Termites do nearly a billion dollars in damage each year in Florida. Your home might well be your largest investment. So, it stands to reason that you want to take all the appropriate steps to protect it. With just a few preventative measures, you can help keep these wood-eating insects from destroying your investment.

Hogan said most of the time, the swarm happens outside of the home. If they are seen inside, they usually come in through windows or open doors. A few termites in the home is usually not indicative of a problem.

“They usually die once they get inside because they can’t find a suitable place to colonize,” he said. “If you find a lot of swarms in your house, then that would mean a current infestation in the house that needs to be treated.”

However, homeowners can prevent termites by following some very simple measures. The first is to control moisture around the home.

Termites generally cannot survive without a source of water present. Whether in the form of a leaky faucet or the natural precipitation process of rain, termites will always seek some source of moisture to survive.

Hogan said it is critical to termite prevention to ensure there is no standing water around the perimeter of the home. This also means that gutters should be cleaned out so that water can drain through them. Doing so ensures that there is no water being held along the fascia board, which would keep it moist and ripe for termite infestation.

“If you have a crawl space, make sure it is nice and dry,” said Hogan. “Some people install vapor barriers, increase vents in the crawl space or even encapsulate the space.”

Most termites are subterranean, meaning that they build their colonies in the ground. They love the soil and build elaborate tunnel systems, called galleries, extending up to three feet below the surface. Termites will often use this versatile building material to create mud tubes leading from their underground colonies to above ground food sources, like the wood in your home.

Remove any brush or heavy growth from around your home. Vegetation can create areas of intense moisture, which is necessary for colony survival. Termites like it wet, so try and disappoint them as much as possible.

It is also recommended that firewood be kept away from the home and that the foundation, and attic vents are in good repair.

“The best time for a termite inspection is any time from spring to fall,” said Hogan.

Periodically, get your home inspected for termite damage. A once-a-year inspection can save your home with early detection. If termites are not found in the home, the trained pest control specialists can at least offer recommendations to help you prevent an invasion. They may catch something you missed.

So what happens if you take all of these precautions and termites still begin to munch on your home? Use a pest control specialist in your area to help you deal with the problem. Call Ed Hogan at Budget Services to see how we can help.

It’s a frustrating problem for millions of homeowners. In fact, ants are the number one nuisance pest in the U.S. Nuisance ants are the ones that seem to multiply faster by the hour. They enter homes in search of food and water.

An effective general pest control program begins with calling a pest professional. By conducting a thorough inspection of your home and property, a professional can determine how your home has become infested. Then the problem can be addressed with an integrated plan that includes the Inside-Out pro technology gram for general pest control.

Inside-Out controls ants, cockroaches and other general pests with two highly advanced “undetectable” products. Termidor termicide/insecticide for pest control outside and Phantom termicide/insecticide for pest control both inside and outside.

The stealthy advantage of Termidor and Phantom.

Over the past several years, the pest control industry has been revolutionized by new pest control technologies, especially in the area of nonrepellent, or undetectable, liquid treatments.

Pests are careful about saving themselves and their colony. Once they detect any presence of the objects that are dangerous or that may kill them, they act immediately and look for every possible way to escape. So the key point in a pesticide is to act invisible that no termite or insect should get a clue.

Unlike older insecticides, undetectable can’t be smelled, tasted, or even felt by pests. So instead of avoiding treated areas, pests pass right through them, unknowingly contacting and ingesting the undetectable insecticides. Both Termidor and Phantom rely on this undetectable technology to control pests.

How Termidor and Phantom work together.

Although Termidor and Phantom utilize similar undetectable technology to control pests, each product attacks pests on a decidedly different front. Termidor is applied outside your home to create a treated area of protection. Its unique Transfer Effect specifically allows ants to pass Termidor on to their nestmates who have not even come in contact with treated areas.

Phantom is strategically applied with targeted precision inside your home to strike pests where they pose the biggest problems. It can also be used every 28 days at outside pest entry points, in rotation with Termidor, for additional outside control.  The delayed-action mortality and long-lasting effectiveness of Phantom ensure maximum pest exposure and control.

