Author Archives: anthonyb

Handle Your Inside Pet & Pest Woes With These Four Gadgets

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It is bad enough that we often have to deal with pests, critters and insects outside the home, but indoor pest troubles can be far worse. Once certain types of insects and critters settle into your home’s floors, walls, or other areas, costly and often invasive procedures may be needed to fully rid the home of them and repair any lost damage. In addition to this, household pets can also harbor certain types of pests and independently cause havoc when we are not present. If you are in the market for indoor pest and pet solutions, then continue reading to find out more about four gadgets that can assist.

Telescoping Insect Zapper

Anyone who has insects in the home will love the Telescoping Insect Zapper, a hand-held flyswatter with an electric charge to kill insects without all the mess that traditional swatters would cause. The device uses two AA batteries to zap any and all insects on contact, and can extend up to three feet in length depending on your need for reach. The large zapping head can rotate and pivot in various directions to help you get the best contact with any and all insects. Currently available for just $20, the Telescoping Insect Zapper is a clean and chemical-free solution for indoor pest control.

CatScram

Oh, those crazy cats! They’ll climb anywhere, and in the process, knock things off of shelves, countertops and other areas. The CatScram device is an affordable way to discourage our feline friends from their pursuit of higher and higher places. It emits an ultrasonic pulse that will drive cats crazy; whenever one comes near the device, the sound will cause the cat to leap away from the surface and scurry on its way. Perfect for those who want to condition their cats not to jump onto higher surfaces and areas, the CatScram can be purchased for around $50 through select online retailers.

Bell & Howell Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

The Bell & Howell Ultrasonic Pest Repeller uses a combination of ultrasonic and electromagnetic pulses to deter mice, ants, roaches and other insects from a wide area of the home. You simply plug the device into any wall socket and once activated, it sends a pulse of energy through your home’s wiring to deter pests on an entire floor – up to 1000 square feet! The unit even provides an additional outlet along its side to ensure that it is as minimally invasive as possible. Currently available for around $20, you can find the Bell & Howell unit in stores and online.

Under Hood Animal Repeller

Not only are pests and critters a problem in the living spaces of your home, but they also love to congregate in cooler, darker places – like the garage. The Under Hood Animal Repeller is a great solution that prevents rats and other rodents from crawling into your car’s undercarriage and causing damage to your automobiles. It is activate when it senses movement within the vehicle’s underside and emits an ultrasonic blast to deter them from further movement. Currently available for $30, this anti-rodent device may be one of the cheapest and best investments for your garage and automobiles.

Kevin Ben works at Peregrine, a pest control service in Calgary. He is very tech savvy and he enjoys researching about the latest innovation trends in the market.

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3 Reasons Why Texas Is A Great Place To Buy Real Estate

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Texas is the second largest state in America. What you may not know, however, is the cities of Texas are experiencing some of the largest growth in America primarily due to the following reasons:

  • safe communities
  • affordable home prices
  • secure employment

These are just a few of the reasons to consider purchasing a home in the Lone Star State. Read below to learn more about why Texas is a great place to buy real estate.

1. Texas Cities Are A Safe Bet

Crime is a reasonable worry for any home buyer who wants to ensure their potential investment is a safe bet. Overall, Texas’ crime rate is dropping rapidly when compared to the national rates; this drop mainly consists of property crime drops as well as violent crimes. Additionally, according to RedBeacon.com, homes in Austin sell within a median of 77 days, while those in Fort Worth sell within a median of 79 days. These cities are also seeing a drop in inventory levels, which drives home prices upward. Things are also looking bright on the foreclosure front. According to RealtyTrac, one in every 810 homes are foreclosed upon on a national level. On a state level, Texas only has 1 in 1,400 homes that have received a foreclosure filing.

2. Texas Is A Forbes Favorite

Whether it’s the Forbes “Best Places to Live List” or “America’s Coolest Cities to Live List” or even “America’s Hippest Hipster Neighborhood List,” cities in Texas are nearly without fail mentioned on Forbes “Best of” lists. Being named on these Forbes lists holds more weight than one may think. The rankings are based on carefully researched statistics and stats – rather than the opinions of the writer. Texas cities being a Forbes favorite isn’t a new trend, even throughout the worst bouts of the economic crisis and after the pop of the real estate bubble, Texas cities thrived and consistently topped these lists. It’s only natural that as real estate improves, Forbes continues to provide its nod to Texas cities.

