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Pest Info

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We know our pests!
Find out more information here about pests that are common to the Northwest and how we control them
Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs

The Facts

The recent resurgence of bed bug infestations is due to a number of factors including restrictions on pesticides, their developed resistance to chemicals, and increase in international travel.  Here in the Northwest we have had our increasing share of cases over the past 10 years.  Bed bugs thrive because of their ability to spread quickly through hitch hiking, and reproduce rapidly, with a female able to produce up to 500 eggs in her lifetime.  They are also excellent at finding harborage sites in difficult to access cracks and crevices which makes eradication more of a challenge.  To top things off, bed bugs are able to survive without a blood meal for over 3 months!  All of this means that 1 female that strays from the nest can quickly be transported to a different location where a new infestation begins.  When we lie down to sleep, the increase in CO2 from our breathing will soon draw these bloodsuckers out of their hiding places, locating us through our warmth and smell, soon to become their next meal!

The Solution

Bed bug eradication is not simple, but it is possible!  With proper techniques, cooperation between the technician and the customer, and a little patience, the treatment is always successful.  Our approach follows the integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, using chemical and non-chemical methods.  Part of the process includes installing mattress encasements and bed bug interceptors under the feet of the bed frame to provide a bed bug free sleeping environment on the initial visit.  On our initial visit we also apply several products to "knock down" the population immediately.  On our second visit we use a natural desiccant powder that works as a residual to dehydrate and kill any surviving insects and their eggs.  Using these products and methods in conjunction with specialized equipment to reach hard to access areas guarantees a thorough treatment and complete bed bug eradication!

Common Bed Bug Myths:

Myth:  You can’t see a bed bug.

 

Reality: You should be able to see adult bed bugs, nymphs and eggs with your naked eye.

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Myth:  Bed bugs live in dirty places.

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Reality: Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt and grime - they are attracted to warmth, blood and carbon dioxide. However, clutter offers more hiding spots.

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Myth:  Bed bugs transmit diseases.

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Reality: There have been no cases or studies that indicate bed bugs pass diseases from one host to another.

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Myth:  Bed bugs won't come out if the room is brightly lit.

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Reality: While bed bugs prefer darkness, keeping the light on at night won't deter these pests from biting you.

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Myth:  Pesticide applications alone will easily eliminate bed bug infestations.

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Reality: Bed bug control can only be maintained through a treatment strategy that includes a variety of techniques plus careful attention to monitoring. Proper use of pesticides may be part of the strategy, but will not by itself eliminate bed bugs. In addition, bed bug populations in different areas of the country have developed resistance to the ways many pesticides work to kill pests. If you're dealing with a resistant population, some products and application methods may only make the problem worse. It is a good idea to consult a qualified pest management professional (PMP) if you have bed bugs in your home.

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Odorous house ants and pavement ants are the most common in the PDX area.  Find out more information on their behavior and about our approach to control them.

The recent resurgence of bed bugs may leave you sleeping with one eye open.  Learn why you can sleep worry free by choosing us to solve your bed bug infestation.

Most flying insects stay outside, but there are a number that have become household pests.  Learn about house flies, box elder bugs, and stink bugs here and how we control them.

Carpenter ants are them most common wood destroying insect here in the Pacific Northwest.  Find out how to identify them and learn about our approach to keeping them out of your home.

Flea eradication can be difficult for a homeowner using over the counter flea bombs.  Find out why our treatment methods provide more effective and consistent results.

Mice and rats can cause serious problems when they have made their way inside your home.  They require different methods to control for various reasons.  Find out why and learn how we use our experience to keep your house rodent free.  

We may think of birds as cute and innocent... That is until they make a nest in our home.  Learn more about how we can both evict and exclude birds from nesting or perching in unwanted areas.

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Even though german cockroaches aren't native to the Pacific Northwest, they are often brought in on packaged food items.  Find out more about their behavior and our methods to control them.

Spiders may be the king of creepy crawly and the source of many phobias.  These are definitely not something that you want in your house.  Learn about our approach to effective spider control. 

Any insect that can both fly and sting is something we definitely do not want anywhere near our home or family.  Find out about the most common stinging insects and how we keep them away.

Termites, powder post beetles and moisture ants are not very common, but an infestation can indicate a serious problem.  Learn how to identify them and about our control solutions.

Moths, beetles, weevils...  These aren't what we want to find when we open our kitchen cabinets.  Learn about the behavior of these insects and the best approach to eradication.

Wildlife can cause a lot of damage and be the vector of may diseases.  As licensed wildlife control operators, learn about common nuisance wildlife and about our eviction and exclusion solutions.

Moles are a thorn in a homeowners side when they begin to tear up a nicely manicured lawn.  Learn more about their behavior and why we are the choice for successful mole control.

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