This one-two punch forms the most comprehensive program for general pest control in existence. Pests encounter the undetectable insecticides in Termidor and Phantom whether they’re already inside your home or attempting to enter from outside. Either way, the end result is the same: complete and efficient elimination of your general pest problems.

Real-World and Proven.

Termidor and Phantom are both effective at lower chemical concentrations than many “old fashioned” liquid applications. And both products are virtually odorless. You won’t even know they’re there. But you will know that they have done their job when your general pest problems disappear, inside and out.

Budget Services uses Termidor and Phantom to give you the peace of mind that your most valued possession is protected 24 hours a day. Budget Services offer two programs for your protection:

1. Budget Annual Pest Control – Once a Year Treatment
   This service covers roaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, earwigs, and centipedes. Services are guaranteed for 365 days after the initial treatment. Budget will follow up with quarterly exterior treatments at no additional charge.
2. Budget Individual Treatments
   One time treatments are also available for pests such as roaches, ants, fleas, and spiders. These treatments have a 30 day guarantee.

Call us today to see how we can help…

The 1920’s built, 17,000-ft., six-bedroom home in a gated community in North Palm Beach, Fla., was demolition because it would be more cost effective to demolish the home and rebuild it than it was to renovate it.

“We had an architect and a structural engineer out here and everyone agreed that it made more sense – structurally and economically – to tear it down and start over.”

The Habitat for Humanity group tried to salvage all of the materials from the original home, but found some of the wood was still crawling with termites and carpenter ants, making the materials unusable

“When we pulled out the windows, the bugs were everywhere,” says Blodgett. “To rebuild that house would have been ridiculous. We’re so grateful to Elin. It’s rare we get this kind of donation.”

Termites are no respecter of homes.  Hundreds of thousands of dollars in structural damage may be going on behind your walls, in attics and other parts of your home without you even noticing it, until it’s too late.

Swarm Season
We are entering into the swarm season for termites. It is estimated that there are between 3 – 5 colonies per acre with up to a million termites per colony. Their main purpose in the circle of life is to turn fallen trees back to dust. Since we have invaded their lands, termites have adapted and are busy eating the wood (cellulose) used to build our homes.

Top Signs You Have Termites

Are you unsure if you have termite damage? Here are some ways you can tell:

A termite infestation looks like mud-like material that forms in irregular lines; termites are located on the outside of your home or in the vicinity of wood. Termites travel through tube-like structures.

Nests that are disturbed may result in a swarm of what looks like flying ants, and they often gather at light sources in the evening hours. A swarm like this indicates there are reproducing females and males who are establishing a new colony in the area. This usually occurs in the spring and early summer, but can also happen in the early fall, too.

Paint that is buckling, or tiny holes in wood, indicates that a termite infestation is nearby. The termite damage repair may require replacing the entire plank or patching holes after the termites have been exterminated.

If you see live termites, then it’s obvious you have a termite problem on your hands. The kings and queens (i.e. reproductive termites) are often black or brown in color; they have 0.5-inch long wings. Workers, on the other hand, do not have wings and are about half the size of reproductive termites. They are usually well hidden in wood and white in color. It’s important to note that you can still have a severe termite infestation even if you do not see any live termites.

As in the case of Elin’s home, termite damage can be significant yet undetectable to the untrained eye. Termite colonies are often well into the ground and can be some distance away from their food source.  Unless you kill the source of the termites any termite damage repair will be unhelpful.

If you spot termite damage on or near your home, react quickly to minimize further destruction. Call a Budget Services to deal with your termite problem immediately.

The fast and powerful new FLIR E-Series is revolutionizing the way compact, professional thermal cameras capture, analyze and share images and data. Featuring touchscreen tools and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Budget Services are excited to announce that we now have the ability to see “through the walls” during our inspections.  We have procured the latest infrared technology camera, the Flir E60bx with 320×240 resolution.

We can instantly capture high-quality thermal images. This technology can show us exactly where the problems are so we can focus on issues that are not readily seen with the “naked eye”.  This camera has the ability to also detect termite activity behind a wall before any visual damage is evident.

