It’s a new year, and for many people, that means a “new you!” mindset, but for some cities in the US, 2016 is shaping up to be “More of the Same.” Recently, stats were released indicating the “Top 50” cities with the highest occurrences of bed bugs. For the FOURTH year in a row, the “Windy City” of Chicago earned the top spot… though fellow metropolises Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and New York weren’t far behind… each ranking in the top 5.

Our youngest pest control operator will give them an offer they can’t refuse… And then take a nap.

Looking at the list (see below), it seems like bed bugs can hit anywhere and everywhere… and to be honest, they can! Bed bugs are hardy creatures, and can easily survive on the open road (often infestations come as a result of travel. Vacationers may pick up bed bugs from even the most posh of resorts (as evidenced in this video)! Bed bugs are tremendous hitch-hikers, and can find their way back to your home by stowing away in clothing or luggage. Once they arrive and set up residence in YOUR residence, it can be a painful process to get rid of your unwelcome guests!

Unfortunately, the REAL infestation is nowhere near this cute OR cuddly.

As always, the best defense is prevention over extermination, but how do you go about it? Well, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, The best thing to do is detect (and avoid) the little pests before it’s too late!

1. Look for bed bugs hiding in the mattress, box spring, and bed frame.
2. Check under the mattress and along the seams (edges) of the mattress.
3. Look for small, reddish spots on the mattress – they could be signs of bed bugs.
4. Search other furniture near the bed, like night stands.

Of course, if you ever ARE infested (despite your best efforts), you can CALL US to schedule an inspection and we’ll take care of your bed bug problem PRONTO!

TOP 50 Bed-Buggiest Cities

1.    Chicago

2.    Los Angeles

3.    Washington, D.C.

4.    New York

5.    Columbus, Ohio

6.    Philadelphia

7.    Detroit

8.    Cincinnati

9.    Richmond-Petersburg, Va.

10.  Baltimore

11.  Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

12.  Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Ohio

13.  Dallas-Ft. Worth

14.  San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose

15.  Indianapolis

16.  Charlotte, N.C.

17.  Houston

18.  Denver

19.  Atlanta

20.  Buffalo, N.Y.

21.  Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.-Asheville, N.C.

22.  Nashville, Tenn.

23.  Phoenix

24.  Knoxville, Tenn.

25.  Boston-Manchester

26.  Milwaukee

27.  Dayton, Ohio

28.  Seattle

29.  Pittsburgh

30.  Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, Va.

31.  Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla.

32.  Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Crk., Mich.

33.  Lexington, Ky.

34.  Hartford-New Haven, Conn.

35.  Charleston-Huntington, W.Va.

36.  Omaha, Neb.

37.  San Diego

38.  Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, Fla.

39.  Louisville, Ky.

40.  St. Louis

41.  Cedar Rapids-Waterloo-Dubuque, Iowa

42.  Champaign-Springfield-Decatur, Ill.

43.  Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

44.  Kansas City, Mo.

45.  Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Calif.

46.  Syracuse, N.Y.

47.  Colorado Springs-Pueblo, Colo.

48.  Albany-Schenectady-Troy, N.Y.

49.  Honolulu

50.  Myrtle Beach-Florence, S.C

If you’re anything like us, Christmas spirits are in full swing! Visions of sugar plums are dancing in your head, the mistletoe has been hung, and the eggnog is chilled and ready for consumption.

And of course, you can’t forget about the Christmas tree — the centerpiece to many people’s decorations this season!

Sure, there is a plethora of ways you can decorate your tree… every tree is unique and many people do different iterations from year to year — but if you’ve decided on a real (i.e. not plastic) Christmas tree for this holiday season, you may be inviting some guests that are less than desirable!

When choosing a tree out in the wild (or even in a “Christmas tree park”), there is a good chance when you may bring some insects with you!

That’s right– holiday hitchhikers! Bugs and other tiny creatures are known to hide and live in real trees during the winter months. Even during “unseasonably warm” winters like is being experienced in some regions.

So what is the best way to keep pests out of your house this season? Well we can’t do anything about your crazy Uncle Larry, but we CAN help keep insects out…

Perhaps the most important thing that you want to do before taking your tree home with you (or at least before you enter the home) is to simply give it just a good shake. Shaking the tree gets all the loose particles and maybe even some of the bugs and different creatures out of the tree. Obviously, do this outside you house so that the debris (and any bugs) don’t litter your nice floors! Many Christmas tree parks have a shaker to get the loose pine needles and such out before they send you on your way, but it’s a good idea to give it another shake just before you go inside, as well.

On the bright side, none of the insects that we would normally find in our trees are harmful, but you never know what could be lurking inside them.

Insects like black widows certainly could be in there (though extremely unlikely) — Many insects are “shy,” and may not be visible right away, so it’s a very good idea to give the tree a shake or two “just in case.” Using pesticide or an aerosol spray could leave an unsightly residue on your beautiful Christmas tree, and we doubt you want that to be the focus of conversation this Christmas!

It just goes to show, it pays be cautious when you’re taking in the holiday pine.

If you run into any pest control issues, be sure to contact us!

