TERMITES
Have you seen this insect?
Subterranean Termites cause more property damage in this country than floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
Common hiding places:
- Hot water tanks
- Bathrooms
- Crawlspaces
- Kitchens
- Garages
- Basements
Signs you may encounter:
- Swarms of 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch black insects with whitish opaque wings, thick “waists” and curved antennae (not elbow shaped). These are reproductive termites which swarm in the spring, then shed their wings and go underground to start new colonies. Also watch for clusters of their discarded wings.
- Tubes of dried mud leading from the ground or a crack in the foundation to the wood structure of the house. These termite shelter tubes may be attached to wood or concrete or they may rise directly upward without support. They are a sure sign of termite infestation.
- Actual visual damage to drywall or to wood supporting structures (mostly detected from the basement) or weakened floors. By taking a screwdriver and striking the wood in the basement (sill, header or floor joist), especially around the area of the front porch, you may discover termite activity.
If you see this insect or suspect an infestation, please protect your home and contact us today.
BED BUGS
What are bed bugs?
- Tiny, wingless parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and warm-blooded animals.
- Eggs typically hatch in 7-12 days and take 32-48 days to reach full maturity.
- Adults can survive 7-10 months without blood and as long as 12-18 months in empty buildings.
- The typical lifespan of a bed bug is about 12-18 months.
- Female bed bugs lay 300-500 eggs over their lifetime.
- Bed bugs feed for 3-10 minutes before returning to their hiding places.
How do I get bed bugs?
- Bed bugs can be introduced to a home through baggage, furniture, bedding and boxes that are moved from a home to home or from a hotel.
- Used furniture, especially bed frames and mattresses, have the greatest risk of harboring bed bugs and their eggs.
- Bed bugs can also move between connected apartments.
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
- The first sign of bed bugs are multiple small welts on the skin that appear in a linear or clustered pattern.
- The face, neck, back, hands, arms and legs are the most common areas where bed bug bites occur.
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
- Eradication of bed bugs requires a minimum of three treatments*, spaced at two week intervals.
- In between each application, we recommend the following to assist with eliminating a bed bug infestation:
- Vacuum mattresses, bed frames, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Immediately after vacuuming, place the vacuum bag or vacuum contents in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of in an outdoor bin.
- Bedding, pillows, linens, curtains, rugs, etc. should be washed in hot water (minimum of 120 degrees) for at least 20 minutes.
- Steam clean carpets, toys, stuffed animals , shoes, luggage or any other items that cannot be easily washed in hot water.
- After the last treatment, seal your mattress and pillows with waterproof, hypoallergenic, zippered covers labeled “allergen rated” or “for dust mites” for at least one year.
*When three (3) applications** are made at two week intervals and customer complied with Bishop Spray Service sanitation recommendations, we guarantee our interior bed bug control services for one year.
**Well established infestations may require additional applications.
COCKROACHES
What are cockroaches?
- Coackroaches are among the hardiest insects on the planet. Cockroaches typically feed on human and pet food but can also survive on limited resources such as glue from the back of postage stamps.
- Cockroaches can live up to a year and, in favorable conditions, a female cockroach can produce 300-400 offspring in that time.
- Some cockroaches have been known to live up to three months without food and a month without water.
How do I get cockroaches?
- Cockroaches can be introduced to a home in bags, boxes, luggage, clothing, used furniture, appliances, etc.
- Corrugated cardbord boxes are a particularly good source of infestation.
- Cockroaches can also move between connected apartments.
Did you know?
- Cockroaches leave saliva and excrement on your dishes, cookware, countertops and any other surfaces they cross.
- In addition to food poisoning, dysentery and diarrhea, cockroach infestations are a source of allergens and can irritate allergies and asthma in people, especially children.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
- Eradication of cockroaches requires a minimum of two treatments** spaced at two week intervals.
As soon as treatment appointment is made the following is REQUIRED to eliminate a cockroach infestation and must be maintained:
- Keep the kitchen clean! Wash dishes and clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Pay special attention to range tops as cockroaches love grease. Sweep and/or vacuum floors regularly to remove food and debris on floors.
- Put food away! Keep food in the refrigerator or in sealed containers. Do not leave your pet food and water out overnight.
- Empty trash regularly! And keep trash away from the house.
- Fix dripping faucets or leaks! Cockroaches are attracted to water.
**Well established infestations may require additional applications.