Improved Energy Efficiency
To identify areas of energy waste infrared imaging has quickly become a valued tool in identifying problems related to energy loss, missing insulation, inefficient HVAC systems, radiant heating, water damage on roofs, and much more. A thermal imaging camera identifies patterns of heat loss that are invisible to the naked eye. Thermal imaging will quickly indicate the air leaks within a property and measurement data are easily compiled into a report.

We are always trying to provide service which is unsurpassed by others in our industry, while at the same time, providing the most competitive pricing schedule.  Thank you for your past business with us and we look forward to working with you on all your home inspection, termite and pest control needs.

Call us today and see how our new Infrared camera can help you!

The two most common types of Florida termites are drywood termites , which infest dry wood, and subterranean termites, which nest in soil. Both feed on the cellulose found in wood and wood products, as well as paper, fiberboard, and some fabrics derived from cotton or plant fibers. However, each termite is also distinctly different, though both are extremely destructive.

The Formosan subterranean termite, is also becoming a major problem in the United States, especially in the southern states. They are believed to have been transported from China and Taiwan to port cities on the Gulf of Mexico and southeast Atlantic coast by ships returning from the Pacific regions at the end of WW11. It is one of the most destructive termite species in the world today.

In the U.S. the Formosan termite causes tremendous property damage resulting in enormous treatment and repair costs. It is sometimes referred to as the “Super Termite” due to its large colonies- with some as long as 300 feet- and infests a wide variety of structures, including boats and high-rise condos. It also consumes wood at a very rapid rate.

To help you protect your biggest investment, your home, we have put together a list of 13 tips to help keep termites from entering your home.

Tip 1. Do not garden or dig soil next to the foundation. Leaving the soil undisturbed within 12 inches of the foundation will extend the life of termiticide (The word termiticide broken up means death to termites.  It is on every product that is labeled to kill termites.  Our product of choice is “Termidor” which is the most effective and long lasting termiticide on the market) soil treatments and cut down on infestations. Most infestations start along the outside foundation wall. Many customers want to plant founda­tion shrubs or put a flower garden next to the foundation wall. When they dig holes or put in gardening soil from the garden center next to the foundation, they are removing the residual soil treatment and allowing termite access. Because some soil termiticides are repellent, the treated areas funnel termites to the gaps and result in failure. The best treatment is a complete and thorough one so termites are not able to penetrate the perimeter to attack structural wood.

Tip 2. Do not put landscape timbers near the house. Recently in Keystone Heights, a homeowner put old railroad ties in the ground near his house. Five years later, he had an infestation of Formosan termites. Landscape timbers are treated thoroughly with preservatives, but they often have cracks or crevices. These cracks offer open access in the railroad tie so termites can feed on untreated wood in the center. If the railroad tie was originally from New Orleans or some other place infested with Formosan termites, there is probably a nest of Formosans in the center. Planting these railroad ties in gardens is a really good way to start a Formo san termite infestation in the structure.

Tip 3. Do not put raised soil-filled planters next to the foundation. These raised soil construction ele­ments are important things to avoid. First, they destroy the soil treatment around the structure. Second, they are filled with untreated soil and kept moist. Wet, untreated soil next to structures invites termites to enter. Third, raised planters are impossible to inspect for termite activity.

Tip 4. Wood in contact with the soil is one of the best ways to invite termites into a house. Termites love wood decks and fences attached to the structure. Many do-it-yourself jobs make great termite highways into the house. Poor construction procedures that attach untreated wood to the structure make bridges across the soil treatment area so termites can forage inside. Many times, homeowners will make these decks and fences out of wood that is not rated for soil contact. Wood rated for soil contact is treated with a higher rate of preservative than other wood. If the wrong wood is used in the soil or outdoors, termites eventually will chomp away on the wood and use it to enter the house. Wood elements that need to be in contact with the ground must be pretreated with the right amount of preservatives. Treated wood of good quality can resist termite attacks for a long time, but it is better to have any wood supported by concrete or cinder blocks to avoid termite and wood rot problems. Avoiding any wood around the build­ing that bridges between untreated soil and structural wood is a must.

