Category Archives: Bed Bugs Maryland

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.

Read the rest here:
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

About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

__________________________

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

ATLANTIC CITY The view from John Dismans fifth-story one-bedroom apartment is picturesque, offering unobstructed sight lines of Brighton Park, the Boardwalk and the ocean.

In almost any other shore town, a beach-block rental would be about as close to living in paradise as one could get.

And yet Disman lives with black mold, roaches and bed bugs, heat that only works for part of the day, paid cable service that is not turned on, and a building where outside foot traffic often includes sex workers and drug dealers.

ATLANTIC CITY New regulations for short-term rental properties were adopted by City Counci

I just want some help, said Disman, a 65-year-old disabled union worker who lives alone. Im a sick man, and Im just trying to deal with it.

Attempts to get that help from the building manager, city officials or a low-income housing representative have not yielded results, he said.

A call to Dismans building manager seeking comment was not returned.

In a city where renters far outnumber homeowners and many are either senior citizens, disabled or low-income, Dismans experience is far from unique.

From the Boardwalk and beach blocks, to Back Maryland and the Westside, Atlantic City renters say they are being subjected to inhumane living conditions and targeted for retribution when they seek help.

At a recent City Council meeting, Stuart Sockol, a resident of The Ocean at 101 Boardwalk, characterized his building as a disaster, noting two fires and a flood in the past year. The building, an assisted living complex that houses more than 300 people, has been the subject of complaints in the past.

ATLANTIC CITY City Council wants state lawmakers to amend a bill regulating sober living h

Many people may die, unnecessarily, if conditions do not improve, Sockol told the governing body. Basic human needs are not provided for, or they are ignored for months. ... The owners criminal neglect of the laws governing their business and the neglect of our rights as tenants and human beings is beyond my explanation.

No one responded to a message left with the management office at 101 Boardwalk.

Some city officials, disturbed by the number of constituent calls regarding rental units, have recently started holding community meetings to inform residents of their rights, offer assistance where possible and encourage those with serious health, civil rights and discriminatory concerns to speak up. They have heard stories about excess mold, pest and rodent infestation, unannounced and intrusive in-home visits, harassing notices and revocation of resident amenities.

ATLANTIC CITY State lawmakers on Wednesday heard from advocates, community leaders and exp

We are not going to allow (landlords and building managers) to push you around, 2nd Ward Councilwoman LaToya Dunston told nearly 50 residents during a meeting in January. You have rights, and we want you to be empowered.

At-large Councilman Moisse Delgado said all too often, landlords and operators of subsidized and low-income housing act as though residents are less than, because of the assistance they receive.

Dunston and Delgado said they will continue to hold meetings and put pressure on those responsible until conditions improve.

We are hoping for remedies, Delgado said at one of the public meetings. We dont want anyone to be displaced.

But fear of retribution stops many residents from being vocal or filing complaints.

ATLANTIC CITY The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority adopted its vacant rooming hou

A lot of people are scared, so they dont come forward, said one woman, whom The Press of Atlantic City chose not to identify, at a housing meeting Thursday night at the All Wars Memorial Building.

Sandra Robinson, a resident of the Shore Park Hi Rise on Virginia Avenue, spoke at a recent state Assembly Housing Committee hearing at Stockton University, where she told lawmakers that tenants need help because when they attempt to bring concerns about poor living conditions to their landlords, they are targeted for harassment and eviction. She said when issues with insects and pests or questions about unannounced changes to monthly rent are broached, tenants face retaliation. Since so many of them cannot afford to legally defend themselves, they are often forced from their homes.

All I want is to live in conditions that are feasible and are humane, Robinson said. And yet, when I ask questions about living in these conditions where Im at, Im being (labeled) as a threat.

Read the original here:
Atlantic City renters want 'humane' living conditions, turn to officials for help - Press of Atlantic City

Are you concerned about getting a bed bug infestation in your Maryland home? We understand why. Bed bugs are disturbing pests. There is something unsettling about bugs that wait for you to go to sleep and then come out to feed on you while you're unconscious and defenseless. But that isn't where they're creepiness ends. Bed bugs have a preference for human blood. You're not just one of many warm-blooded mammals to feed on; you are the preferred meal choice. Bed bugs prefer human blood so much, they have chosen to dwell with us almost exclusively since the dawn of human history. This makes them frustrating to prevent. Why? Because they don't come into your Maryland home in a way that is preventablelike most other pests do. You can't invest in a residential pest control program for the exterior of your home and call it a day. Bed bugs hitchhike into your home, bypassing any exterior pest control barrier you have in place. This requires a different kind of pest prevention. Here's what you need to know.

Would you know a bed bug if you saw one? You might not. When bed bugs first hatch, they don't look like adult bed bugs. They aren't a rusty brown color, they're pale or tan in coloration. This is what stage they're likely to be in when you see them because immature nymphs can feed any time of day. Adult bed bugs prefer to wait for CO2 levels to climb before they come out to feed, which is usually at night. If you see a pale, mostly transparent insects with six legs and a bright red abdomen feeding on your skin, it is important that you recognize it as a bed bug. Proper identification could prevent you from bringing an infestation home with you.

No matter where you go, always keep an eye out for bed bug warning signs. Bed bugs can be anywhere. They've been found infestating all forms of public transportation, movie theaters, libraries, daycares, schools, police lockups, retail stores, and many more. If they can find people sitting, lounging, or sleeping in a dark room, they can find a blood meal. Look for these signs:

If anyone in your home spends the night somewhere, consider taking these precautions to keep from bringing an infestation home:

When you get home from a trip, run all of your laundry items through a hot dryer cycle for 30 minutes. It is a good idea to put duffle bags, sleeping bags, and other items that won't be damaged, through a 30-minute dryer cycle as well. Your dryer is a powerful weapon in the war on bed bugs. Sustained high temperatures kill bed bugs in all stages of development.

There are two ways to deal with bed bugs when you see them. Your dryer is the first and most powerful tool for killing bed bugs but, when you can't dry an item, you'll need to do something else. If the bed bugs or bed bug eggs are in a place you can directly treat, you can use rubbing alcohol. If they are inside an item, it is a more complicated issue and we suggest that you let a professional treat the specific item.

If you live in Maryland, remember that American Pest is always standing by to assist you with any pest control issue you're dealing with, including bed bugs. We offer comprehensive bed bug treatment options for residents and businesses throughout Maryland and fast relief from these tormenting pests. Reach out to us. We're here to help.

Read the rest here:
Maryland Residents Mini Guide To Avoiding Bed Bugs