Bed Bugs and Public Places (continued)

Today's post will be the follow up the post on Monday "Bed Bugs and Public Places". So if you want to find out the last 5 major public places where bed bugs are a concern, then keep reading.

Quick recap:

1. Hospitals and Nursing Homes
2. Laundry Facilities
3. Retail Stores
4. Movie Theatres
5. Public Libraries

And now for the last five.

6. Public Transportation (planes, buses, trains)- If you've read our previous posts on bed bugs then this one shouldn't come as a huge surprise. Traveling can be a concern with the threat of bed bugs because they can live in the seats and such and you can get them that way. For more information about bed bugs and travel specifically (if you haven't already read it, check out our post on Bed Bugs and Travel).

7. Daycares, Schools and Colleges- When it comes to daycares and schools, kids are likely to share toys, cots, etc and unfortunately sometimes bed bugs. In regards to colleges the biggest concern is dorm living--students who live in dorms can spread bed bugs throughout the dorm through the laundry facilities, by sharing clothes or as discussed in the section on public libaries, we know that bed bugs can be transferred through books as well. Another concern is with visitors, who can pick up or drop of bed bugs in another dorm room and spread them that way. Finally, bed bugs can be brought home (or picked up by the student from their home) when they go home for visits.

8. Businesses and Offices- Bed bugs could be hiding in your office in the carpet or furniture. You may have clients, packages, and employees coming and going which can easily bring in bed bugs or you could pick them up at the office and bring them home.

9. Thrift stores and Yard Sales- The problem with these is that you have no real idea who brought them in and whether or not they brought along something extra. As we've already discussed bed bugs can be spread a number of ways (clothing, furniture, luggage, bedding, etc) so you really have to be careful when shopping at these places.

10. Places of Worship- Who would have thought right? Well unfortunately it does make sense as there is usually a large number of people in and out and it is possible to spread bed bugs in a church or other place of worship.

So that wraps this series up and while it can be a little nervewracking not knowing whether a place is safe or not, as long as you know what to look for in terms of finding signs of a bed bug infestation then you can hopefully catch anything sooner rather than later.

If you do have a problem with bed bugs or you think you might (or any other pests), give Cottage Country Pest Control a call today at 705-534-7863 or email us today.

Bed bugs and Public Places

Many people think of bed bugs as only being something they have to worry about in their home. They hear bed bugs and think "bed", but unfortunately bed bugs are not something that is limited to someone's home.

Since bed bugs have been making a well publicized return it is important to remember that bed bugs can be found in many public places and not just at someone homes.

Today's blog post will discuss 5 of the top 10 public bed bug infestation spots. We'll conclude the list tomorrow!

1. Hospitals and Nursing Homes- bed bugs are not really know for disriminating against anyone and that includes the sick, elderly or the employees of these institutions. There have been cases in recent years where some hospitals had to quarantine some rooms and triage centres in order to fight the spread of bed bugs.

2. Laundry Facilities- this one almost seems like a no-brainer...right? Granted washing and drying your clothes and bedding in super hot water is a good start to treating bed bugs, if you are in a laundry in a laundromat you are at risk for picking it up from someone there. It's a good idea to keep your clothing and bedding separate from other people to try and avoid cross contamination.

3. Retail Stores- Another obvious one? right? If you are at a retail store and maybe you are trying on some clothes, it's important to know that while it is rare, it is possible to get bed bugs that way. Bed bugs could also be found on furniture, in shoes. etc. Some stores have had to close down to deal with bed bug infestations after discovering the pesky critters within the stores.

4. Movie theatres- A movie theatre has plushy seats and LOTS of hosts in which they can travel on. See where I'm going with this? Movie theatres are a really good places to catch bed bugs and bring them home with you.

5. Public Libraries- did you see this one coming? Recently bed bugs have been found in a few libraries around Ontario (and probably Canada and the States as well but I cannot confirm nor deny). Anyway bed bugs can be found in books and if you happen to check those books out, you could potentially bring bed bugs into your home. You could also bring bed bugs into your home by visiting the library if you hang around the library reading or using their computers.

Check back tomorrow for the last 5 public places where bed bugs could be an issue.

If you have a problem with bed bugs or any other pests or you think you may, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-54-7863 or email us today.

Bed Bugs and Travel

So today's post is about bed bugs and traveling. With Christmas coming up, more and more people are traveling and with the rush and the stress of traveling so close to the holidays, bed bugs may be not even be a concern.

Traveling should be a big concern for people what with all the stories of bed bugs in hotels,on trains, on cruise ships, etc. There are some very handy tips you can follow when traveling to help prevent bring a creepy crawly souvenir home from your trip.

1. Always inspect the room and furniture for blood spots, bug droppings or live insects--if you find any evidence of possible bed bugs then request a new room. Bedbugs like to hide in places like cracks, crevices, folds, and ruffles. Use a flashlight if you have to in order to thoroughly check for any signs of bed bugs. 

