bed bugs, Featured, General Pest Control, News, Pest Control, Property Managers, Realtors, Uncategorized
Bed Bugs Bigger Bother Than Before!
The Smithsonian recently reported that current studies indicate that bed bugs could be significantly more hazardous to our health than we thought!
Sure, nobody like having bugs as bunkmates. They come in uninvited, eating whatever they want and generally making an unsightly mess. Not to mention the biting, itching, and scratching that goes on when pests are involved… but now—to add to those sleepless nights— research indicates that bed bugs in the US could become a carrier for Trypanosoma cruzi… the parasite which causes Chagas disease.
Chagas disease is a disease that can result in heart failure and, ultimately, death. In the early stage, symptoms are typically either not present or mild and may include: fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, or local swelling at the site of the bite. After 8–12 weeks, individuals enter the chronic phase of disease and in 60–70% of individuals, it never produces further symptoms. The other 30 to 40% of people, however, develop further symptoms long term, such as enlargement of the ventricles of the heart. 20 to 30% of theses cases end up leading to heart failure.
Early treatments for Chagas are effective at curing the disease, but often have side effects, and the longer an individual goes undiagnosed or untreated, the less effective the treatment becomes. There is no vaccine currently available for preventative measures. The best method of prevention is to eliminate the threat of being bitten.
Triatomine occurrence by U.S. state.
Although Chagas disease is typically attributed to Triatominae (also known as “kissing bugs”) in South American regions, researchers have found evidence of the Chagas virus in the US — 40% of “kissing bugs” captured by researchers in Louisiana were infected with the parasite. “Kissing bug” territory has been positively identified in half of the United States (see chart above). Studies indicate the T. cruzi parasite has ALSO taken up a comfortable residence in the digestive system of bed bugs, which are a close relative of the Triatominae.
How likely is the scenario of a wide scale infection? An estimated 300,000 people in the U.S. are already positive for Chagas disease, and in addition to having kissing bugs AND bed bugs as carriers, the T. cruzi parasite can also live in pets who have been infected by those bugs. Any fecal matter left by these pets can potentially be contaminated. The disease can also be transmitted via blood transfusion / contact.
The CDC is already predicting that “kissing bugs” (the primary carriers for the disease) will expand their territory range as the national climate begins to warm, and bed bug activity has been on the rise in Los Angeles and surrounding areas since 2011.
ABC News reported in 2013 that Los Angeles and surrounding areas ranked 3rd in “Worst Bed Bug Infestations” based on bed bug services provided… the year before the city was ranked at number 5. This year, Los Angeles and surrounding areas rank at #2 and San Diego jumped up 6 spots on its own! Bed bug activity is on the rise, and shows no indication of slowing down… which compounds the risk of Chagas infection.
Which is a prime reason to get started on bug and pest prevention now!
Contact us to find out about our pest prevention services today.
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Think your city might be infested? Check out the map below to see the 50 spots that have had the largest occurrences of bed bug infestations in 2013. Click on the dot to see the latest ranking and the previous year’s ranking.
For reference, these are this year’s top 50 U.S. cities, ranked in order of the frequency of bedbug treatments, and their ranking compared to last year:
1) Chicago
2) Los Angeles (+1)
3) Columbus, Ohio (+3)
4) Detroit (-2)
5) Cincinnati
6) Cleveland/Akron/Canton (+2)
7) Dayton (+4)
8) Washington D.C. (-1)
9) Denver (-5)
10) Indianapolis (+6)
11) Richmond/Petersburg, Va. (+1)
12) Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville, N.C. (+3)
13) Dallas/Ft. Worth (-4)
14) Syracuse, N.Y. (+7)
15) Atlanta (+14)
16) Houston (+2)
17) New York (-7)
18) Seattle/Tacoma (-5)
19) San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose (-5)
20) Boston (+2)
21) Milwaukee (-2)
22) Miami/Ft. Lauderdale (+3)
23) Nashville (+17)
24) Pittsburgh (+12)
25) Charlotte (+18)
26) San Diego (+6)
27) Baltimore (-7)
28) Phoenix (+7)
29) Cedar Rapids/Waterloo, Iowa (+4)
30) Charleston/Huntington, W. Va. (+1)
31) Knoxville, Tenn. (-4)
32) Louisville, Ky. (-2)
33) Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo, Mich. (+5)
34) Hartford/New Haven, Conn. (-8)
35) Champaign/Springfield, Ill. (+13)
36) Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville, S.C. (+11)
37) Omaha, Neb. (-20)
38) Buffalo, N.Y. (-10)
39) Lincoln/Hastings/Kearney, Neb. (+2)
40) Lexington, Ky. (-16)
41) Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto, Calif. (+4)
42) Colorado Springs/Pueblo, Colo. (-19)
43) Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y. (-1)
44) Minneapolis/St. Paul (-10)
45) Honolulu (-8)
46) Toledo, Ohio
47) Peoria/Bloomington, Ill.
