Pest Control in the New Year!

Happy 2012!  Suburban wishes all of our customers a very happy and healthy New Year and hope that your holiday season was blessed and stress free!  Did anyone make a New Year’s resolution?  If so, did you include pest control in your resolution?  There are major health issues associated with pests in your home, so consider adding a visit from Suburban Exterminating to your list of resolutions.


Winterization
With such a mild early winter, many people may have not yet winterized their homes.  There is still plenty of time to schedule this exclusive package.  Long Island has seen its first wintery blast and could be hit with colder temps and possible snow soon, and Suburban knows the steps to prevent pest infestations: 

• Fill holes around pipes, vents and windows
• Check window and vent screens and garage door weather stripping
• Install chimney caps

Spring Clean Up
If you already are prepared for the cold, are you ready for spring?  It is never too early to schedule a spring clean up.  Similar to the winterization package, the spring clean up prevents pests entering your home. Give yourself something to look forward to during the bleak winter months!  


Call Suburban Exterminating at (516) or (631) 864-6900 to schedule your home protection today.  To see what other services Suburban offers, visit our website.  This New Year we all pledge to a healthy start.  Pest control services should be remembered in that resolution!

Attending the Entomology Society of America Meeting

The Entomology Society of America meets annually to exchange information, products, and the latest information on insects. The Entomology Society of America meets annually to exchange information, products, and the latest information on insects. Suburban Exterminating’s Technical Director, Mr. Lynn Frank is attending this year’s Annual Meeting of the Entomology Society of America in Reno, NV.

Lynn Frank is a certified entomologist and member of Pi Chi Omega, the professional fraternity for pest control. He possesses a Vector Borne Disease Control Certificate from the Center for Disease Control; he is a certified indoor environmental consultant and a level III certified thermographer from the Infraspection Institute. He is also Green Shield Certified.Mr. Frank is a frequent speaker informing Long Island homeowners about green exterminating and bed bugs.

Lynn, we can’t wait to hear what you’ve learned from the important meeting! 

Part of Lynn Frank's Bug Collection

More of Bug Collection

Critter Culprits: Groundhogs Want to Feast on your Garden before Hibernation

One of the nuisance critter found on Long Island is the groundhog. Groundhogs, also called woodchucks or land beavers, are a part the rodent family, most closely linked to squirrels. They are herbivores, feasting on grass, vegetation and berries. Groundhogs have become a nuisance for local farmers and people with year-round gardens, looking for food. Since groundhogs hibernate in the winter months, they bulk up before they burrow underground. Most hibernation periods range from late October to March/April.

Groundhog nests can be as much as 5 feet deep and are complicated mazes up to 40 feet long to multiple exits. These web-like burrows can cause structural damage to buildings and foundations, as well as disturb the agricultural and residential development. Though they appear to be portly creatures, groundhogs are quite agile, able to climb and swim away from potential predators.

In late October, Quantico Marine Corps Base reported an overwhelming population of groundhogs. The local golf course, in Virginia, had minor success in the extermination of the groundhogs, but was unsure of exactly how many were under ground in the burrows. The grounds keeper is quoted as saying “In addition to damaging the landscaping, the tunnels can cause structural issues and damage utilities when they are under and around buildings.” To read an article on the effect of groundhogs on an area, go to http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/oct/24/7/furry-ground-troops-swarm-quantico-ar-1406122/

They may seem daunting to deter, but groundhogs are timid creatures. Several simple steps can keep them away from a year-round garden.

• Smell/Taste – Groundhogs do not like spicy foods or smells. A few of these tips could trick the groundhog that your garden is not for public consumption
• sprinkle spices around the edge of garden bed
• Spray tops of vegetation with a hot sauce and water dilution

• Motion/Noise—The movement of certain animals and birds will naturally keep a groundhog away from an area, but to keep other pest out as well:
• Place paper/plastic windmills around the garden. These are cheap and will stop an above ground attack.
• String a bell garland around the perimeter of your garden.
• Use wind chimes to keep out all timid pests

Groundhogs are not the only pest this time of year to begin seeking homes for the winter. To keep unwanted house guests out call for a professional assessment of your home and property.

