead for years still being included.

He is also working to establish wrap-around services for many families, including healthcare, mental health services, youth development, childcare and literacy programs.

As part of the Change Your Mind; Change your Life campaign, public housing will offer several educational opportunities for residents to learn about topics such as credit repair, home ownership and workforce development.

I love these residents and I want them to have a piece of the American Pie, he said.

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Albemarle Council hears more concerns from residents about public housing - The Stanly News & Press | The Stanly News & Press - Stanly News...

Bed bugs get their name from their favorite feeding ground: You, in your own bed. These blood-suckers live in or near beds or other textiles, crawling up to bite you as you sleep, sometimes leaving you with itchy red marks or welts. Under optimal conditions, bed bugs can double their population every 16 days. But what exactly are bed bugs? How do you identify them, where do they live, and what should you do if you suspect your home might be infested? Read on to learn more.

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood, usually at night. They can be found in nearly every corner of the world. The common bed bug is the most widespread species, though there are a few other species that can be found in certain parts of the world. The common bed bug is the one you would most likely find in your home if you live in the United States.

Reports of these pests have been on the rise in recent decades. Bed bugs also tend to spread quickly from place to place, which makes them bad news for just about everybody. Schools, hotels, movie theaters and other structures have been shut down because of bed bug infestations.

If you think you may have bed bugs in your home, it's important to be able to identify them. Bed bugs look different at different stages of their life cycle, but they tend to be from one to three millimeters long. Adult bed bugs are oval shaped and brown or reddish brown in color. They are also very thin and flat, which makes it easy for them to squeeze in tight places. After feeding, however, their bodies get longer and more red in color.

In their nymph stage, bed bugs may be tan, white, yellowish or nearly transparent, and will be much smaller than adults. Bed bugs feed on blood at all stages of their life.

If you wake up in the morning with itchy, red bites on your body, this may be one of the signs that you've been bitten by bed bugs. It's important to note, though, that not all people react to bed bug bites, so you may have bed bugs even if you don't notice you've been bitten. However, there are some telltale signs of bed bug bites that may tip you off to having been bitten.

For many people, though, bed bug bites look like small, raised, red welts, and they often appear in lines or clusters. They are much smaller than mosquito bites, but are often quite itchy.

Are bed bugs dangerous? Bed bug bites are annoying, but luckily, these pests aren't known to carry disease like mosquitoes and other parasites do. However, some people may have severe allergic reactions to bites, or scratching bed bug bites may lead to skin infections, according to the CDC.

Knowing more about bed bug behavior and these creatures' habits can help you learn more about how to prevent them and protect yourself from an infestation. In this section, we'll look at how and when they feed, and their life cycle.

Bed bugs will feed on any warm-blooded mammal. It's easier for them to bite humans, though, as we are not covered in thick fur like pets. Bed bugs tend to feed while we are asleep and are attracted to bodily warmth and the carbon dioxide humans exhale. This attracts them to a reliable source of blood so they can feed.

Bed bugs can feed as often as once a day and need to feed before molting. It only takes them a few minutes to feed before they go back into hiding for the rest of the night.

Nymph and adult bed bugs derive their food source from the blood of animals, including humans. A bed bug's life begins with a five-stage growth cycle to adulthood over about 37 days.

As adults, they can live for about a year, depending on their access to food and the ambient temperature. An adult female bed bug can lay roughly 113 eggs in her lifetime. At this rate, bed bug populations can double every 16 days. With thousands of bed bugs in one location, infestations take hold quickly.

Here's a little more about the life cycle of a bed bug:

Bed bug nymphs are tiny -- only around a millimeter long. They are usually whitish in color, but are ready to feed as soon as they hatch.

In this stage, the bug grows a little and starts to darken in color. While they're still tiny, they are about to shed their skin and grow again.

In this stage, just as in previous stages, the bug has grown a little more, reaching about three millimeters in length.

The bug continues to grow, feed and shed its skin. It has nearly reached maturity.

In this stage, the bug is nearly full grown and must feed and shed its skin once more before adulthood.

In just over a month, the bug has gone from an egg to an adult. It is now ready to mate and create potentially hundreds more bugs in your home.

After the male and female bed bugs mate, the female requires a blood meal to produce eggs. The female bed bug typically produces between 5 and 20 eggs per blood meal. Most of the eggs hatch and mature in 37 days. Because they can store fertilized eggs for some time, female bed bugs can reproduce even when apart from males.

Because they reproduce so quickly, bed bug infestations can spread rapidly, especially in homes with shared walls like apartments or townhomes. They can climb through tiny cracks and will stay hidden until they're ready to feed.

Bed bugs are also notorious hitchhikers. They will cling onto your clothes, shoes or luggage when you travel, and will set up a nest wherever they happen to land. This is why they can be such a problem in hotels, office buildings, schools and other public places.