Tip 5. Don’t allow pets to move soil around the structures. Dogs like to dig holes. When these holes are next to the foundation, your soil treatment is disrupted and you will be facing a failure. Also, the soil that is dug out of the hole may be deposited in mounds that reach the wood siding or other structural wood. Cats also will dig holes to bury their poop. Nothing is worse than cat poop next to the house. Your customers need to provide kitty litter for their cats so they don’t dig next to foundations. Also, don’t bury dead cats next to the house.

Tip 6. Remove foam insulation in contact with the ground. Termites like to tunnel in foam insulation. The insulation protects them from soil treatments and allows them to bypass the treatments. Insulations, especially foam boards, are some of the favor­ite places for termites. They will not ingest the insulation material (unless it is cellulose-based), but they cer­tainly chew on it and build galleries where they are protected from extreme temperatures and from water loss. Ter­mites can create highways within the insulation boards that will take them to the structural wood away from soil treatments. The termites will consume the wood and cause structural damage. However, the most important dam­age may be to the insulation itself. By chewing through the insulation and bringing moist soil in, the termites change drastically the insulating prop­erties of the material so that it loses the thermal protection it is supposed to have. The economic damage in terms of higher heating and cooling costs can be very high, especially when you consider that these costs will occur year after year as long as the damaged insulation is not replaced.

Tip 7. Wood or other cellulose materials should not be stored un­derneath or close to your protected structures. Some of these materials may be integral parts of the construc­tion process such as form boards or grade stakes. However, others are materials homeowners want to protect from rain so they put them under the eaves. Scrap wood, cardboard boxes, paper wrappers, newspapers, maga­zines, fast food wrappers, cups and cartons are all things commonly found around the foundation of houses. Do not let this sort of debris accumulate next to the house.

Tip 8. Trees within 10 feet of the structure should be removed. Tree roots are great foraging highways for termites. They follow them because it is less work than tunneling through 100 percent soil. Many times, custom­ers are lazy and let volunteer trees take over the landscape next to the foundation. This is perfect habitat for termites. Tree roots next to structures should be removed. They are not only good highways for termites, but they can also be food. Make sure your customers know that tree roots are favorites of termites.

Tip 9. After the construction is done, the placement of landscaping plants can also provide very condu­cive conditions for termite infesta­tions. Placement of shrubs and other vegetation very close to the structure can cause several problems. First, the root systems of these plants can disturb the termiticide soil treatments and provide highways that the termites can use to avoid the termiticides and enter the structure. Second, close vegetation can trap moisture close to the struc­ture and provide termites with a moist environment in which they operate. Excess moisture also favors occurrence of wood rots that damage the wood.

Tip 10. Mulch should not be applied in close proximity to the foundation of the building. Leave a 6-inch to 12-inch gap around the entire foundation to allow soil drying and not allow it to bridge termite treat­ments. If the mulch is composed of non-cellulose materials (e.g., ground up rubber tires), it does not provide the termites any food material, but it can provide high moisture conditions that favor termite infestations. The moist environment created by mulches is the main termite-conducive condition that may lead to infestations. If the mulch contains cellulose materials (wood chips, leaves, bark, etc.), besides high moisture, the mulch will also provide nutrition in the form of cellulose. Although some cellulose-containing mulches are a poor source of nourish­ment for termites, all mulches can serve as bridges over termiticide­ treated soil when applied after the soil treatment. When the mulch is piled high enough to touch the wood siding, termites’ entry becomes very easy.

Tip 11. Provide adequate ventila­tion around or under (in crawl spac­es) structures. Just as landscaping can create high moisture conditions around buildings, anything that cuts air circula­tion in crawl spaces (blocked vents, ex­cessive vegetation, additions to original building, etc.) can cause moisture levels that will favor termite activity.

Tip 12. Do not irrigate walls. Walls don’t grow, so there is no need to have sprinklers hitting the sides of houses. The water runs down the side of the building into the soil and soaks the ground. Termites love water. We found several years ago the most frequent attractant for termites is water next to the foundation. Not only does it attract termites, it causes termiticide to break down faster.

Tip 13. Fix defective or clogged gutters, malfunctioning faucets and clogged drains. These also provide water for termites. Make sure water drains away from buildings. Many times these drainage problems are the result of moving soil and putting it in the wrong place. Other times, they may be due to improperly designed land­scape. Any of these problems can cause water accumulation that is undesirable and will facilitate the establishment and persistence of termite infestations.