3. Affordable Homes

With a median income of just over $50,000 and home values hovering near $125,000. Even though homes are currently rising in value, Texas still has some of the most affordable home inventory in the country. This is especially true in tech towns such as Austin which now houses many tech start-ups and was once called the next Silicon Valley. Needless to say, now is a great time to take advantage of the affordability in Texas – especially if you are invovled in the tech industry.

There’s no better time than now to buy a home in Texas. The Lone Star State offers many safe neighborhoods with quality homes at affordable prices. With an unemployment rate that sits below the national average, steadily decreasing crime rates and many cities that are considered the best places to live by Forbes, you can make your home purchase with confidence.

Jon Clark is the current editor of the California Apartments Blog where he regularly blogs on home buying advice and provides tips on green living. When not blogging or restoring his vintage home, Jon can be found surfing and spending time with his family.

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8 Ways to Avoid Termite Destruction

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Termites In BarkEvery year termites wreak havoc among homeowners. These pesky critters will literally eat your home away. Termites feed off of organic matter such as wood. Considering most homes and buildings are made of at least some wood, termites tend to cause lots of structural damage; an average of about $5 billion per year in the U.S. The following tips can really put you one step ahead of these “silent destroyers.”

1. Remove Moisture

Termites thrive is moist environments. Keeping all sources of water to a minimum would greatly affect the survival of termites. Things like nearby water faucets and leaky pipes can really help termites survive near your home and should be properly fixed.

2. Reduce Direct Soil and Wood Contact

Having direct contact between the wooden parts of your home with the soil would give termites an all-access pass to your home. Termites, like most other bugs, live in the soil and forage for food. Having soil and wood in direct contact increases the risks that termites will find your home for lunch.

3. Fix Cracks, Openings, and Holes

Just like any other bug or unwanted intruder, having exposed cracks and holes into your home can let the termites in. Make sure any remotely thin openings or cracks in the foundation are properly sealed and fixed.

4. Don’t Store Wood or Mulch Nearby

Wood is a termite’s favorite meal, so storing it in the backyard can attract the critters. Piles of wood can easily gather moisture and having them close to the home will draw in the buggers. Mulch, which is meant to conserve moisture, can obviously also be very dangerous to keep nearby.

5. Remove Shrubs and Grass

Keeping the home free of grass and plant life will also help keep termites away. Sometimes plants like to cuddle up close to our homes, but these plants produce moisture, which will likely draw in the termites.

Termites Emerging From Wood6. Ventilation

Keeping your home ventilated will help reduce moisture. Good air circulation will help maintain the buildup of moisture to a minimum.

7. Use Chemically Treated Wood or Timber That’s Naturally Resistant

When building a new home or making additions, it is always a good idea to look into some termite resistant materials to use. Some woods can be chemically treated to ward off those predatory termites.

8. Have Home Inspected Regularly

The best way to guarantee that your home is free of termites is to have a professional inspect your home regularly. Termites are “silent destroyers”, and before you know it your home could be crumbling to the ground. Having a professional rule out the presence of these critters is the best option for maintaining your home free of termites.

Houston Termite Control

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com 

Author Bio: is a journalism student and blogger for Bulwark Exterminating, an industry leader in providing high quality termite control service. When I’m not playing with my two adorable nieces, I’m on the tennis court chasing that little green ball around.

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Where Is Houston’s Real Estate Hot Spot?

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Houston Park

Downtown Houston was once booming with all types of real estate, commercial, commerce and residential. The real estate business is still booming there but now the trend is buying outside of the Loop for residential, but why?

According to a study done by the Houston Chronicle last year, more than 80% of homes that were sold were outside of Beltway 8, compared to just 6 percent inside Loop 610 and 12.8 percent between the Loop and the Beltway. Residents aren’t minding the long commute for several different reasons.

Property in the suburbs of Houston can be twice as affordable as those within the larger city limits. According to housing data in that area, last year, the median price per square foot for a home outside the Beltway was $72.98. The Inner Loop value was $178.09 per square foot, still less than half. Courtney Johnson Rose, a realtor in the Missouri City area stated that to get a four-bedroom home inside the Loop, you are probably looking at $400,000-plus versus outside the loop at around $200,000.