Suburban’s professional pest inspection involves:

• Identifying the nuisance wildlife.

• Locating entry points on the structure if possible.

• Recognizing contributing environmental factors.

For more information on animal trapping for your home, visit http://www.suburbanexterminating.com/services/Nuisance-Wildlife-78.asp. If your home has suffered any damage from groundhogs, or any wildlife creature, we can repair those damages. We have carpenters on staff to restore the area to its natural state and prevent future issues. Call for your free estimate today, (631) or (516) 864-6900 or read about all our services at http://www.suburbanexterminating.com/services.asp.

Critter Culprit: Raccoons: Biggest Home Invader

Raccoons are the number one invaders of homes and buildings. They can tear open garbage cans to scrounge for food. They can rip open vents and window screens looking for an entry into attics and basements. Raccoons can build large nests in chimneys. They are strong, agile creatures, able to crawl into small spaces, setting up a home for the winter in your home.

There are a dozen other methods in which a raccoon will find entry into your home, and the end result is usually the same: damage, destruction and danger. Raccoons are similar to bears; they have bad attitudes and won’t stop in their search for food and shelter. It is best to never provoke a raccoon. If you suspect raccoons in your home or business, call a professional right away! Some of the best methods of prevention are the simplest:

• Keep a tight lid on trash cans. Store them indoors or in special containers until they need to go out in the morning.
• Keep pet food indoors at all times.
• Cap all chimneys.
• Secure air vents and replace any broken screens.
• Replace weather stripping on garage doors and keep them closed when not in use.
• Trim back any tree branches that hang over the roof.

The presence of raccoons in a home or business is visible through the destruction and damage. Raccoons will rip apart insulation, roofing and attic floor boards to create a den. The droppings and urine will not only stain ceilings and walls, but obviously create a health hazard. Nassau County recently began a rabies vaccine “baiting” program to get rid of rabies in area raccoons. There are several other parasites and diseases that can be transmitted by raccoons, such as, fleas, ticks, lice, round-worms, tapeworms, distemper, tuberculosis, and mange. It is important to keep pets away from raccoons, not only for their protection, but to prevent provoking the raccoons to attack.

All of Suburban’s pest control services come with a guarantee that, from start to finish, a solution will be found. Protect your home and business this winter from a raccoon invasion. Call (631) or (516) 864-6900 for a free estimate or read about all our services at www.suburbanexterminating.com.

Employee Spotlight: Joanna

My name’s Joanna, and I’ve been with Suburban Exterminating for two years now. I started as a receptionist in high school, and now I come back on breaks to help out in the reception department as well as public relations. I’m about to enter my second year of college at the University of Tampa, studying Writing.

I was working in reception one Saturday afternoon, calmly talking to my coworker, Alyssa, when all of a sudden we heard this loud buzzing sound. The leaves of the plant on the window sill began to shake. I jumped up so fast, and Alyssa was already across the room. A huge bug, larger than the pad of my thumb, started crawling slowly down the flowerpot. I saw wings on its back, and though it was walking, I didn’t want to charge and have it just fly in my face.

We stood away from the window (and away from our phones, forcing one of us to be brave every time it rang), watching it crawl up the walls and window. When Ben, one of our managers, walked it, it was hiding. We told him we saw a bug, and he laughed because we were so scared. “Big?” he asked, “Round? Brown?” Yes. “It’s a stinkbug. It smells nasty when you crush it. Also, it can sting you, so you have to be careful.” He laughed, grabbed a cup, captured it (even though Alyssa was worried it would stab him through the cup) and brought it outside.

 For pest identification and pest control, Long Islanders can call Suburban Exterminating 864-6900.

Winning Team

Here are some recent customer testimonials for Suburban Exterminating’s service team. Let other Long Islanders tell you about the best Pest Control company!