48) Davenport, Iowa/Moline, Ill.
49) New Orleans
50) Kansas City
Ants, Bees, General Pest Control, Pest Control, Pesticides
Dog Friendly Pest Control Service
Homeowners often ask about their pest control service harming outdoor pets, specifically canines. The answer is simply no.
The treatments used to eliminate insects are strong enough to take out a group of insects but not potent enough to harm people or animals – just insects.
The concentration levels of the pesticides that are applied are low – less than %1 of the volume. It is commonly suggested by pest control companies that outdoor pets be kept indoors until the treated areas are dry, but the residual should not affect dogs or other pets.
Generally the treated areas will dry in about 1-2 hours after service. Then the dried pesticides residue will only have affect on the insects and bugs, not your dogs or cats.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides tons of useful information on pesticides and methods to protecting your family and pets.
Alternative Pest Control Options For Dogs & Other Pets
Integrated Pest Management techniques (IPM) are becoming a more popular method implemented in pest control service. Pest control operators are more conscious of the effect pesticides can have on the environment and responding by minimizing the use of pesticides.
Alternative options like reducing the frequency of service treatments and installing pest proofing techniques that do not require the use of pesticides have contributed significantly to the “green” pest control movement.
Rodent proofs and bee proofs have become a popular choice with homeowners. These proofing services seal all cracks and crevices in your home so that penetrating your home is impossible for invading pests.
Live Bee Removal is also a common service used to remove bees from a property without a drop of pesticides. The bees are collected using a specialized bee-vacuum and then transported to a beekeeper.
Botanical pesticides can be used to control your pests but more frequent visits and foul odors deter homeowners from using this alternative option. Many property owners perceive botanical pesticides to be ineffective. However, it is not that botanical treatments are ineffective – it’s that they require much more work at a higher cost to maintain.
The best strategy to prevent illness to pets that contact pest control treatments is to keep them off treated surfaces until the treatment dries – usually 1-2 hours.
Ants, Cockroaches, General Pest Control, Mice, Pesticides, Rats, Spiders
Protect Your Home In The Fall With Defensive Pest Control
With colder temperatures and shorter days occurring in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County, your home needs a strong defensive pest control strategy to keep invasive bugs out. Nuisance pests like roaches, spiders, and crickets are attracted to your home in the winter months because of the warmth and lights.
The best defensive pest control technique is entry prevention. Seal all entries that pests can potentially enter to invade your home.
But effectively guarding your home from pests will not be an easy task. It requires a thorough inspection, ample time, and the ability to think like a pest. Identifying and sealing any crack, crevice, or opening in the exterior of your home is the first step.
Search every inch of your home for small cracks or large holes. Openings where pipes or electrical wire enter your structure should be plugged with caulk, cement, urethane expandable foam, or steel wool. Areas on the foundation where outdoor faucets, clothes dryer vent, and telephone cable wires enter can be overlooked. Pests and rodents will surely not miss these opportunities to enter your home.
Obvious entrances for bugs that are often overlooked are the entrance we use. Front doors and garage doors need a seal to exclude ants and other small insects. Exterior doors should have door sweeps. Make sure the bottom corners form a seal when closed. Garage doors need a rubber seal on the bottom.