Another big draw to the burbs is the amount of jobs locating outside of downtown.  Houston’s outlying areas are becoming home to major business districts along the West Belt, including oil companies like Exxon Mobile Corp. They are moving 10,000 employees to a new building west of I45. As a result, areas beyond city limits are booming. Other large companies such as BP, Shell and Conoco Phillips also employ thousands of people along I10, now becoming known as the Energy Corridor.

Schools and shopping are an important part of our everyday lives and there are a multitude of those showing up all along the outer city. The Institute for Regional Forecasting and the University of Houston’s, C.T. Bauer College of Business calls the West Belt their home. The largest shopping mall in Texas, The Galleria Houston is also located outside of the Loop. It boasts 26 million visitors each year with over 400 stores and restaurants, three office towers, and two high-rise hotels.

Some residents love the big city life, but without all the hustle and bustle that downtown is sure to provide. That is another reason for moving to the suburbs. There seems to be less crime, less traffic and a little slower pace of life for those who chose to live here. Some residents state it just feels more like home to be away from all the lights but still less than 30 minutes from just about any destination in Houston. It can be a  great place to raise a family because of the master-planned communities.

Although living in the outer edges of the city can only be a 30 minute commute, some find this to be a drawback to living there. Because of today’s technology, thankfully, many employees are finding that their employers are making is easier for them to telecommute. This is making it easier and easier for residents to say yes to buying outside of Loop 610.

Whether you are a city person at heart or not, it is clear why 80% of buyers are choosing to buy outside of the Loop. There is a lot to offer from schools to shopping and who can forget affordable housing and a strong job market in this economy? The burbs of Houston might just be the best place for you and your family.

Rickey Williams is a real estate investor, expert, and blogger. He works with We Buy Ugly Houses in Houston, a home buying franchise.

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Houston Fire Ants Driven Out By ‘Crazy’ Ant Species

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Ant_Biting_Skin

Rasberry Crazy Ants Driving Out Fire Ants In Houston

Most of us in Houston are very familiar with the wretched Red Imported Fire ants. They make huge mounds on our property, and one painful sting from this pesky ant will be a constant reminder to keep your distance.

Over the last few years, Houston residents have been noticing a different species of ant; a species that some are calling far worse than the fire ant. I’m talking about the Rasberry (not raspberry) Crazy ant, and it’s beginning to displace fire ants in many areas in Houston.

Areas in Houston infested with Crazy ants have very few fire ants present. The reason being is that the Rasberry Crazy ants are an extremely invasive species that out-compete all other species of ant found in Houston.

Ants on raspberriesCrazy Ants vs. Fire Ants: Why Are Crazy Ants So Bad?

Rasberry Crazy ants are so bad, and so destructive, many residents are clamoring to get the fire ants back!

Crazy ants quickly outnumber other ant species because they multiply in even larger numbers. They are also difficult to control since they don’t eat the same poison baits as fire ants do.

Fire ants are in many ways very polite compared to crazy ants. When fire ants move into in your yard, they’ll form mounds and stay there. The Fire ants will only interact with you if you bother them or step on their unmistakable mounds.

Rasberry Crazy ants, on the other hand, “go everywhere,” invading homes and nesting in walls and crawlspaces, even damaging electrical equipment by swarming inside appliances. These ants are attracted to electrical impulses, chewing through electric insulation; they cause stop lights, air conditions, and other electrical equipment to short circuit. After being drawn into electrical equipment, they can easily cause shortages. Such actions often result in expensive repairs that inflict Houston homeowners.

On a positive note, Crazy ants don’t inflict painful stings like the Red Imported Fire Ants do.

Learn more about pest control methods for Fire Ants

Rasberry Crazy Ants

Imported from Brazil and Argentina in the 1930’s, the Rasberry Crazy ant has been infesting the Southeastern United States ever since. They are named after Tom Rasberry, the exterminator in Houston who discovered them. They are sometimes referred to as Tawny ants, but most people prefer the moniker “Crazy” because the ant’s erratic and non-linear movements.

Rasberry Crazy ants range in size from 1/16-1/8 inches long. They have slender bodies with long legs, and long antenna. They are reddish-brown in color, and are covered with fuzz. This fuzz makes the ant appear less glossy then other species of ant; and lead many to define the ant as “hairy.”