2. Pack your clothing in over sized, resealable plastic bags before packing them and keep your belongings in the bags or hanging up during your trip (don't put things on the floor or bed). Use a luggage rack to store your belongings during your stay in hotels.

3. Before leaving the hotel, inspect all your belongings and luggage carefully

4. When you return home, inspect your luggage and belongings again (it's recommended you do this outside as a precaution) or if its too cold outside, use your bathtub as bed bugs have a hard time climbing smooth surfaces. Always wash your clothing in the hottest water possible before putting them in the dryer for at least 30 minutes.

As stated in previous posts, ANYONE can get bug bugs. It's important that as soon as you think you have an infestation or if you know you do, to treat it quickly and properly. The longer you wait, the harder and more expensive it can be to treat later.

To book an appointment give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-534-7863 or email us today.

Link Round Up

thestar.com- Bed bug battles: is fungus the next frontier?


Global News- New hope in the fight against bed bugs

thestar.com- Building owners not responsible for deaths of birds that fly into it, judge rules

Moneyville.ca- How to responsibly dispose of your old tech

thestar.com- Eggshell colour is warning sign for contamination in Great Lakes, study shows

CBCnews- Climate change a 'real and present danger,' Kent says

CBCnews- Galapagos to poison millions of rats

CBCnews- B.C. considering wolf culls in new management plan

As always, if you have a pest problem or just suspect you do, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-534-7863 or email us today to book your appointment or get more information.

Bed Bugs and Landlords

As a follow up to the post on bed bugs and tenants, today's post will be about some of the steps that a landlord should take in the event that bed bugs become an issue.

1. Plan ahead-talk to a pest control business in your area to get an idea about pricing and to also get a better idea of what will have to be done in the event that bed bugs become an issue. They should be able to give you some information about what they do for bed bugs, what has to be done before they can come in and treat and what has to be done after to ensure that their treatment is effective.

2. Be willing to hire professionals. All to often people are resistant to hiring a professional, which can lead to the problem becoming more expensive and difficult to treat. By treating the problem correctly the first time, you can potentially save money in the long run.

3. Be proactive. Provide your tenants with information before bed bugs become a problem. If they know what bed bugs are and what to look for, you can treat the problem sooner if and when there is an infestation.

4. Do not blame your tenants. Bed bugs can happen to anyone at anytime. They can travel on furniture, clothing, in luggage, etc.

5. Do repairs. Bed bugs do not always stay on beds. They can hide out in cracks, holes and gaps found around pipes, in baseboards, around electrical covers and more. By making these repairs you can reduce the number of places bed bugs could go.

6. Conduct inspections. If you've had a previous infestation of bed bugs then it's a good idea to do inspections every 4-6 months to ensure that the treatment is still working and that there hasn't been a new infestation.

It's important  to know that these are just some of the things you should consider as a landlord. If you have any questions or want to book an appointment give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-534-7863 or email us today.

Bed Bugs and Tenants

Today's post is another bed bug post, but this one is for anyone who rents their home. As a tenant, you may be required to take certain steps before a pest control company comes in to deal with a bed bug infestation.

If you want to read any of our past posts on bed bugs you can do that here, here, here, here and here.

1. Wash all your bedding and any clothes or stuffed animals in the hottest water you can. Follow this with drying them for at least 1-2 hours. You should bag as much as you can afterwards to prevent them from becoming infested again.

2. Clean any unnecessary clutter and ensure that you provide access to all baseboards and keep the floors clear and move all furniture at least 2 feet away from the walls. This will make it easier for the pest control company to come in and do what they have to in order to solve your bed bug infestation.

3. Vacuum all crevices on your mattress/box spring, bed frame, baseboards, etc. Vacuum them daily and immediately empty the vacuum when your done.

4. When the pest control company comes to do their job they will likely give you additional instructions and steps that you will have to take to ensure that what they do will be effective.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Cottage Country Pest Control. Give us a call at 705-534-7863 or email us to book your appointment or to discuss your concerns.

Do's and Don'ts of Bed Bugs

We've done a number of posts on bed bugs, but because they are still such a major issue, I thought I would do a new post, specifically on some do's and don'ts for dealing with them. If you want to read any of the past posts you can do so here, here, here and here.

If you suspect an infestation of bed bugs or you know you have a problem:

DO NOT rule out that the bites may be caused by something else--an allergy, other insects, etc. Check your mattresses for signs of an infestation and if you are not sure or you can confirm you have them call a professional, such as Cottage Country Pest Control.

DO NOT begin sleeping in a spare bed, on your couch or at a friends or with family. You may spread the infestation to other parts of your home or to your friend's or family's home as bed bugs can travel in luggage, on clothing, etc.

DO NOT assume that the bed bugs will be just in your bed. Bed bugs can be found in sofas, baseboards, coffee tables, electrical sockets, bathrooms, kitchens, closets, carpets, etc.