Amagansett homeowner Mrs. W complimented our technicians “Joe and John did a great job yesterday!” We’re glad to help Mrs. W!!!

Merrick homeowner Mrs. K says “I would like to express my appreciation for the great work that one of your field specialists, Phil, did today in my home. Having noticed that my mouse problem was not being solved by the traps and bait, he proceeded to clean and vacuum hidden areas of my garage. Phil moved boxes and tools, cleaned up old insulation and vacuumed corners and "passage-ways." He is determined to find how the mice are entering my home and I am sure that he will be successful in solving the problem. I just want to let the company know about the great job he is doing. “

Here's to Rob, one of our technicians - Syosset homeowner Mrs. T says, "what a pleasure it is to have Rob in my home. He is very good and I would like him to come back as much as possible"

Glen Cove homeowner, Mrs. D. said this about our technician- “Rich was very thorough and a professional serviceman.” Mrs. D, thank you for choosing Suburban Exterminating for your pest control needs!

Wantagh homeowner Mr. G complimented our technician: “Rob was great, very thorough and explained everything to him. Rob also made me at ease about the situation at my house.” Whatever the situation, Suburban Exterminating is here to help!

Huntington Mrs. A says: “Joe spent so much time there setting traps and inspecting for entrance points she could not compliment him enough. Nate was such a nice young man – respectful and professional.” Way to go techs Joe & Nate !!!!!

Commack customer Mrs. D called she “wanted to compliment Andrew.” She is “happy with all of the techs. He was great!” Andrew is another outstanding technician at Suburban Exterminating!

Kings Park Mrs. N “I would like to thank your staff – Bob, Rob, Ron for their professional job they did at our house. We will recommend your company to all of our friends”

Savvy Homeowner Learns about Icicles, Ice Dams, and Insulation

Icicles can indicate an ice dam or an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof. When interior heat melts the snow, water can run down and refreeze at the roof’s edge, where it’s much cooler. Sometimes, the ice builds up and blocks water from draining off the roof. Water is forced under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your house.

To help reduce the risk of ice dams:

• Make sure the attic is well insulated
• Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris. 
• Keep the attic well ventilated so snow doesn’t melt and refreeze on the roof’s edge.

Suburban Exterminating can help improve your attic insulation by installing T•A•P Thermal, Acoustical, Pest Control Insulation.  T•A•P insulation earned the ENERGY STAR AWARD from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Typical energy savings from installing T•A•P insulation will range from 20 to 38%. We can also help you identify areas in your home that are losing heat with thermal imaging.

Call Suburban Exterminating at (631) 864-6900 for a free estimate.

Mouse in Your House

It's cold outside! Have you heard any new scratching or rustling sounds in your home? Wildlife also "come inside" to stay warm when the weather turns cold. Mice, raccoons, squirrels and other wildlife can find your home a warm and friendly place. While some animals are easy to spot, mice can easily hide.


Our Suburban Extermination technicians are educated and encouraged to “think like a mouse”. A mouse can find their way inside your home or business and behave, well, like a mouse. Mice love to eat, have babies, and leave droppings in their trail. Yuck!

When our technicians “think like a mouse”, they search for the most likely places where a mouse will nest. Our pest control treatments are effective in homes and businesses for things both large and small.

Moving? Our Customer explains Fumigation Options

“Hello, I have a fairly light bedbug infestation that has returned after 4 months of being bed-bug free. I am moving soon cross-country, and I want to make sure all my belongings are treated beforehand. I wanted to get a general sense of the price for treatment for a 16' moving truck packed to 70% capacity. I am considering either having the moving truck covered with a tarp and treated, or unloading into a vault, so I would love to get prices for both options, as well as recommendations.” Email from Ms. K (Kathleen) to Suburban Exterminating.

Suburban Exterminating helped Ms. K to 

get rid of bed bugs.
Can we help you, too?

Don't worry - this is NOT Ms. K's stuff! These moving trucks were filled with bug infested carpets. Suburban Exterminating is preparing these trucks for fumigation, too!  To find out more....