Recently, we reviewed some of the similarities (and differences) between bees and wasps, and how to identify them.

For most people, bee and wasp stings are a painful annoyance at most. For others, though stings can be deadly. Today, we’ll be looking at how to AVOID being stung, and what to do if you’re unlucky enough to get stung anyway.

What is a bee sting?

A bee sting is a puncture wound by a bee or wasps’s stinging apparatus — which consists of a sac of venom attached to a barbed stinger. When a bee or wasp stings, the sac contracts, dumping venom into the tissue. This venom causes a localized reaction in most people… but for some, it results in a need for urgent medical care.

Due to the prevalence of bees as pollinators, it’s estimated that 3 to 4 times as many people die from stings than from snakebites each year. The most “feared” bee in the US is the Africanized honeybee (which has earned the nickname “killer bee,”). Africanized honeybees are more aggressive than “common” honeybees, attack in swarms, and will chase a target up to a quarter mile!

What are the symptoms of a bee sting?

Most reactions to a sting are mild to moderate and do not involve a severe allergy – in children, for example, only about 3% experience any allergic reaction.

An uncomplicated bee or wasp sting  causes instant, sharp pain, which usually lasts a few seconds and a swollen red mark at the site of the sting, which can be itchy or painful. the swelling will peak at around 48 hours, and the resulting welt may last for up to a week!

More severe reactions include: Extreme redness and swelling; an entire extremity or limb swelling up; rash, fever, nausea and headache (these are often associated with multiple stings). Multiple stings can be fatal for children. In rare cases, swollen and painful joints can occur. Of course if any severe symptoms pop up (such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, feeling dizzy or fainting, difficulty breathing and low blood pressure), seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of a severe allergic reaction — and can be fatal if left untreated!!!

Prevention

So how can you prevent getting stung? The most obvious solution is “don’t go near a hive!” Bees are often still present, though — even if there ISN’T a hive around– since they are pollinators… they’re busy and well-traveled! Bees can cover up to 50 THOUSAND total miles in their roaming to make 1 pound of honey!

DO:

• Do keep clothing and your body clean – sweat may attract bees or wasps.

• Do wear shoes.

• Do make sure to remove nests near the home – by a bee professional! (We offer live removals, as well!)

• Do cover food containers and trash cans.

• Do use widely brimmed cups (instead of cans) to make seeing a bee easier while picnicking

• Do take care with any activities such as garden trimming that could provoke a nest.

DON’T:

• Don’t wear brightly colored clothing.

• Don’t use fragrances and cosmetics that have floral scents.

• Don’t walk barefoot or wear flip flops or open face shoes.

• Don’t remove nests yourself – get a professional because many insects sting when provoked (bees are aggressive usually only when hives are attacked). Also, if any portion of honeycomb is left, bees will often return! Professionals can make sure that everything is removed properly!

So there you go! We’ve looked at what bee stings are, and how to AVOID them! Next week, we’ll look at what you should do if you’re unlucky enough to get stung — despite your best efforts!

If your home has a bee or wasp problem, give us a call!

It’s Music Monday!

For our fourth installment in the ongoing series we’ve titled “Pop Goes Pest,” we’re looking at 10 more pop artists who have immortalized our favorite subject: bugs! Of course, as before, you can follow/stream our playlists on SPOTIFY!

Are pests a black and white matter? We think so.

1) Sonic Imperial – Call of the Dung Beetle

In our first Hip Hop contribution to our “Pop Goes Pest” series, Sonic Imperial calls out a guy who is hanging with the wrong crowd. This former friend is “listening to the call of the dung beetle” and Sonic Imperial is trying to bring him back from his bad choices.

“You were the coolest one I knew / most distinguished of the pact
But now you bug with beetles / and invest in something wack”

The Cure for what ails you

2) The Cure – Lullaby

From their “greatest hits” album, The Cure offers up a tragic song… masked behind a pleasant title and a soothing background music, The Cure gives a lyrical riddle that can be taken a number of ways: “The Spiderman is having me for dinner tonight…” Plenty of speculation has been made about the meaning beneath the lyrics, but Robert Smith (lead singer of The Cure) has simply stated that it was based on a “childhood nightmare.”

The Smashing Pumpkins get cosmic!

3) The Smashing Pumpkins – Bullet With Butterfly Wings

Despite the song containing “butterfly” in the title, the most popular line from this song (which is arguably the most popular of TSP’s hits) is about a different pest: rodents. Bang your head and don your grungiest plaid button-up and ripped jeans as you scream along to “despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage.” This song became the anthem for disillusioned teens, adult workers, and an entire generation when it came out. And it still holds up, years later.

Sarah caught in a swarm of butterflies

4) Sarah Brightman – The Fly

Perhaps known best for her involvement with Broadway (and Andrew Lloyd Weber), Brightman released this song in 1995. Ironically, though, the album has been released in multiple countries… but has never been officially released in the US. It’s an eclectic dance-pop sort of song (typical of the mid 90s) that seeks to fuse industrial/pop with operatic vocals. It can be difficult to decipher the lyrics (in fact, we’re still scratching our heads over it, to be honest), but it definitely makes for a good track to put on when running or exercising.