DO NOT assume that you will be able to solve the problem in just one day. It may take multiple treatments through a pest control company such as Cottage Country Pest Control to rid your home of the infestation.

DO NOT set off a bug bomb or fogger to try and treat the infestation.

DO start dealing with cleaning your clothing and bedding. Wash what you can in the hottest water possible, followed by drying them in the dryer on hot for between 1-2 hours.

DO bag clothes and bedding immediately after washing a drying to prevent bed bugs from once again making their way onto the clothes and bedding.

DO ask questions and take notes. This can help you to remember what the pest control company tells you, what is being done to treat the infestation, what steps you need to take to help treat the problem, etc.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Cottage Country Pest Control. Give us a call at 705-534-7863 or email us to book your appointment or if you have any questions or concerns.

Link Round Up

Pest Control Technology- Bed Bug Firm Fined for Condo Fire

The Guardian- Potato wart 'fully under control'

Rolling Stone- Global Warming's Terrifying New Math

CBC News- Arctic ice cover shrinks to new low after summer thaw

The Globe and Mail- Seals' death sentence sparls outcry from animals lovers across Canada


As always, if you have a pest problem or just suspect you do, give Cottage Country Pest Control a call at 705-534-7863 or email us today to book your appointment or get more information.

Friday Link Roundup

www.bedbugremoval.ca- New Research Reveals Bed Bugs' ability to transfer harmful bacteria

thestar.com- Bedbug problem triggers $250,000 funding from Toronto Council

CBCnews- Bedbug battle being won in Winnipeg

CBCnews- Bed bugs a cottage problem, too

thestar.com- Environmental commissioner: Ontario not prepared for heavy costs of climate change

news.ontario.ca- Ontario named Canada's Greenest Province

news.ontario.ca- Restoring Great Lakes to protect Ontario's future
 
thestar.com-  Beware a staggering squirrel in your backyard

As always, if you have any suggestions for our Friday Link Roundup, have any questions or want to book an appointment, you can email us or give us a call at 705-534-7863.

Friday Link Round Up

Toronto Star- Ontario's solar companies feeling blue

Toronto Star- Fiorito: Bedbug war funding must be extended

Toronto Star- Toronto groups protest imminent loss of provincial bedbug-fighting funds

Toronto Star- Fracking takes the green out of natural gas

Toronto Star- Wily coyote resurfaces in Beach

Remember if you have any articles or news to add in the Friday Link Round Up, email the link to us.

Bed Bugs: A Follow Up

So I've noticed that previous bed bug posts are still getting lots of hits daily and I know that bed bugs are still a major concern, so I thought I would do a quick follow up post with some pictures to help give people an idea of what to look for if they aren't sure whether or not they have bed bugs.

Bed bugs under and around carpet

Bed bugs, eggs and bed bug feces on a mattress

Bed bug bites

Bed bug bites

If you know you have bed bugs or you aren't sure, call us at 705-534-7863 or email Cottage Country Pest Control and we can can come in and using IPM methods we can solve your pest problems. 

Bed Bugs - A new concern

As if bedbugs were not creepy and disgusting enough, now they are finding them with drug resistant bacteria that causes MRSA and others already on board. Charming!!!! NOT!

Another good reason for Ross NOT to bring his work home with him.

Quick Fact - Bed Bugs

Hiding places can be located by looking for the spots of fecal material bedbugs often leave in easily visible places.


For help to solve all of your pest control problems, call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863, or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com.

Quick Fact - Bed Bugs

Eggs are not known to be placed on the host's body but are found on surfaces near where the host sleeps

For help to solve all of your pest control problems, call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863, or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com.

Quick Fact - Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are becoming increasingly resistant to pesticides - which means that you will need a company, like Cottage Country Pest Control, that uses a multi-faceted approach and keeps up to date on research and developments of new techniques. And that guarantees their work.

For help to solve all of your pest control problems, call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863, or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com.

Quick Facts - Cat fleas

Cat fleas are approximately 3mm long, are brown to black in colour, have no wings and are powerful jumpers.

Quick Fact - Bed Bugs

Different people react differently to bed bug bites - and some do not react at all. Which means that even if only one person that sleeps in your bed is getting bites, it may well be bed bugs.

For help to solve all of your pest control problems, call Cottage Country Pest Control at (705)534-7863, or email us at ccpestcontrol@gmail.com.

Quick Facts - Bed bugs

Forty bed bugs can become up to 6,000 in approximately six months as their eggs only require about 10 days to hatch and they can go up to a year without food.

QUICK FACTS - HOUSE MOUSE

The house mouse is a nocturnal animal and has well developed hearing and touch receptors for it night time activities.

Uh... yuck. Just yuck! More bedbugs.

Here is a ~darling~ little video from National Geographic



Wasn't that fun? Here's another.



And here is a link to a brief clip from CBC.ca - this one is a lot less disgusting, honest!