Bugs on Your Gift List

Here are my top 5 gift suggestions for 2010:

1. Creepy Crawler Bug Making set. Classic!

2. Cockroach Drixot by MGA Entertainment. It's actually cute.

3. Spider Robot by Hexbug.com. You can control bugs.

4. Free Kid's Club Coloring Book. It's all bugs, of course. Click here to get Suburban Exterminating Coloring book.

5. Annual Pest Control by Suburban Exterminating. Guarantees peace of mind for the entire year!

Happy Holidays from Suburban Exterminating!

T·A·P Thermal Acoustical Pest Control Insulation

Are you paying high heating or cooling bills? Is your home as comfortable as it could be? Suburban Exterminating can perform an attic inspection for proper insulation; as well as possible pest entry. We will measure the depth of your current insulation to determine if your insulation is within the Department of Energy’s recommended R-value.  The US Department of Energy recommended insulation levels of R38 for Long Island homes. Are you losing money through your roof?

Is saving money important to you?  Is your family’s safety important?  T·A·P into the benefits

T·A·P insulation is a combination of thermal insulation, acoustical insulation and pest control insulation.

·         Thermal insulation is a material having air-filled cells or voids, or heat-reflective surfaces, which retard the transfer of heat to cold.

·         Acoustical insulation retards the transmission of sound.

·         Pest control insulation, while performing the other functions of thermal and acoustical, is labeled to control listed insects. By Federal law, such insulation (and the manufacturing plant) must be registered with the US EPA, and carry an EPA-approved label. Additionally, the product must be registered with the pest control authorities in each state in which it is sold or manufactured. Because T·A·P is an EPA-labeled pesticide, in many states only a licensed PMP may sell the insulation.

What are the energy & money saving benefits?  

T·A·P saves energy. T·A·P saves money by decreasing energy bills. It keeps homes cool in summer and warm in winter for less money: Comfort year-round. Because T·A·P is denser than fiberglass insulation, air does not move through it well, so it resists heat transfer by convection, as well as conduction and radiation. And since there aren’t the leaks and drafts associated with ordinary insulation, mechanical systems don’t work as hard and can be down-sized, further saving money. Areas in the home maintain more uniform temperatures between floors and ceilings, upstairs and downstairs, even next to exterior walls.

What are the sound absorbing benefits?

T·A·P reduces unwelcome noise from outside and helps create a peaceful haven inside the home. Insulated interior walls reduce annoying noises (such as toilets flushing and appliances running) inside a house.

What are the pest controlling benefits?    

T·A·P helps control pests in your home. Nuisance pests can breed and form colonies in the attic and behind walls, coming out at night, seeking food and water. More than just annoying, they can severely damage a house. T·A·P is an EPA-labeled pest control insulation, treated with pure boric acid. Although deadly to many insects, T·A·P is acceptable for use around humans and pets. T·A·P eliminates self-grooming insects, where it is installed, upon contact. Insects cannot build up a tolerance to T·A·P, and it never needs re-treating. T·A·P controls ants, cockroaches, silverfish, termites, and other insects listed on the EPA label.

What is the insulation made of?  

T·A·P is all-natural, permanent, and environmentally friendly, too. T·A·P is Green! Well, not in color, but T·A·P is permanent, made from all-natural boric acid and recycled newsprint; thus while you’re saving energy, you’re also conserving landfill space.

Is cellulose a fire hazard?    

Most houses are cellulose (made from wood and forest products). T·A·P contains a fire-retardant chemical that actually makes homes safer in case of fire. Ordinary fiberglass insulation can melt, creating a chimney-like effect in a wall. T·A·P, with its fire-retardant characteristics, forms a charred surface barrier which limits the spread of fire.

How is T·A·P installed?    