A black heart for STP’s Army Ants

5) Stone Temple Pilots – Army Ants

STP’s single, “Army Ants,” tells the story of someone trying to break out of the norm. Feeling different from the crowd and unhappy with falling in line with everyone else — much like the titular ants. STP rails against falling in line and conforming simply to “complete the plan.”

A “best of” album already? How time flies!

6) Alien Ant Farm – Bug Bytes

Though not as catchy as their cover of Smooth Criminal or as “feel-good” as their other hit single, “Movies,” “Bug Bytes” remains a strong offering. Much like Kafka’s Metamorphosis, AAF becomes something other than human in this single… much to the chagrin of the female in question. It’s a remorseful retrospective, and AAF loses its humanity in stages, owed to an inconsiderate attitude.

“It’s quite a web you’ve spun around her,
And now she’s scared and hanging
It’s quite a web you’ve spun around her…”

Cue the beat

7) Gary Beck – Pollinator

For the Trance fans out there, we have “Pollinator” By Gary Beck. It’s a remix of Miki Litvak’s original, and though lyric-less (ok, maybe we fudged the rules a little on this one), it’s a pretty good track. This piece has steady beat that, much like Brightman’s “The Fly” would fit on any exercise playlist (we’d probably queue it up for a spin class).

The title says it all….

8) TMBG – Spider

They Might Be Giants are one of the most consistently… odd… bands that we can think of. Their subject matter in most of their songs is off the wall. “Spider” is no exception. It could be speculated that Spider is a roundabout ode to the Amazing Spider-Man, though no definitive evidence exists (though they have done their own version of the theme song in the past). Nevertheless, “Spider” is an odd addition to break up the monotony of your listening routine.

Timeless

9) U2 – The Fly

U2 is a band known for their hits spanning DECADES. Though “The Fly” didn’t top the pop charts when it was released, it’s a single that fits right in with the rest of the album (Achtung Baby). Killer guitar riffs in the musical interlude and lyrics rife with metaphor (“It’s no secret that a conscience can sometimes be a pest”) provide a pop-rock ballad that would be welcome on practically any playlist.

guess they don’t “Feel Good” in this profile shot…

10) Gorillaz – Empire Ants

That odd band that isn’t really a band (the “members” are all cartoons… even in concert), the Gorillaz certainly create the feeling of marching ants working for the empire (especially once the beat changes underneath lyrics “Little memories marching on / Your little feet working the machine.” The song marches on, round and round, just as ants do.

______BONUS TRACK_______

The presidents… as unique as ever…

11) PUSA – Boll Weevil

Though The Presidents of the United States of America are perhaps more well known for their ode to peaches, PUSA puts out another fun song with “Boll Weevil.” It is another perfect example of PUSA’s eclectic style… full of nonsense and fun. This song makes for a good “in the car” jam or a mid-morning pick me up at work… just try not to get too animated as you bop along!

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So there you have it, our latest installment of “Pop Goes Pest.” Who do you think we should include in our next episode?

Contact us today if you have a pest control problem!

At Pro Pacific Pest Control, we provide efficient, certified protection for your home using the latest, most state-of-the-art equipment available. Often, though, we get questions from our long time customers, wanting to know what they can do to help prevent pests from invading. Of course, being on a regular pest control plan is one of the most efficient ways to avoid pests, but what ELSE can be done to avoid the creepy crawlies? Here are some handy DIY tips…

1 ) Repair structural deterioration or piles of debris around the home.
Insects and other pests are attracted to any place they can hide and feel comfortable. Rotting wood can be a big attractant, and rodents often like to nest in fallen flora.

2) Make sure all storage items are off the floor.
This makes it harder for insects and rodents to get inside your bins.

3) Try to keep storage items 2-3 feet away from walls.
This is especially helpful if you have a basement or a garage, as it makes it easier to inspect for pest entry.

4) Check out second-hand items for bugs and rodents before you bring them inside.
NEVER bring home furniture that has been left outside

5) Keep landscaping plants (shrubs, bushes, etc) trimmed.
It’s harder for insects to gain access if you keep your landscape plants neatly trimmed and spaced away from your home.

6) Check your home every few months for potential access points.
Cracks in walls and flooring, window seals, exterior doorways, improperly sealed siding, and roofing are all major access points. Try to check them regularly. If you have a hard time remembering when to do so, plan to do it whenever seasons change.

7) Keep doors and windows shut.
…or, at the very least, screened (Some bugs are small enough to get through screens, but a screen door will at least deter MOST insects).

8) Discard paper grocery bags and cardboard boxes.
It can be tempting to keep boxes and bags for future use, but they can sometimes carry insects or their eggs. Invest in reusable bags to cut down on the likelihood of pests hitching a ride home from the grocery store (AND it will reduce your carbon footprint, as well!)

10 ) Do the Taylor Swift and just “Shake It Off!“
If you’ve been outside (whether working in the yard, hiking, or whatever), before you go inside, be sure to shake out your clothes and wash them as soon as possible.

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So there you have it, Ten Tips For Pest Prevention! Have any additional tips you’d like to share? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, or in the comments section! Contact us today!