Bed bugs are attracted to humans due to the carbon dioxide they exhale, along with other chemical cues released while we are sleeping. These pests have one mission - to feed on your blood. Bed bugs do not prefer dirty homes over clean homes. They don't care about where they nest, as long as they have access to a regular supply of blood.

If you live in an apartment or in a housing unit that shares walls with another unit, you may be more at risk for bed bugs. Because bed bugs will crawl to find more human hosts when their nest grows, high density residences and frequently traveled places like hotels and taxis become bed bug transportation stations. Buying used furniture is another way to acquire bed bugs at home.

The best way to reduce your bed bug risk is to carefully check for them when you are changing your bed, returning home with luggage and buying used items. Examine these items outside before bringing them into your home.

Bed bugs like to cluster together near their human host's bed, so they don't have to travel far to their next feeding. It can get crowded quickly there, so bed bugs may hide in extremely tight places nearby, which makes them difficult to get rid of.

If you miss the bugs hiding in nearby furnishings, carpet edges, or even wallpaper, these outliers can reestablish their home in your bed in a matter of weeks. Bed bugs can be a nightmare to treat, especially if you try to do it yourself.

Common places bed bugs hide include electrical sockets, bed frames, mattresses, between couch cushions, in the zippers of pillows and anywhere they aren't often disturbed. They quickly scurry out of that hiding place once every few days to feed, and then they hide away until they're hungry again.

There are a few common signs that you may have bed bugs in your home. Of course, as mentioned above, bites are a big warning that you may be housing an infestation.

You can also look for dark stains on your bedsheets, which may be bed bug feces. You can also be on the lookout for bloodstains on your sheets or clothing. Bed bug eggs, shells, and live bed bugs are less commonly seen, but can also be sure signs that you have a problem.

Because they are so small and difficult to spot, bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of. If you think you have bed bugs in your home, it's important to call a bed bug control professional. When you call Terminix for a free inspection, a pro will first confirm whether you have bed bugs by identifying a sample. Then they'll be able to discover the extent of the infestation, and provide you with customized treatment options to help take care of your bed bug problem. Call Terminix today for a free inspection.

Probably not, but these facts about bed bugs will dispel common myths and might actually give you some comfort while you sleep tonight. At the very least, youll learn that there wont be any bed bugs flying over your pillow. Unfortunately, that doesnt mean they cant crawl.

If youve ever thought you might be able to starve bed bugs to death by not sleeping in an infested room for a while, you are out of luck. In some cases, bed bugs have been known to survive more than a year without a blood meal.

Bed bugs might be just as lazy as their name suggests. While they dont limit themselves to hiding in beds, they do limit the amount of exercise they are willing to commit to for the sake of a meal. Some bed bugs will travel up to 100 feet in search of a host, but on average, most bed bugs wont travel more than 30 feet.

Perhaps part of the reason that bed bugs prefer not to travel has to do with their speed. Bed bugs can only move about 3 to 4 feet per minute. On a flat surface without any obstacles in the way, it would take a bed bug almost an entire day to move just 1 mile.

Among all of these other facts about bed bugs, this one might be especially comforting. Bed bugs dont have any hind wings and their front wings are no more than wing-like pads. As such, they are unable to fly. They also dont jump.

If you are suspicious about a small piece of furniture in your home containing bed bugs, place it in the bathtub until you have a chance to inspect and clean it. Just make sure the bathtub is clean. While bed bugs are hopeless against a perfectly smooth surface, they can sometimes use the dirt on an otherwise slippery side, in order to escape.

The idea of basking in the hot sand all day would not be particularly attractive to a bed bug. In fact, in temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, bed bugs cant live for more than three or four hours.

You are likely to be haunted by any insect that sneaks up on you at night, but bed bugs can have a particularly ghost-like appearance. A newly matured, nymph bed bug, or one that hasnt fed for a very long time, will appear translucent. Bed bugs only gain color after they have had a blood meal. After its very first meal, a nymph bed bug will turn bright red.

After taking a break from tormenting the human population, bed bugs have made a major resurgence over that past few years. This has led to a number of lawsuits regarding bed bugs. One of the biggest payouts as a result of a bed bug lawsuit was more than $600,000.

If these facts about bed bugs havent exactly brought on the comfort of counting sheep, consider calling a pest management professional. Call Terminix today and you can schedule a free bed bug inspection. Or, you could just count the bed bugs until they put you to sleep. Sounds soothing, right?

Read more here:
Bed Bugs: Facts, Information and Pictures | Terminix

February 10, 2021 04:54 ET | Source: ReportLinker

New York, Feb. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "U.S. Structural Pest Control Market - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06021772/?utm_source=GNW

The U.S. structural pest control market share is highly affected owing to the frequent outbreak of infectious diseases. Since the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the US, maintaining health and hygiene for personal wellness has gained momentum. As the disease is highly contagious, it has become crucial for residential, commercial, and industrial places to maintain the highest standards of hygiene to ensure public and employee safety. There is an increased demand for pest control services from medical centers, public offices, educational institutions, hotels, and restaurants. Another important factor contributing to the growth of the market in the US is the introduction of digital and smart pest control technology. Although the penetration of digital technology is currently low, it is expected to gain momentum soon with the growth in the U.S. structural pest control market.