Ant Control In Houston, TX

Whether you are dealing with the painful stinging Red Imported Fire ant, or the destructive Rasberry Crazy ant; professional Houston Ant Control can help you with all of your ant problems. Ant control professionals in Houston are up to date on of the latest and most effective ant control methods and techniques to help Houston residents live ant free. Call today!

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com
 
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Downgrading Your Home In Houston

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Sometimes in life, a major change can mean the need to downgrade to a smaller home.  Whether your kids move out or you receive a pay decrease, the important thing is to realize the need to change your lifestyle.  But downgrading doesn’t always come easy; some things need to be taken into consideration.  Deciding on your new needs, finding a market for your old home, and finding a place for your stuff, are things to consider when you get started.  Doing things like putting your stuff into storage or simply being flexible with your asking price for your old home can help things go smoothly.

City of Houston

Deciding on Your New Needs

If you’re looking to downgrade your home, you’ve already decided what you don’t need, but what exactly are you looking for?  This can be a bigger question than you anticipated, so it’s important to decide once and for all what you are looking for in your next home.  This can be the difference between whether you look for a new home in the Spring Branch neighborhood, an apartment in the downtown area, or a place in one of the many other Houston neighborhoods.

Finding the Market for Your Home

Once you’ve figured out exactly what you’re looking for in a new Houston home, it’s time to decide what to do with your old home.  Putting your home on the buying market requires a number of considerations.  Go online or talk to a Houston real estate agent to find out what the market is for homes similar to yours; this can give you the price range for your asking price.  It’s also important to decide what the lowest price is you’re willing to accept for your home.  It’s unreasonable to expect the selling of your home to go without some compromise, so being flexible will be expected of you.  The market of your place will depend on the neighborhood, so make sure you research the market of your specific Houston neighborhood.

What to Do with All That Stuff

One of the biggest issues that come along with downgrading into a smaller place is figuring out what to do with all the stuff that you’ve accumulated throughout the years.  Luckily, there are a number of options that you have at your disposal.  If you don’t have much to get rid of, having a garage sale can be a great way to minimize the amount of excess stuff that you have to take care of.  If you have stuff that you can’t seem to get rid of, or things that you don’t want to, consider moving your personal items into a storage facility.  Seasonal items, such as Christmas decorations or pool items are perfect candidates to be moved to off-site storage in Houston.  It can be the best idea to help alleviate the problem of too much stuff.

Settling In

Getting comfortable in your new home can be a longer process than you’d expect, especially if your downgrade is a major one.  If you’re downgrading into a different Houston neighborhood, there could be an adjustment period based on amenities in the new area, the commute that you now must take to work, or even something as simple as where you get your morning coffee.  It’s important to remember that no matter how major or minimal a downgrade actually is, your first home was once new as well, but it wasn’t long before it became familiar to you.  Given time, your new place will be as familiar to you as your old place was.

Downgrading can be a blessing in disguise and it can go smoothly if you plan ahead.  Once done, it can be a whole new beginning for you and your family.

Featured images:

Ashely is a new writer that has an interest in writing about home improvement and real estate. Check out her Twitter @ashelymarie1985 to see more.

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Why Are International Investors Interested In Houston?

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Houston_Skyline

New York and Washington, D.C. have historically been some of the most attractive places for international investments. While they are still near the top of the list, these investors are looking elsewhere thanks to economic performance. Houston is now standing out as a desirable place for cross border interactions and with good reason. Houston’s local economy has been strong over the past several years and it looks like there’s no sign of slowing down.

Houston’s economy has always performed well compared to the rest of the United States. Thanks the strong corporate energy presence in Houston, the city emerged faster than any other U.S. city from the recent recession. After hitting its unemployment peak, Houston’s unemployment rate dropped for 16 straight months. It’s not just in the United States where Houston stands out as an economic contender. Houston’s gross product has been reported as high as $435.9 billion. This makes their economy larger than Belgium, Malaysia, Venezuela and Sweden. Houston’s large numbers are thanks to its oil and gas exploration and production. Nearly 4,000 energy-related companies call Houston home.

