Bed Bugs

Sitting at number 21, Atlanta moved up 24 spots from last years rankings. Now much of this may be due in large part to the Hartsfield Jackson Airport, but with so many people moving through the city daily, the number is only likely to climb.

Bedbugs spread easily by hitching rides in luggage and in clothing as people move about and travel. Once they settle in a home, whether your bedroom or a hotel room, they can be very difficult to eradicate.

Since these little vampires only come out at night and feed on blood, their bites are generally noticeable, as are spots or smears on bedding and bedroom furniture. When traveling to areas where bedbugs are a problem, remember to inspect your surroundings before unpacking. Keep you luggage elevated up off of the ground and on a luggage rack. Bag clothing and luggage before returning home, and toss clothes in the washer (use hot water) or in the dryer (on high for 15 minutes) to kill any potential bedbugs.

Other noteables on the list: Cincinnati (1), Chicago (2), Detroit (3), Devner (4), Los Angeles (5), New York (9), Boston (14), Charlotte (33).

Other factors for the increased rankings are increased public awareness (making it easier to indentify the actual problem) and an actual increase in the overall bedbug population in the city. Rankings are based upon the number of treatments Orkin performed from January to December of 2011. For more on the rankings, visit Orkin.

February saw repeated record high temperatures across the nation, and with this coming hot on the heels of a warmer, wet winter for much of the country, conditions are ideal for insects to flourish. But aside from ants invading your pantry and carpenter bees feasting on your deck, there are some specific pest problems to look for and hopefully prevent.

Bed Bugs – The warmer temperatures can actually reduce the amount of time it takes for a bed bug egg to hatch, from 1-2 weeks to a little as 6 days. Warmer temps also mean more people are out and about, traveling and potentially picking up these little vampire hitchhikers (bed bugs) and bringing them home.

The best thing you can do is remain vigilant. Bag and store luggage and clothing outside until it can be unpacked and inspected. Wash clothing in hot water to kill any bed bugs that may be hiding in your clothing. While staying at hotels or motels, do a quick inspection of the room prior to unpacking, paying attention to tell-tale signs of bedbugs (small dark spot which can be bedbug droppings and blood spots on the mattress, sheets or furniture). If you find something, report it and look for a new place to stay.

For more information on bed bug prevention.

Ticks and Fleas – Nearly all insects love warm, humid conditions, and ticks and fleas are no exception. Not only do these little blood suckers bite, but ticks can carry a variety of diseases. Before coming in after being outside, check yourself for ticks. Pay particular attention to your pets. They can very easily pick up ticks and fleas. Regular bathing and brushing are two very easy ways to prevent and detect and possible tick or flea problems your pet may have.

For ridding your pet of fleas, try natural flea repellent pet shampoo or for getting rid of fleas in the carpet or furniture, try Dust Mite and Flea Control.

Mosquitoes – Like ticks and bedbugs, mosquitoes also feed on your blood and can transmit disease and viruses. While some areas spray insecticides to mosquito populations down, this can release harmful toxins into the air and water. Around the home, be sure to drain containers or anywhere water can puddle and become the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. And when looking for a suitable repellent, look for cintronella and other citrus extracts in the ingredients. Both are powerful, natural insect repellents.

Chances are good that it’s going to be a very buggy summer, but this doesn’t mean it has to ruin your time outdoors. With some very basic precautions you can enjoy the sun and outdoors with less worry about ticks, fleas, bed bugs or mosquitoes.