Blown-in T·A·P forms a perfect fit in your wall or attic when applied, seeking nooks and crannies, filling the entire cavity. As every homebuilder knows, stud cavities are not uniform in size; thus, gaps and voids form when uniformly sized batts are used. Unlike fiberglass batts, T·A·P is never cut on the jobsite, or stuffed into the cavity to fit behind pipes and conduits, reducing the R-Value. With T·A·P, the R-Value stays in the insulation! And that means the added value stays in the home and becomes a permanent benefit you can sell to the next owners.

Contact Suburban Exterminating to learn more. Call (631) 864-6900 

  

 

 

 

  

Education at Suburban Exterminating

Our goal at Suburban Exterminating is for all pest professionals to have advanced credentials.   All technicians receive training classes several times per year. Pictured are new employees who have completed apprentice training.  Training includes customer service, pest identification, home inspections, pest biology & control and many other pest control related topics. These hard working employees are now preparing for the New York State Commercial Certified Technician exam. This certification is issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation.  
  
Good luck to our new technicians for a successful career at Suburban Exterminating!!

Bed Bugs Stopped!

Riverhead Free Library Trusts 

Suburban Exterminating 

to Get of Rid Bed Bugs

Learn how Suburban Exterminating technicians quickly prevented a bed bug infestation in library near the Hamptons:  Read entire article.

Fox News: How to Avoid Bedbugs on Vacation

Bedbugs are gifted hitchhikers. They don’t hop or fly but they sure can crawl, especially when motivated by the promise of a good hiding place, such as your checked baggage. While your bag is in the plane’s cargo hold bedbugs “may have hitchhiked on someone else's luggage on the plane and transferred to yours

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/11/17/avoid-bedbugs-vacation/#ixzz16D0efNZ8

Nature is amazing!

When an oak tree produces many acorns, many oak trees grow. These acorns provide food to mice that live in your yard. So when an oak tree grows many acorns, mice populations also “grow”.

How many acorns are in your yard?

Through the Looking Glass

Imagine that you’ve just seen some large flying insects with stingers.

What are they? Where did they come from? Should I worry?

One of the first steps is to identify the insect.

Thanks to a recent class from Dr. Frishman (bug doctor),

Suburban Exterminating technicians are better trained to do just that – Correctly Identify Bugs!

Commack Patch: Expert Tips for Dealing with Bedbugs

Expert Tips for Dealing with Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs have, according to these exterminators, become a problem in the last five years. These tips will help you learn your options when dealing with these pesky critters.
By Victoria Reitano Email the author July 28, 2010


Many associate bed bugs with cramped, urban apartments or cheap motels, but as these exterminators explain, they could be lurking in your mattress.

Bob Wiemer, entomologist and general manager of Suburban Exterminating in Smithtown, Kevin O'Connor, entomologist and owner of Eliminex Pest Control in Smithtown and Arthur Katz, president of Knockout Pest Control, provide expert tips for how to deal with bed bugs in Commack.

Wiemer has had many calls from Commack residents in the past five years. "You get a few calls every day about bed bugs now," Wiemer said.

O'Connor agreed and said that bed bugs reintroduced into the United States are also resistant to many of the pesticides previously used. This means that treatments have also changed.

O'Connor and Wiemer said many people will notice raised, red marks on their skin and possibly, blood on their sheets as the first indicators of a possible bed bug infestation. The critters are not, however, limited to the mattress. Both have seen cases where bed bugs have crawled into clock radios, bedside picture frames and crown molding in the room. The bugs will also, Wiemer said, go into other rooms of the home should the bedroom become too crowded for their needs.

Wiemer said these creatures are quite hardy – they can live without feeding for up to two years. He said he has seen instances where the bed bugs are actually visible and jumping around the room during a treatment.

Bed bugs look like, Wiemer said, flattened ticks – before they have fed – and are light brown in color. O'Connor said he has personally noticed an uptick in cases in the summer – with the rise in heat and also with the amount of children and families vacationing. Wiemer also said that college students moving in and out of dorms sometimes bring the bugs into the family home.

The exterminations agree that ridding your home of the pests is not a do-it-yourself project – there are many things that can be done and most times a professional is required to do it.