If you believe you have a problem with termites or would like to prevent them from entering your home, Give us a call. We can set up a perimeter pest control program, using Termidor, America’s #1 termite defense product.

From 1 pregnant female German cockroach at the beginning of the year to 63 million at the end of the year!

I have seen their infestation. The most vile of insects, they are next to impossible to get rid of. Where there is one there are too many more to count. Once in your home they will nibble on your food, damage wallpaper and books, and spread germs to you and your family.

If you see one, they are not alone! Below are some startling facts that will make your skin crawl.

Basic formula for biological potential:

• If we start with one pregnant German cockroach that has 30 embryos in her egg capsule and she lays 5 egg capsules, we will have 30 x 5 = 150 mature adults in three months.
• If half of these adults are females and they all mate, we will have 75 pregnant females at three months. If each of these females lays 5 egg capsules, each containing 30 embryos, we will have 75 x 5 x 30 = 11,250 mature adults by the time six months has elapsed.
• If half of these adults are females and they all mate, we will have 5,625 pregnant females at the six-month time frame.
• If each of these females lays 5 egg capsules, each containing 30 embryos, we will have 5,625 x 5 x 30 = 843,750 mature adults at the nine-month period.
• If half of these adults are females and they all mate, we will have 421,875 pregnant females at the nine-month time frame. If each of these females lays 5 egg capsules, each containing 30 embryos, we will have 421,875 x 5 x 30 = 63,281,250 mature adults by the end of the year.

That’s more than 63 million cockroaches, folks, beginning the year with one pregnant female.

So, if you see one, now is the time to act! Cockroaches breed incredibly quickly. Take action to get rid of them immediately, or you could find yourself with a major infestation on your hands.

How to get rid of them

Use a good Bio-pesticide. Boric acid works real well. They ingest the boric acid and it messes up their digestive system and they starve to death. You can get Boric acid at your local pharmacy. It is used for making anti-pinkeye eyewash.

Use a simple solution of soap and water. Make a light solution of soap (bath soap is fine) and water. You can splash this, spray this or just throw this on the roach. Just a little water will do, even 2 or 3 drops can kill, if used effectively. Ensure that it makes contact with the roaches head and lower abdomen (its belly if you can turn the roach over). The roach will run or try to run, but will suddenly stop and die or be almost dead in one minute. It is best to throw it out as soon as possible, as it may revive. This happens because the roach breathes through its skin. The soapy water forms a thin film on the breathing pores, and effectively blocks them (surface tension), causing the roach to suffocate to death or to near death, although it could recover if the water dries up or has not touched a large percentage of its body. Try this and you will have amazing results for free.

Call the professionals.

If the above methods don’t work, call us at Budget Services. We are licensed to use stronger chemicals and to apply chemicals more widely, and we can do so while keeping your family safe.

“Insects use their taste system to glean important information about the quality and nutritive value of food sources,” said Anupama Dahanukar, an assistant professor of entomology, whose lab conducted the research. “Sugars signal high nutritive value to flies, but little is known about which chemical cues flies use for food sources that are low in sugar content – such as beer.”

Dahanukar’s lab examined the feeding preference of the common fruit fly for beer and other products of yeast fermentation, and found that a receptor (a protein that serves as a gatekeeper) that is associated with neurons located in the fly’s mouth-parts is instrumental in signaling a good taste for beer.

The receptor in question is Gr64e. Once a fly has settled on beer, Gr64e detects glycerol and transmits this information to the fly’s neurons, which then influences the fly’s behavioral response.

Dahanukar explained that flies use other receptors in their sensory organs to find food from a distance.

“Taste becomes important only after the fly makes physical contact with food,” she said. “A fly first locates food sources using its odor receptors – crucial for its long-range attraction to food. Then, after landing on food, the fly uses its taste system to sample the food for suitability in terms of nutrition and toxicity.”

Dahanukar, a member of UCR’s Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, explained that taste receptors also come into play when a female fly has to locate a suitable site for laying eggs. “Females come to a decision after they have conducted intense probing of various potential sites,” she said.

