It’s commonly believed that cold weather kills off insects and, once temperatures dip below freezing, bugs are no longer a problem. While you may not see many insects on an icy winter day, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re gone.
What You Should Know About Crickets
In some countries, crickets are considered good luck. Because of their ability to reproduce prolifically, they are a symbol of abundance and prosperity. In these cultures, finding a cricket in your home is an auspicious sign, thought to be a harbinger of good fortune.
In most of the United States though, these chirping orthopterans are just another annoying and destructive pest. This is especially true in autumn, when crickets (like other bugs) find their way into your home while seeking a comfortable place to spend the winter.
Mistakes Homeowners Make That Attract Roaches in the Fall
They’re smart, difficult to eradicate, and – as a species – will probably outlive us all. Yes, we’re referring to cockroaches. These prolific pests can produce hundreds of offspring during their lifetime, and they can live for nearly a year… a robust lifespan for an insect.
You might think that cold weather would reduce their numbers… but cockroaches are nature’s little problem solvers. They find ways to survive the winter, and you may be unwittingly helping them to do just that.
Early Warning Signs of Bed Bugs
When it comes to pest control, it’s wise to be proactive and nip a potential infestation in the bud. But what happens when you don’t realize you have pests until the problem has already spread throughout your home?
One pest that may be multiplying stealthily while you remain blissfully unaware is the bed bug. June 4-10 is Bed Bug Awareness Week and, to mark this observance, we will share some tips on recognizing the early warning signs of bed bugs.
What Are the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?
Some early warning signs of bed bugs include:
- Live bed bugs are the surest sign of a budding infestation. Learn how to recognize them so you can take action before they spread.
- Bites on your arms, legs, or other areas of exposed skin may be due to bed bugs.
- Bloodstains on bedding or furniture that have no other explanation may be due to bed bug bites or crushed bed bugs.
- Bed bug casings, droppings, or eggs are easily identifiable and are signs that live bed bugs are present (even if you haven’t seen any yet).
- A musty odor that smells vaguely berry-like may be due to bed bugs. Once you can smell them, they have already infested your home.
Can You See Bed Bugs in the Early Stages?
In the early stages of a bed bug infestation, it may be easy to explain away the signs.
A rusty spot on your sheets could be blood from a blemish or small cut, small brown specks could be dirt tracked in by a pet, or itchy spots on your legs could be an allergic reaction to something you brushed against in the yard. If you know the signs and look closely though, bed bugs and their handiwork are visible – even before a full infestation occurs.
How Can You Tell If a Bed Bug is on You?
Adult bed bugs are small, but they’re visible to the naked eye. They are flat and oval-shaped, approximately 4 to 5 millimeters long. Bed bugs are brownish in color and turn reddish-brown after consuming a blood meal. They are wingless and can neither fly nor jump. Instead, they crawl from place to place and – if there is a bed bug on you – you should be able to feel it moving around.
Bed bug bites occur in groups, typically in a crooked line. They are red and itchy and may cause additional skin irritation in the area of the bites. Bites are typically found on the legs, arms, or any other area of exposed skin.
How Long Can You Have Bed Bugs Without Realizing It?
Because bed bugs are quite small (and don’t multiply rapidly at first), it’s possible to go several months without noticing their presence. If you see any signs of bed bugs or if you think you may have bed bugs in your home, there are some things you can do to confirm your suspicions.
How to check for bed bugs:
- Examine beds and bedding (including all crevices) for live bugs, casings, droppings, or eggs.
- Check other soft furnishings like couches, fabric chairs, and pet beds. Bed bugs seek warmth and will gravitate toward areas where you spend the most time.
- Check for evidence of bed bugs around baseboards and the perimeter of all rooms.
- If you want to be absolutely sure whether you have bed bugs, contact a professional exterminator. We are trained in bed bug detection and remediation… and can stop an infestation in its tracks and restore your peace of mind.
Call Twin Forks Pest Control® for Bed Bug Remediation
Twin Forks Pest Control® offers state-of-the-art bed bug detection and remediation. If you see signs of bed bugs in your home, call us for a free estimate.
Are Termites Descendants of Cockroaches?
Besides being nasty pests that you don’t want anywhere near your home, it might seem that termites and cockroaches have little in common. They’re quite different in appearance and their impact on your home isn’t even remotely comparable.
But – in observance of Termite Awareness Week, March 5-11 – we will share some evolving scientific evidence that these unpleasant bugs share more characteristics than you might think.
Top 5 Pests on Long Island Active in Winter
Many outdoor pests die off or hibernate during the winter. But there are others that adapt to cold weather and worse – find their way into your home or business. Once they have settled into a safe, climate-controlled structure… what season it is won’t make much of a difference to these invaders.
Let’s consider some of the common pests we find on Long Island during the winter.
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