American Pest Control

Bed Bugs Playing Hide-and-Seek in Used Items

  

(Video via WVEC.com)

Bed bugs are one of the most hated insects in the pest control world. Their ability to spread rapidly and remain hidden for long periods of time make them a very troublesome bug to eradicate from homes.

There have been multiple news stories in the past couple of years about bed bug infestations everywhere from apartment buildings to libraries,  one recently got us thinking about these bug's intense stealth abilities. There have been numerous reports of bed bug infestations caused from used furniture and clothing.

The harmless second hand items that you might pick up from your local vintage store, or buy for a great deal off Craigslist could be a hiding spot for these pesky creepy crawlers. The problem with used items and bed bugs is the bug's ability to conceal itself almost completely from the naked eye. Also, because of their ability to go for weeks even months without feeding allows for the bugs to stay hidden within furniture for long amounts of time.

CNN reported that the average homeowner is easily susceptible to a bed bug infestation through used furniture and clothing. We'd suggest to double check any furniture before bringing it into your home and to place any used clothing in the dryer set on medium to high temperature for 20 minutes to kill bedbugs and their eggs.

Bed bugs don't seem to be a problem that will go away soon, but by being diligent and careful you can lessen your chances of an infestation. If an infestation does occur be sure to contact a licensed professional before attempting any chemical treatments in your home.

Termite Chewing Technology

Termite Swarmer and Workers

(courtesy of  Dini M. Miller & theVirgina Cooperative Extension)

 

Termites have long been an adversary in the pest control industry through their ability to ruin homes with costly damages and destruction, but now researchers at Edith Cowan University have created new technology that could help prevent termite destruction by simply listening to them chew.

The new device reported in Science Network last week would plant tiny acoustic listening devices in wood around the home and send signals if and when termites begin to chew on the wood. These signals could be sent via SMS text or even email to pest control companies with a GPS location of the termite activity.

The device is being called a ‘wireless smart probe’ network for acoustic detection or WiSPR for short, can even detect termites in power poles or timber bridges.  Once placed in the ground the device can help detect current termite activity or be the first warning if termites do show up.

This technology would be a great break through in termite detection and would help to keep costly damages at minimum for homeowners. Plans to release the device in Australia within the next year are in the works.

To read more on this new device check out the full release from Science Network Western Australia.