Other common pest and rodent entries include windows, chimneys, and roof vents. You can prevent unwanted guests from entering these areas by installing wire mesh screens. Screen with the smallest gap is best.
Now that your home is protected, you’ll want to prevent pests from living on the exterior of your property.
Wood piles should be stacked neatly and stored away from the base of your home. Knock off bark on firewood before bringing indoors. Pests can hide within the wood blocks.
Also, wash out syrup and liquid from recyclables and don’t let the pile build up for too long. Unsealed cans or bottles provide shelter for roaches, ants, and flies. Clean out gutters from excessive debris as well to prevent obstructing the flow of drain pipes and providing harborage for insects.
Effective defensive pest control takes time and is a continual process to ensure new entries or unexpected pest infestations have formed.
A professional pest control service pairs best with defensive pest control. A pest-free home is a healthy home. Enjoy the refreshing feeling of living in a home without bugs or rodents.
Contact for effective pest control services & guaranteed solutions. Free inspections & estimates in San Diego, Riverside, & Orange County!
General Pest Control, Pest Control, Pesticides, Wasp
Wasps As Dangerous As Honeybees When Disturbed
Wasps—Not to be confused with the infamous Africanized Killer Bee—are defined under the Order of Hymenoptera (like bees) and Suborder of Apocrita (unlike bees). To the uninformed, a wasp is easily considered a bee. However, wasps are much different with only a few similarities to honeybees.
Here are some similar characteristics with distinct differences for the two buzzing insects. A wasp and bee both live in a nest with hexagonal cells, but a wasp nest is primarily made of paper pulp and a honeybee’s is of wax. Wasps have no wax producing glands.
Similarly, both insects have stingers and venom but bees will lose its stinger because of the barb. Wasps have barbs but they are smaller so a wasp can easily retract its stinger after an attack.
Another difference is hair. Wasps are less hairy than a bee and have a hard exoskeleton.
But one similar trait that both of these typically feared insects possess is a painful sting. Both a wasp and a bee will sting in defense to protect themselves or their nest.
Wasp and bees will attack if their nest is disturbed. Recently at a college sports field, a football was launched into a bush that contained a wasp nest. The wasp swarmed the area quickly and stung 31 children from multiple age groups. The venom from wasps can cause an allergic reaction like bees but luckily no one stung was allergic.
Pest control exterminators were immediately called to the scene to remove the nest and the wasps. Even the exterminators were stung through protective clothing while destroying the nest.
Treat wasps as you would honeybees, just leave them alone and they should leave you alone. If you notice a wasp nest on your property, you should contact a pest control exterminator to prevent the chance of a wasp attack.
Pro Pacific Pest Control has effective solutions to keep wasps and their attacks away in San Diego, Riverside, & Orange County.
Contact us for a free inspection on effective wasp pest control services today!
Ants, Bees, Cockroaches, General Pest Control, Pest Control, Rats
Weather Conditions Make Certain Pests More Prevalent – Top Summer Pests
It is expected to see an influx of pests during the summer season but the severity weighs heavily on a variety of factors. In the 2011 summer season, the heat contributed to frequent treatments for ants, bees, flies, and wasps by pest control companies.
San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County experienced rain showers late in the season followed by high temperatures creating ideal conditions for pests. Ants are exposed to more food and water resources under this weather combination.
When there are enough resources to sustain a larger pest population, the more pests there are to reproduce. Plus, excessive heat speeds up reproduction for some insects creating rapid growth in pest populations.
Every type of pest needs a home and will eventually seek shelter indoors; your home is often the final destination. Homeowners in a Toledo, Ohio neighborhood witnessed rats, roaches, and other critters scramble for shelter as the debris from a home burned down in an arson attack were cleaned up. A bulldozer scooped up the remains as neighbors devised a plan to protect their homes from the scattering pests.