Perhaps one of the biggest draws for international investors is Houston’s affordability. Many companies see Houston as one of the best locations for getting a return on their property investment.  Other major cities in the U.S. might offer advantages to businesses but their costs to operate are significantly higher than Houston’s. Houston also offers a low cost of living at a high quality of life. This is bringing in a lot of relocated residents who are looking for a thriving economy that offers ample job opportunities as well as an affordable place to raise a family.

There is also a very long list of initiatives for businesses to base their companies in Houston. They include: tax increment reinvestment zones, tax abatements, pollution control property tax abatements, priority for “green” businesses, statistical GIS mapping, foreign trade zones, tax phase-in programs and The Texas Economic Development Act to name a few.

Houston’s location in the southernmost part of the United States also makes it an attractive location for international investors. Especially for those companies who serve both the U.S. and Mexico markets.  Houston’s abundance of companies who serve other Latin American markets also make the city a desirable location for other businesses that want to tap into these markets. Houston has been considered a gateway to Latin America.

Houston’s existing international culture scene as well as its desirable economic characteristics makes it an attractive city for international investors. In addition to what the city already has to offer, local government provides several incentives to try to bring the best in the world to Houston.  The city has proclaimed its government to be one that is pro-business. They pledge to minimize red tape and delays in order to make the investment process easier, especially for foreign investors. With that type of local support, it is easy to see why Houston is making the top of the list for international investors looking to bring their companies to the United States.

Rickey Williams is a real estate investor, expert, and blogger. He works with We Buy Ugly Houses in Houston, a home buying franchise.

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Houston Roach Commercial

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The Mark III armor as featured in the 2008 fil... 

Wondering what that funny and slightly disturbing roach commercial was that aired before your movie at a Houston Cinemark? We have it here!

Summer Movie Madness 

Last weekend was a huge box office weekend. “Iron Man 3” debuted with an astonishing $174.1 million in domestic sales, and squeaked out $680 million globally. Wow! It was the second largest debut of all time, behind last summer’s “The Avengers.” The debut of “Iron Man 3” also meant that the summer movie season has finally arrived much to our enjoyment.

I am personally looking forward to a few of these summer movies myself: “The Hangover 3,” “Man of Steel,” “Fast and Furious 6,” and “World War Z.”

Debut Of Houston Roach Commercial 

With all of these summer movies kicking into full gear, the pest professionals at Bulwark Exterminating launched a new commercial entitled “Roaches Eat Toothpaste.” The one minute ad, which will play before your movies in a few select Houston area theaters, hopes to inform Houston residents about the growing roach problem in the city.

The Houston roach commercial shows an adult cockroach slurping down gobs of white toothpaste. Yes, revolting as it sounds, roaches frequently dine on toothpaste; as well as hair, blood, toenails, and dog doo. Watch the roach commercial yourself:

Houston Roach Commercial: Roaches Eat Toothpaste

 

 

 

See The Houston Roach Video In These Select Theaters 

Cinemark Tinseltown 17 and XD
1600 Lake Robbins Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 362-4340
cinemark.com
 
Cinemark Theater
1030 West Grand Parkway North
Katy, TX 77449
(281) 371-6008
cinemark.com

Roach Control 

While the “Roaches Eat Toothpaste” commercial was good for a laugh, having roaches infest your Houston home is no laughing matter. These cockroaches can spread diseases like polio, typhoid fever, leprosy, and bubonic plaque. Cockroaches also shed their body parts which can lead to asthma and other breathing problems. On top of all these problems cockroaches can cause, they also emit an unpleasant odor that will make your house stink. Yuck!

If you are seeing cockroaches in and around your Houston, TX home, get professional roach control.

Roach Control In Houston, TX 

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com 
 
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Freakish Football Sized Snails Invade Houston

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Freakish Football Sized Snails Invade Houston, TX

A giant African snail has been found right here in Houston, TX. Someone who lives on Twin Circle drive in the Briar Forrest area found on in their garden. After the snail that was spotted, it happened to get away and nobody knows where it went. Don’t ask me how it got away… it’s not like snails are fast. These snails have local residents, and scientists, worried. Where there is one snail, there will likely be many, many more.

The giant African land snail reproduces very rapidly. They can lay as many as 100 eggs a month, so it’s likely there are more like the one found on Twin Circle Drive came from. Parts of Florida are also currently under attack, with these freakish snails being found by the thousands.

