Bed Bug Activity Spikes in Summer

PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Western Pest Services, a New Jersey-based pest control company with branches throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, warns that as temperatures rise this summer so will the level of bed bug activity. Western Pest Services has already seen an increase in bed bug service calls this year.

"Bed bugs are cold-blooded, so warmer temperatures lead to faster development and allow them to lay more eggs," said Phil Pierce, entomologist and technical services manager for Western Pest Services. "Even more, they are extremely resilient pests and resistant to many pesticides."

Bed bugs are found throughout the United States, travel by hitchhiking on personal belongings and are very good hiders. While a bed bug's life cycle depends upon a myriad of factors, in general, development from egg to adult is completed in about 40-60 days. However, temperatures in the mid-80s can reduce development time to as short as three weeks.

"Combining warm temperatures with summer travel will likely lead to more cases of bed bugs," said Pierce. "Early detection and prevention are the best methods to reduce your risk."

Western Pest Services experts offer six tips to help you stay bed bug free this summer:

1. Travel is the most common way bed bugs spread. When you travel, inspect your hotel room for bed bugs. Lift up the mattress and look for adult bed bugs, cast skins and any dark spots that come from feces. In addition, bed bugs are often introduced into a residence by guests. Often, without knowing, they will bring bed bugs that were picked up from another infested location into your home.
2. Reduce the amount of clutter in your home. Bed bugs are more likely to develop in hidden, rarely disturbed locations.
3. Frequently wash and heat-dry your bed linens, bed spreads and any clothing that touches the floor. The heat from a dryer on the hot setting will kill bed bugs and is a great tool to reduce bed bugs without using conventional insecticides.
4. Use mattress and box spring encasements. These items will entomb any bed bugs that might be in or on your mattress and box spring.
5. Vacuum weekly and dispose of the vacuum bag after each use. Vacuuming regularly can reduce bed bug populations. Target rugs, floors, under beds, around bed legs, bed frames and all cracks and crevices around the room.
6. Never bring used bedding or furniture into your home. When you purchase new furniture, ask the store to deliver the furniture with the plastic sheeting still intact. Bed bugs can sometimes be introduced from the moving trucks.

"Proactive measures can reduce your risks, but professional treatment is the best way to avoid bed bug problems," said Pierce. "Consider contacting your local pest control provider to set up a bed bug inspection to ensure they don't ruin your summer."

About Western Pest Services

Founded in 1928, New Jersey-based Western Pest Services serves both residential and commercial customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Western is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Learn more about Western by visiting www.westernpest.com. Connect with Western Pest Services on Facebook and YouTube, or on Twitter @WesternPestSrvc. Learn more about Rollins by visiting www.rollins.com.

SOURCE Western Pest Services