The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the U.S. structural pest control market during the forecast period: Continuous Outbreak of Diseases Demand for Digital Pest Control Methods Increase in Pest Intolerance Demand for Vector Control Services

The study considers the present scenario of the U.S. structural pest control market and its market dynamics for the period 2020?2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The report offers both the demand and supply aspects of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent ones operating in the market.

U.S. Structural Pest Control Market Segmentation The U.S. structural pest control market research report includes a detailed segmentation by type, method, application, geography. High affordability of general pest control services is one of the major factors influencing the growth of the segment. The growing incidence of pest infestation has increased the demand for these services. General pest control services are largely based on the usage of low-toxic chemicals and mechanical devices, which help to reduce the growth of ants, mosquitoes, and rodents. Rodent elimination services are observing a spike among consumers as rodents alone are responsible for several disorders, including gastric diseases. Connected devices and remote monitoring systems for rodents are opening opportunities for services and customers.

Easy availability and high cost-effectiveness are the major reasons responsible for the high adoption of chemical and mechanical methods. The spread of the COVID-19 virus across the US has driven service providers to opt for chemicals that are effective against coronavirus. Owing to the high efficiency, vendors are focusing on developing effective chemicals with the fusion of ethyl alcohol. Chemical methods are more popular than mechanical ones as they are highly effective in insect extermination and are less complicated. They are highly preferred in commercial and industrial industries, especially in workplaces, hospitals, and manufacturing units because this application method is efficient for large rooms and preventive facilities.

The demand for pest control services from the residential sector is projected to be high in the US during the forecast period. In the industrial sector, a majority of industries have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, and hence pest control services are expected to decline for the short term, particularly in the logistics industry. In the commercial sector, office spaces, coworking spaces, and travel and hospitality shut down, and hence the overall services were impacted during Q1 & Q2 2020. However, with the reopening of commercial and industrial activities in the country, the market is expected to revive soon, bringing opportunities for vendors in the US. Residential-sector plague infestation is increasing, especially in high-density areas such as metropolitan cities, where population mobility is currently high.

Type General Pest Control o Rodent o Insect o Others Termite Control Others Method Chemical Mechanical Other Methods Application Residential Sector Commercial Sector o Corporate Office Spaces o Hospitality o Hospitals o Educational Centers o Retail Outlets o Shopping Malls o Gym and Fitness Centers o Government Offices o Others Industrial Sector o Food o Pharma o Logistics o Warehouse o Logistics o Manufacturing Units o Others Other Sectors

INSIGHTS BY GEOGRAPHY The non-availability of hygiene maintenance systems such as vacuum systems in a majority of houses in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland is increasing adoption of pest control services in the Northeast region. The region also hosts several skyscrapers, especially in New York, that is likely to drive the demand for these services. The overall market dynamics for structural pest control services remain supportive and are likely to witness a ramp-up in demand. New York is one of the high potential cities for pest control firms.

Geography US o Northeast o Midwest o West o South

INSIGHTS BY VENDORS Rollins, Terminix, Ecolab, Anticimex, and Rentokil are the major pest control companies in the US. The U.S. structural pest control market is extremely competitive, therefore an approach to acquire well-established, leading firms, is often adopted to expand in the market. The market, on the whole, is growing steadily due to the rise of the bed bug infestation in the US, with an annual growth projection of bed bugs at around 2.9%. As part of the inorganic growth policy, vendors are engaging in M&As to extend their reach to other states and increase their revenue and profit margins. These inorganic projects supplement vendors organic growth strategies and thus provide access to a broader client base.

Prominent Vendors Anticimex Ecolab Massey Services Inc. Rentokil Rollins Terminix Truly Nolen

Other Prominent Vendors Arrow Exterminators Cooks Pest Control Dodson Pest Control Eastern Termite & Pest Control Hulett Environmental Services Ehrlich Lindsey Pest Services Rose Pest Solutions ABC Home & Commercial Services Abell Pest Control Home Paramount Plunketts Pest Control Cleggs Pest Solutions Excel Pest Solutions US Pest Protection Assured Environments

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED 1. What is the future outlook and growth projections of the U.S. structural pest control market? 2. What are the upcoming trends for the pest control market? 3. Which are the largest companies in the structural pest control industry in the US? 4. What segments are expected to account for the highest pest control service market share during the forecast period? 5. What is the impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. structural pest control market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06021772/?utm_source=GNW

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The US structural pest control market by revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5% during the period 20212026 - GlobeNewswire