These snails are about eight inches in length, and four inches in diameter. The biggest ones found are reported to be about the size of a football.

Giant African Land Snail Escapes

Giant African Land Snail Escapes (Photo credit: sarflondondunc)

Giant African Snails Are Destructive

These giant African snails are quite a site, but scientists warn about the damage they can inflict to both humans and to property. These massive snails will make hole in the stucco and plaster on your home. If you run over one of them with your car, its shell can blow out your tire. They also feed on 500 different types of Houston plants, destroying your beautiful landscaping.

Giant African Snails Carry Deadly Disease

In addition to being destructive to your property, these gigantic African snails also carry a deadly disease that causes life-threatening meningitis. This parasitic disease can cause a lot of harm to humans, and sometimes even cause death. People are being warned not to touch them. You can get very sick if you do handle them. Most kids would look at a big snail like this and want to touch it. Neighbors and Houston residents need to be warned to stay away from these massive snails.

Pest Control In Houston, TX

If you are a Houston, TX resident and are seeing giant African land snails on your property, keep your distance and get professional Houston pest control.

Bulwark Exterminating
10900 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 668-4930
bulwarkpestcontrol.com
 
AAAnimal Pro: Wildlife Control
8280 Golf Green Circle
Houston, TX 77036
(832) 248- 7804
houstonwildlifepatrol.com
 
Terminix
16155 Park Row, Suite 190
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 460-3698
terminix.com
 
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Watch Out! Bed Bugs Are Not Just In Beds

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bedbug

You may think that you are safe from bed bugs, just because your home’s bedroom is not infested with them. Think again. Bed bugs are in a growing number of locations these days. Leaving your house may mean that you can brush up against bed bugs in taxi cabs, movie theaters, and even hospitals.

According to an annual survey of pest management professionals, bed bugs are in all sorts of places you may not have expected. In February, the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky surveyed the in-the-field bed bug detection experts for the Bugs Without Borders report. ”In the third installment of the Bugs Without Borders survey, according to Pestworld.org, “bed bugs are found to be as much, if not more of a problem today than they were a few years ago.” Yikes!

Places bed bug detection professionals found bed bugs

The survey says that virtually all of the pest management professionals found bed bugs at some point in their work – 98 percent found them in apartments or condos, and 96 percent found them in single-family homes. But that is not the only place bed bugs were discovered. Here are some of the places the survey found bed bugs, and the percentage of pest management professionals who discovered bed bugs there:

  • Hospitals: 33 percent
  • Movie theaters: 10 percent
  • Schools and day care centers: 41 percent
  • Nursing homes: 46 percent
  • Transportation (train/bus/taxi) : 21 percent
  • College dorms: 47 percent
  • Office buildings: 36 percent
  • Hotels/motels: 75 percent
  • Libraries: 12 percent
  • Laundromats: 9 percent
  • Retail stores: 15 percent
  • Airplanes: 2 percent
  • Restaurants: 7 percent.

That means that you could potentially be exposed to bed bugs at a variety of diverse locations whenever you leave your home. Needless to say, this is a scary prospect.

Bed bugs the toughest insects to control

If this doesn’t make you want to itch, here is some more information to make your skin crawl. According to the pest control professionals, bed bugs are the toughest pest to control. The Bugs Without Borders survey says that 76 percent of the experts find the bugs the worst, with 17 percent finding ants the worst, 6 percent say roaches are the toughest, and 1 percent find termites the most difficult.

What can you do to stay away from bed bugs?

Pestworld.org says that “bed bugs are as much, if not more of a problem today than they were a few years ago,” and that “these pests continue to plague people wherever they go.” The site says that raising awareness of the issue and being vigilant about bed bugs can help alleviate the problem.

If you travel, or have had to spend much time away from home, like in a hospital, you can keep bed bugs from being a problem in your home by putting your clothing in the dryer on high heat for 20 minutes before putting them in the washer. You should also put your luggage in a separate area of your home to make sure that any potential bed bugs don’t hitch a ride into your bedroom.

And if you think you might have bed bugs in your home, contact a bed bug professional like Bed Bug Finders LLC. Good luck.

Lisa Swan writes for a variety of home and office websites. She lives in New York City.

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