Katz and Wiemer use carbon monoxide technology – dry ice or Cryonite – to freeze the bed bugs and their eggs. This allows humans to remain in the home and it does not leave any watermarks.

All three companies also use bed bug trained dogs to determine if the area is infected and also to verify that the area is not infected after treatments.

Treatments vary in price and length of time, but all three agree it can take between 1 and 3 visits to clear a residence of a normal bed bug problem.

Are Pesky Insects Driving you Indoors this Summer?

Are Pesky Insects Driving You Indoors This Summer?
by Bob Wiemer

Suburban Exterminating Co, Inc. offers some tips to avoid pesky bugs. (infovisual.info.com)Southampton - Are pesky insects driving you indoors this summer? Don't let bugs ruin your outdoor fun. As General Manager of Suburban Exterminating Co., Inc. I can recommend the tips below for homeowners to keep pesky insects and bugs away from their outdoor living spaces so they may gather without being eaten alive.

• Eliminate any standing water. Biting insects, particularly mosquitoes, breed primarily in stagnant water. If you notice swarms outside your home, look for sources that may have collected rainwater such as garbage cans, birdbaths, basketball hoops, tire swings, tree hollows, improperly drained gutters, picnic umbrellas, receptacles, fountains or ponds, and pool covers.

• For special occasions outdoors, have a party spray done 24 hours prior to the event. Botanical products can be employed and this method is effective at lowering the populations for a short time period.

• Insect Zapper or electrocutors can offer relief for evenings on the patio when directions are followed. Lights should be placed about eye level and away from sitting areas to give the most protection.

• Consult a professional about mosquito magnet CO2 devices, which can be strategically placed on the property and set on a timing device to control mosquitoes.

• Inform the local Board of Health if neighboring properties (sumps, parks, ponds, marshland, etc.) are causing mosquito infestations.

• Surround the deck or patio with citronella candles or torches. The scent is a deterrent and provides additional illumination

• Yellow jacket and flying insect traps are ideal for control at picnics, camping, and cookouts. Hang these around the perimeter of your yard and empty once a day and they will help reduce the population if they continue to be maintained.

• Put mosquito netting around porches.

• Avoid using scented soaps, lotions and shampoos and wear lightweight clothing that covers most of your body, as temperatures permit.

• The use of natural repellent materials available at most stores will further reduce the chances of being bitten.

Suburban Exterminating can also thoroughly inspect properties for breeding sites and provide a written report with recommendations for remedies. For any assistance with your insect problems, don't hesitate to contact our Residential Long Island Exterminators

Established in 1960, Suburban Exterminating Co., Inc. is Long Island leading full-service pest management company providing services in all phases of pest control to homes and businesses and is dedicated to exemplifying quality, professionalism and respect during the execution of a multitude of extermination services. A recent recipient of the International Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Excellence Award, it was the first New York company to be certified as “Green Shield” making the company a leader in environmental stewardship. For more information go to www.suburbanexterminating.com.

Pest of the Month for March: TERMITES

Subterranean Termites

Description:
Eastern subterranean termites are found from Ontario southward and from the eastern United States seaboard as far west as Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
Termites are social insects, which live in large colonies. There are three castes: swarmers or reproducers, workers, and soldiers. Termite antennae have bead-like segments. The winged swarmers have a pair of equally sized long wings that are attached to the last two thoracic segments. The wings break off after swarming. The abdomen is broadly joined at the thorax unlike the narrow abdominal attachment found on ants.
The winged swarmers are dark brown to almost black and about 3/8-inch long. The wings are brownish gray with a few hairs and two dark veins on the leading edge. They have a very small pore on their heads. The soldiers are wingless with white bodies, rectangular yellow-brown heads that are two times longer than their width, and large mandibles, which lack teeth.

Biology:
Subterranean termite colonies usually are located in the soil from which the workers build mud tubes to structural wood where they then feed. Subterranean termite colonies are always connected to the soil and/or close to a moisture source.