If you are one to tip a brew from time to time, fruit flies can be a real nuisance, especially during football season (late summer/fall) because they are attracted to ripened or fermenting fruits, vegetables and beer.

Fruit flies are primarily nuisance pests. However, they also have the potential to contaminate food with bacteria and other disease-producing organisms.

Biology and Behavior

Fruit flies lay their eggs near the surface of fermenting foods or other moist, organic materials. Upon emerging, the tiny larvae continue to feed near the surface of the fermenting mass

The reproductive potential of fruit flies is enormous; given the opportunity, they will lay about 500 eggs. The entire lifecycle from egg to adult can be completed in about a week.

Fruit flies are especially attracted to ripened fruits and vegetables in the kitchen. But they also will breed in drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, trash containers, mops and cleaning rags. All that is needed for development is a moist film of fermenting material. Infestations can originate from over-ripened fruits or vegetables that were previously infested and brought into the home. The adults can also fly in from outside through inadequately screened windows and doors.

Prevention

The best way to avoid problems with fruit flies is to eliminate sources of attraction. Produce which has ripened should be eaten, discarded or refrigerated. Cracked or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables should be cut away and discarded in the event that eggs or larvae are present in the wounded area. A single rotting potato or onion forgotten at the back of a closet, or fruit juice spillage under a refrigerator can breed thousands of fruit flies. So can a recycling bin stored in the basement which is never emptied or cleaned.

People who can their own fruits and vegetables, or make wine, cider or beer should ensure that the containers are well sealed; otherwise, fruit flies will lay their eggs under the lid and the tiny larvae will enter the container upon hatching. Windows and doors should be equipped with tight-fitting (16 mesh) screens to help prevent adult fruit flies from entering from outdoors.

Eradication

Once a structure is infested with fruit flies, all potential breeding areas must be located and eliminated. Unless the breeding sites are removed or cleaned, the problem will continue no matter how often insecticides are applied to control the adults. Finding the source(s) of attraction and breeding can be very challenging and often will require much thought and persistence.

If you have a problem with fruit fly infestation or any other problems with infestation give Budget Services a call and let the friendly staff assist you in eradicating your problem.

No, we are not talking about your “in-laws,” we are talking about termites.

Many of us do not even know what a termite looks like. However, we are well aware of their reputation. Although there are over 2,000 types of termites, there are two types of termites that are predominant in Florida:

1. Subterranean termites -which live in soil and attack structures from the ground up
2. Drywood termites, which can live in wood in a building and can go undetected until they cause extensive, visible damage.

Termites are insects that destroy the wooden structure and value of your home. They feed on cellulose, the core element in wood and the major component in the cell wall of plants. Nathan Riggs, Extension Agent-IPM Texas Cooperative Extension reminds us that, “Termites are not naturally attracted to buildings.” Infestations are the result of the structures presence and its defects. The termite is attracted to this artificial habitat because it mimics their natural environment.

Subterranean termites thrive in moist conditions. Faulty pipes, poorly drained air conditioners and garden beds placed flush against the exterior walls of the structure are common culprits. The most obvious exterior sign of a subterranean termite infestation is mud tunnels. Subterranean termites create mud tunnels from soil, wood dust and sometimes drywall. These tubes vary in width and length; they connect the food source to the termite nest. Look for columns of dirt attached to exterior or interior walls of the structure.

These Unwanted Guests Even Like Your Brick Home

A brick house on a concrete slab might seem impervious to termites. Unfortunately, it just makes your home a little more difficult for them to enter. Your happy home can still suffer from severe termite infestations. Concrete slabs actually are more vulnerable to invasion by termites than homes built on basements. The space under your slab offers the ultimate environment for these little house guests, darkness and a moist environment. Termites are proficient at entering your home through expansion joints in the concrete, holes for plumbing, electrical wiring and other utilities, and through ordinary cracks in your slab.

Unfortunately, many homeowners have not invested in any type of termite control.  Termites can cause significant damage long before you ever notice tell-tale signs of these unwanted visitors.

Budget Services, a licensed pest management professional has the expertise to inspect buildings and treat them to prevent any infestation or provide treatment when the insects are found. Contact us today for more information.