The nuisance factor of a pest infestation is only part of the problem. The damage and harm pests can cause to structures and people make effective pest control service a necessity. Stinging insects like honeybees account for the more than 500,000 people sent to the emergency room every year, according to American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Other health risks from pests are the transmittable diseases they carry. Pests can contaminate food and surfaces with germs that could cause pneumonia, food poisoning, meningitis, E. coli, salmonella, and more.
Protect your home and be protected from invasive bugs this summer with a well-devised pest control plan. Some pests are harder to control than others and all severe pest infestations are almost impossible to undertake without professional assistance. Know that your pest problem will be removed promptly with Pro Pacific Pest Control.
Contact our pest specialists today for pest control solutions!
Ants, Birds, Cockroaches, Fleas, General Pest Control, Pest Control, Pesticides, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks
What Professional Pest Control Does For Your Home?
Pest control is not a luxury service. In fact, pest control is like insurance protection for your home & family. Pests can deteriorate the structure of your home and even spread diseases to inhabitants. By eliminating pests effectively with professional pest control services, you are prolonging the life of your house & guarding the health of family and guests.
Not only that, a home without bugs creates a comfortable living atmosphere that is enjoyed by you and guests alike. To prevent pests from establishing an unpleasant atmosphere with their waste & nest material, a pest exterminator should be utilized.
Here is what a pest exterminator will do for your home:
- Prevents Pests – Pest control has two parts: extermination & prevention. Once the bugs are gone, you will want to continue keeping them out of your home. Our techniques create three barriers of protection so it is virtually impossible for bugs to enter your property.
- Eliminates Diseases – Pests can easily transmit disease through droppings, bites, or saliva. Indirect transmission by leeching pests, such as bird mites on birds, can also be a possibility. Eliminating the source of diseases is the most effective method to preventing diseases.
- Effective Solutions – Keeping your home tidy & eliminating food sources is a great pest prevention technique but with an establish pest infestation, you’ll need the pros. Carelessly distributing store-bought pesticides can be dangerous. A licensed pest control tech will efficiently apply pesticides to maximize exposure to pests but eliminate health issues to people.
- Saves Time & Effort – Many DIY can be effective but are temporary solutions. Our techniques have lasting effects that will effectively eliminate pests as if it was just applied. You won’t have to continue to run to the store buying ineffective pesticides – get your problem resolved now with one phone call.
- Protects Your Home – Pests damage homes. Period. They can weaken structures, stains sidings, and reduce the appearance of a home or building. Professional pest control offers protection from those possibilities
Treating for bugs and vermin in your home is a shield to the structure of your home and the health of your family. Contact Pro Pacific Pest Control for solutions to your bug problems.
Receive a free inspection & estimate, with no obligation to service when you call today!
Ants, bed bugs, Bees, Birds, Cockroaches, Fleas, General Pest Control, General Rodent, Gophers, Mice, Pest Control, Rats, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks
Pest Control Solutions – Diagnose Your Pest Problem Today!
Click through the options below for pests that could be infesting your home. Each pest has Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Tips & Recommended Services. Some services link to a webpage that gives you more information. All recommended pest control services are performed by Pro Pacific Pest Control – And are guaranteed!
Get solutions to pest problems today!
Contact us for an inspection & estimate on any pest control service!
Ants, bed bugs, Cockroaches, Fleas, General Pest Control, Pest Control, Pesticides, Silverfish, Spiders, Ticks
Is Eating Bugs Considered Pest Control?
While stuffing your stomach full of bugs is not a technique we use or recommend to get rid of bugs, the tactic could technically be labeled as pest control. And possibly a more accepted approach in other parts of the world. (Note: Nausea or illness may occur while eating insects.)
Pest control is defined as the regulation or management of pests in designated location. So, controlling the bug population on your property by means of ingesting bugs does in fact count as a form of regulation.
However, in the United States having a pest exterminator apply pesticides to infested areas is a more effective & popular approach to eliminating bugs. But this is not the only way to keep bugs out of our homes.
As stated above, pest control is the regulation & management of pests, so controlling pests is not all about sprays & traps. More accurately, pest control is the elimination of bugs and their food, water, and shelter sources. Considering all of these elements when attempting to eradicate pests will strengthen your efforts & make for a successful pest control plan.