Termites digest cellulose in wood with the aid of special organisms within their digestive system. The workers prefer to feed on fungus-infected wood but readily feed on undamaged wood as well. The foraging workers feed immature workers, swarmers, and soldiers with food materials from their mouths and anuses.

A mature queen produces 5,000 to 10,000 eggs per year. An average colony consists of 60,000 to 250,000 individuals by colonies numbering in the millions are possible. A queen might live for up to 30 years and workers as long as five years.

Habits:
Subterranean termite colonies are established by winged swarmers/reproducers, which usually appear in the spring. Swarms usually occur in the morning after a warm rain. A male and female that have swarmed from an established colony lose their wings and seek a dark cavity inside which they mate and raise the first group of workers. Both of these swarmers/reproducers feed on wood, tend to the eggs, and build the initial nest.
After the workers mature, they take over expanding the colony and feeding the swarmers, as the colony becomes larger, light colored supplementary reproducers are produced to lay eggs, which then become workers. The soldiers, which are also produced as the colony increases in size, are responsible for repelling invading ants and other predators.

If you have a termite problem on Long Island, visit our Long Island Termite Exterminator website for more information on control, prevention, and extermination.

DON’T LET THE BEDBUGS BITE – SOME TIPS TO KEEP THE BEDBUGS AWAY

Bedbugs are rapidly developing into an epidemic and as many experts have stated, the situation will get worse before it gets better. The Harvard School of Public Health says, "bedbugs are increasingly becoming a problem within residences of all kinds, including homes, apartments, hotels, cruise ships, dormitories and shelters."

Long Island Bedbugs may be found anywhere, anytime covering all social and economic groups. The best resorts and hospitals, even movie theatres and modes of transportation, can have infestations. “Simply put, you can never predict where they will turn up,” says. Lynn Frank BCE, Entomologist and technical director of Suburban Exterminating Co., Inc. If you are taking up residence in a college dorm and are concerned about bedbugs, there are things you can do to minimize the risk of an infestation.

Frank urges college students to arm themselves with facts about bedbugs and become aware of what they can do to protect themselves and their belongings.

What is a bedbug?
A bedbug is a small insect that feeds on the blood of humans and animals. They live in the folds and crevices of mattresses, bedding, clothing, and carpets, and can also be found inside backpacks, purses, box springs, furniture, electronic equipment, and other hidden, dark crevices.

How do I know if I have bedbugs?
Bedbugs usually leave red, itchy bite marks on the skin and may become severely inflamed. The pests can sometimes be spotted hiding in cracks and crevices during the day and may leave molted skins, feces and old eggshells in harborage areas. There may be a sweet, sticky smell.

TIPS TO KEEP THE BUGS AWAY
Wiemer has compiled tips on what to look out for and what to do in case you encounter these pests:

1. Determine if the University performs regular inspections of rooms.
2. Locate and properly identify the insect - Do not assume that “bites” are caused by bedbugs. Even medical professionals cannot positively identify bedbug bites.
3. DO NOT TAKE ACTION ON YOUR OWN if there is a confirmed identification of bedbugs - Do not panic and seek help immediately. The dorm and university should be informed and fully involved.
4. The university should have a professional pest control company respond immediately and begin bedbug treatment.
5. Do not throw items away or move out all belongings - This may spread bedbugs and transport them to a new location.
6. Encase the mattress and box springs - A properly designed encasement will prevent bedbugs from nesting inside and will make control measures (if they become necessary) easier and more effective. Encasements may be purchased at stores such as Bed Bath & Beyond.
7. Stay clean - The less “clutter” in the room, the less harborage sites for bedbugs.
8. Heat control – Wash and dry any items you think may be infested for at least five minutes on a hot cycle.
9. Store items in sealed plastic bags to contain or prevent items from infestation.
10. Inspect new items being brought into the room. Examine seams, zippers, corners for signs of bedbugs or live insects. Do not accept any item you think might be infested.

Go to www.suburbanexterminating.com for more information