Bedbugs are on the uptick in hotels, on public transport and in other public places.

According to a new survey from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) survey. It found that infestations — even in hospitals — are up over last year.

Even the pest-control industry “has been surprised” by the resurgence of bedbugs and “where they’re being found,” says NPMA public affairs VP Missy Henriksen.

According to the just-released NPMA/University of Kentucky 2011 “Bugs Without Borders Survey,” involving 415 pest-control specialists, the creepy crawlers have multiplied and are found in places you might not expect.

The Survey findings include:

• 99% of pest professionals have seen bedbug infestations in the past year (up from 95% in 2010)
• 80% of pest professionals have treated bedbugs in hotels/motels, compared with 67% in 2010
• *73% of pest professionals believe bedbugs are the most difficult pest to treat
• *54% have treated bedbugs in college dorms, up from 35% in 2010
• *46% have treated bedbugs in nursing homes, vs. 25% in 2010
• *38% have treated bedbugs in office buildings, compared with 18% in 2010
• * 36% have treated bedbugs in schools and day care centers, vs. 10% in 2010. That’s an amazing increase, as is the 31% who say they’ve found bedbugs in hospitals, vs. 12% in 2010
• *18% have treated bedbugs in trains, buses or taxis, compared with 9% in 2010
• *17% have dealt with bedbugs in movie theaters; 5% in 2010

“Bedbugs are hitchhikers,” Henriksen says. More of us are traveling, and we lead increasingly mobile lives. Also, strong chemicals formerly used to treat bedbugs haven’t been allowed for decades, freeing the little biters to thrive.

Bedbugs are small, parasitic bugs that live off the blood of their hosts. They most commonly choose pets and humans as their main source of food. Since bedbugs inject a numbing solution as they feed (along with an anticoagulant), you might not feel them biting you during the night. However, the itchy bite marks you discover in the morning are a sure sign that you have an infestation that needs to be taken care of.

The good news
is that infestations can be treated, by steam, heat, freezing, chemicals, vacuuming or a combination of the above, Henriksen says. She offers some tips for travelers:

• When checking into a hotel, check behind the headboard and on the mattress for stains — blood or fecal matter indicating bedbugs may be present.
• Try to avoid leaving luggage on upholstered surfaces. The safest place is in the bathroom, on counters or in the shower, because the bugs don’t like uncarpeted or non-upholstered surfaces with no place to hide.

The bad news
is that more bedbugs are being found on trains and planes, she says. So it’s important to be vigilant when you arrive home.

Killing the Creepy crawlers
Killing bed bugs on clothing requires temperatures above 113 degrees Fahrenheit. If the bed bugs are only on clothing, the best way to avoid spreading them is to contain the bugs before you enter your house.

Fold the contaminated clothes on top of themselves to contain the bugs for transportation. You can also use a plastic bag. Be aware that any fabric the clothes came in contact with could be contaminated as well.

That means immediately taking out all clothes and washing and drying them on “hot”. Or bag them and send them to the dry cleaner if they’re delicate. Vacuum the suitcase thoroughly and dispose of the vacuum bag.

There are several methods possible for getting rid of bed bugs in a mattress. However, if there are bed bugs in a mattress, chances are that they are other places as well–including the box spring, actual bed posts, headboard, baseboards, carpets, bed linens, clothing, and any other small spaces that a bed bug might be able to hide. Throwing out your mattress will not solve your problem. The bugs also live in the bed itself as well as cracks and crevices surrounding your bed. They can also hide in couches, chairs and anywhere else a bed bug might find an opportunity to feed. Moving to another apartment probably won’t get rid of them, either, because they travel fairly well. However, take heart. These steps can help you to get rid of them.

Cover all mattresses, beddings, futons and sofas with heavy plastic covering resistant against dust mites and bed bugs and encasement to prevent any tears. You can buy inexpensive ones at a local home bedding and furniture place for 5 to 10 dollars. Make sure every cover you buy has a good sealing zipper, meaning no gaps or easily torn with hands. Bed bugs should die within a year when sealed in the mattress because there is no air or blood they can feed on even though they can live without food for a year, they still need oxygen to breathe.