Getting rid of the food & water sources for bugs alone will make your property a significantly less desirable place for insects to nest. Depleting pest living spaces hinders reproduction & furtiveness thus reducing the pest population.
Here are a few techniques you can use to accomplish these goals:
- Remove mulch, brush, grass, or wood piles
- Tidy garden areas & pick up dead leaves, flowers and fruit
- Clear any standing water in yard & clean out gutters
- Thoroughly clean areas with food
- Clean up all liquid spills & food crumbs
- Keep food & waste in secure containers
This way pest will be gone for good & having a pest smorgasbord will not be necessary regardless of what part of the world you live.
We exterminate your current pest infestation & your pest control efforts will assist in keeping bugs gone for good.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control today for effective pest control service at the right price!
Ants, bed bugs, Cockroaches, Fleas, General Pest Control, Pest Control, Pesticides, Silverfish, Spiders
Pest Control Service Vs. DIY Pest Control In San Diego County
With household pest control products being readily available at local hardware stores, do-it-yourself pest control has risen as an option in eradicating bugs from your home.
But just like any other rational decision making you should come to a conclusion by gathering information, sifting through the facts & choosing what’s best for you!
Below is some information that will help you choose which route you should take in getting rid of bugs.
- Pest Control Professional Protect Your Home & Family From Pesticides – Not to mention, they effectively eliminate bugs as well. A can of bug spray doesn’t tell you the efficient dosage or key areas to apply the chemicals. However, a licensed pest control technician is trained to conservatively distribute pesticides in areas that will maximize effectiveness but prevent pets or small children from being affected. With the right quantity & placement of pesticides, you keep bugs gone & your family protected.
- Pests Become Tolerant To DIY Pesticides – Repeated treatments with the same chemicals can cause bugs to build immunity to the pesticides. The formulas for DIY pest products don’t change, but a pest control professional is always updated with the latest pest products & techniques to guarantee a pest-free home!
- Regular Pest Control Service Keeps Bugs Gone – At first glance, DIY pest control products seem less expensive but consider the retreats & multiple purchases of the product to keep your home pest-free all year. In actuality, professional pest control service is your most cost effective choice. With Pro Pacific, you pay a flat fee for each service ($70) and retreats are always free!
- Pest Control Service Is Proactive, Not Reactive – With a professional pest control technician out on your property every other month, early signs of pest infestations will be spotted & handled accordingly in its early stages. That way you can eliminate a bug problem before it turns costly.
- Your Service Is Guaranteed – Unlike the plethora of consumer pest control products available they don’t come with a guarantee like our pest control service does. How do you know the product you purchase will remedy your bug problem. Our service is satisfaction guaranteed, so you only pay for a service that works- Guaranteed!
Contact our office today to effectively get rid of pests in the counties of San Diego, Riverside & Orange!
Fleas, General Pest Control, Pest Control, Ticks
Pest Control For Your Pets? How To Keep Your Pets Safe
Typically pest problems are perceived as an infestation of pests in a structure or on a property…But what about when pests live on your pets?
Summertime is the most common time for pets to get ticks or fleas living under their coat. While this may come as old news to you, the serious health risks associated with these types of bugs have increased awareness in San Diego County & all over the nation.
Ticks are associated to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but can also cause “tick paralysis” in dogs. The effects can result in muscle weakness, loss of coordination & respiratory failure.
Fleas transmit disease to pets with their saliva, diseases such as anemia, dermatitis & transfer of tapeworms. Not to mention fleas can reproduce at a rapid rate.
You can control the pests on your pets by following these tips:
- Thoroughly inspect pets for fleas or ticks during pest season
- Be aware for excessive scratching & nibbling on skin
- Avoid walking in tall grass where tick & fleas tend to live
- Bath pets often
- Wash pet beds, collars, and plush toys
- Vacuum carpets & furniture
Including a regular professional pest control service on your property will ensure that these kinds of bugs stay off your property & your pets can roam freely. And you won’t have to worry.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control today to keep bugs off your property for as little as $1 per day!
