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Prevention and Control of Bed Bugs in Residences
Bed bugs have resurged to quickly become a very important pest of the 21st century, as they invade numerous urban areas including hostels, hotels and residences. Our society has had a 30+ year “vacation” from this pest, when bed bugs were almost removed from North America as a result of mass treatments with older types of insecticides (DDT, Chlordane, Lindane). Recently though, bed bugs have found ample opportunity to increase in number and spread through society. Their success is a result of: increased travel of people; improved treatment methods that specifically target other insect pests; and the lack of public awareness.
Amco Ranger is considered an expert in bed bug control and have the most comprehensive and effective bed bug solutions. Our bed bug management system works so well, we back our treatment program with the Amco Badge of Guaranteed Protection.
National Geographic YouTube clip – Bedbugs
Bed Bug Characteristics
In search of warm-bloodied creatures for their supply of food, bed bugs started out in the world attacking nest-bound critters, but have quickly learned how to adapt to human households. When a bed bug first hatches, they are about the size of a poppy seed. An adult measures around ¼ of an inch in length, which is oval in shape with a flattened appearance from top to bottom. At first, bed bugs are nearly white in color (right after molting) and become light tan, deep brown, or burnt orange when mature. Prior to feeding, immature (nymphs) are translucent or pale in color while adults are mostly reddish brown or mahogany in color. The shade of their body color comes as a result of digesting meals of blood.
Damage
Common Bed bugs are not usually considered to be disease carriers. These bugs have been found naturally infested with at least 27 human pathogens but have never been proven to biologically transmit these pathogens to humans. They do suck blood from their host with piercing mouth parts that contains two needle-like stylists: one stylist has grove that carries saliva into the wound, while the other has a groove through which body fluids from the host are imbibed. Bites are usually found around the neck, feet, arms or hands, and can be visible as a welt-like swelling in a straight line in some sensitive people.
Ask for Help from Pest Management Professionals
Management
The Amco Ranger Solution and the key to success in bed bug elimination is being thorough. Since this insect does not fly, they generally live close to their host. Thorough inspection and treatment will be necessary to achieve control.
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First your Amco Ranger technician will thoroughly inspect to confirm live bed bug activity. With the aid of Ultra violet detection, even newly hatched nymphs and bed bug eggs can be detected in tiny areas such as a small stitching hole in your mattress. If live bed bug activity cannot be visibly seen, we can utilize special bed bug monitoring devices as part of a monitoring program to catch new bed bug infestations before they become severe.
Once bed bugs are detected Amco ranger’s treatment system includes:
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Treatment of all bed bug harborages with EPA-registered products including: headboard, mattress, box spring and bed frame, upholstered furniture, behind wall hanging items, nightstands, baseboards, flooring, electrical outlets, and closets.
- Installation of certified bed bug proof zippered mattress and box spring protectors to seal off your bed from further infestation. While many companies simply tell you to throw away your mattresses, we provide an effective solution that can save you thousands of dollars compared to mattress replacement.
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Use of scientifically tested bed bug monitoring devices to confirm successful elimination and give you peace of mind.
Getting Ready for Amco Ranger Service Visits
Bed bugs are one of the most difficult insects to control, and success requires a comprehensive and integrated bed bug management approach. A critical part of this approach is customer cooperation. Appropriate preparation for service has to be completed by the homeowner or tenant before our technicians can treat your home successfully, it is a must to prepare your home for service.
Learn how by reading our Bed Bug Treatment Preparation Checklist .
Prevention and Control of Bed Bugs
Bed bug reinfestation can occur very easily. One of Amco Ranger’s most important jobs is to educate our customers so they can protect themselves against future bed bug infestations.
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Know how to identify a bed bug bite
- Bed bug bites often appear as a welt-like swelling in a straight line, however, bug bites can look very different from one person to another, even dermatologists and pest control professionals often cannot identify a bed bug bite or distinguish it from something with another cause.
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Know how to identify the presence of bed bugs
- Using a flashlight carefully inspect for bed bugs. Search for crawling insects, blood spots, and excrement and/or cast skins. Bed bugs seek harborage in cracks and crevices. Common hiding places include: folds & creases in bed linens, seams, tufts & under buttons on mattresses or box springs, in drapery pleats & hems, in headboards, nightstands, behind baseboard molding, wall-mounted artwork, electrical outlets, etc. An adult bed bug is about 1/4-inch long, oval in shape and flat. They resemble apple seeds in appearance and size.
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Know how to protect yourself when you travel
- You can help avoid bed bugs while traveling and staying in hotels by taking a few basic precautions. You should inspect your room before settling in by looking behind the headboard, around joints in bedside tables, and by pulling back the bed sheets and looking at the piping around the mattress and box spring. Use luggage racks set away from the wall, and never set luggage on the bed. Finally, dry everything on high heat for at least 15 minutes when you get home.
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Know the most common ways they get into our living spaces
- Contrary to popular belief, there is no association between bed bugs and filth. Bed bugs feed on human and animal blood. As long as there's a source of blood available to them, they will happily take up residence in even the most pristine home. For bed bugs to infest your home, they've got to hitch a ride on someone or something. Bed bugs don't usually stay on their human hosts after feeding, but might hide in clothing and inadvertently go along for the ride to a new location. Most often, bed bugs travel in luggage after someone has stayed in an infested hotel room. Bed bugs may even infest theaters and other public spaces, and spread to new locations via purses, backpacks, or coats.
Amco Ranger has an extremely successful track record for eliminating and controlling bed bug infestations in the St. Louis area. While bed bugs may seem like a nightmare, our dedicated staff can provide solutions that allows our customers to sleep soundly again.
Call and schedule an appointment today for your free inspection and estimate.
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