Last updated 1 hour 35 minutes ago
The bed bug epidemic is sweeping across the U.S., and the Bay Area is steadily climbing the ranks of the top bed bug cities in the nation. Bed bugs don’t transmit any known diseases, but they can leave behind itchy red welts all over your skin and cause allergic reactions. Here’s a look at the top bed bug cities and how to protect your home from bed bugs:
Various locations throughout California jumped several spots in a recent survey of the top bed bug cities. Los Angeles was the highest area on the list at number five—a massive 25-spot jump from last year. However, it was not the biggest increase from the previous year’s study; the San Francisco area leapt 35 spots to number 12. San Diego tops the latter half of the list at number 26 (increasing 13 spots), and the Sacramento area is the last California location on the list at number 41 (up 24 spots). But what’s behind the huge bed bug spike for several areas along the Pacific Coast?
Several factors have contributed to the bed bug resurgence: their incredible resilience and fast reproduction rates, locations with high urban densities, and public unawareness of prevention techniques, to name a few. Additionally, all of the above locations are frequent travel hubs and tourist destinations, and hotels are some of the worst places for bed bug infestations.
Bed bugs can survive without food for several months and can withstand extreme temperature ranges. Females lay one to five eggs per day, and can fully mature in as little as 30 days. Bed bugs are year-round pests, but their activity levels tend to increase during warmer seasons.
If you have bed bugs in your home, nowhere is truly safe until you get rid of them once and for all. Fortunately, Payne Pest Management is here to provide Orange County homeowners with reliable pest control solutions for bed bugs and virtually any other type of pest. Call (877) 365-5629 today for more information.
Last updated 1 day ago
Several pests reach the peak of their activity levels in summertime, and they can quickly invade your home without preparation. Rather than compromising your comfort and possibly your health, watch this video for a few simple tips on preventing common seasonal pests.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so take care to eliminate any puddles around your home. Trim any bushes or shrubs away from the home, and eliminate any possible entry points such as wall cracks or loose window seals. If you have a pet, then regularly look for ticks, as they can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
To protect your home or business from the worst seasonal pests in Orange County, contact Payne Pest Management at (877) 365-5629 today for a free estimate. We have over 35 years of experience in both commercial and residential pest control.
Last updated 9 days ago
Ants are the most common household pests the in the nation, but out of the 700 species throughout the U.S., only a couple dozen are recognized as household pests. Ants are some of the most versatile insects in the planet and can be incredibly difficult to get rid of without professional pest control. Read on to learn how to identify these common household ants:
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are one of the biggest hazards you can face since they burrow into wood and can compromise the structural integrity of your home, similar to termites. Unlike termites, they prefer cooler, coastal climates like those found in the Bay Area. They are larger than most other ants, varying in size from 3.4mm up to 33mm large. They are mostly nocturnal, which can make them difficult to identify.
Odorous House Ants
Odorous house ants commonly nest outdoors in mulch and under stones. They are solid black or dark brown in color and are about 3.3mm in length. They do not bite or sting, but they do produce a distinctive licorice-like smell when crushed and often invade homes in large swarms. They prefer sugars, but will consume meats and other proteins as well.
Red Imported Fire Ants
Red imported fire ants are common to Orange County and the rest of the southeastern U.S., and they are notable for their aggressive behavior and particularly painful stings. Unlike carpenter ants and odorous house ants, fire ants are opportunistic eaters and will freely feed on meats, plants, and processed sweets. They range in size from 1.6 to 5mm and build nest mounds that can be up to 18mm high.
Once ants invade your home, they can be incredibly difficult to get rid of without professional assistance. We here at Payne Pest Management can provide professional pest control solutions—everything from insects to birds—for homes and businesses in Orange County. Just read some of our satisfied customer reviews online and call (877) 365-5629 today to schedule a free estimate.
Last updated 11 days ago
Since many structures, including homes and commercial properties, are built around wooden frames, termites are a serious problem in the area. Termite damage is frustrating to homeowners and other property owners because correcting it requires expensive, invasive repairs. Many property owners, however, do not fully understand how to prevent termite damage or control a termite infestation. The first step towards eliminating these pests is to understand their diet.
What Do Termites Eat?
There are several species of termite, but the two that affect human dwellings the most are subterranean and drywood termites. Subterranean termites prefer to nest underground, close to the foundations of the structures they devour, but drywood termites can actually live inside the walls or under the floor of your building or home. Both species consume dead plant matter containing cellulose, including wooden beams and paper products.
How Do Termites Digest?
Termites cannot digest cellulose on their own. They depend upon microscopic protozoa that live in their guts to break down the cellulose in wood. These microorganisms have a symbiotic relationship with the termites, and also with even smaller bacteria that contribute to this relationship by releasing digestive enzymes that break down cellulose.
How Do Termites Nest?
Consuming wood does more than provide termites with sustenance—it also allows them to build their nests. Termites construct their dwellings out of a paste made from mud, saliva, chewed wood or cellulite, and feces. The nest helps termites stay hydrated by retaining moisture through condensation, and it also provides protection for nurseries full of termite larvae. The un-removed stumps of felled trees provide ideal places for termites to nest.
To prevent termites from devouring the wood that supports your home, consult Payne Pest Management today. Our pest control solutions help homes and businesses across Orange County eliminate termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, and many other household vermin. Learn more about our services by calling us today at (877) 365-5629.
Last updated 15 days ago
You may be living with a bed bug infestation in your home and not even be aware of it. These microscopic insects are excellent at hiding themselves during the day, only emerging during the night to bite humans and pets. Female bed bugs lay hundreds of eggs, and if the infestation is not mitigated through pest control measures, they can reproduce several times a year. The signs below will help you recognize a bed bug infestation.
Molted Skins
Immature bedbugs must feed in order to reach their next life stage, and after that feeding they molt, or shed, their exoskeletons. To reach adulthood, bed bugs must feed and molt five times, so if you have an infestation, there may be large quantities of shed skins in your home. These appear as empty brownish-red bug shaped shells. Check along the baseboards in your bedroom and behind your bed’s headboard for molted bed bug skins.
Excrement Spots
Bed bugs do not feed every night—adults will bite a host only once every five to seven days, though of course if there are a large number of bugs you may experience bites every night. Between feedings, bed bugs digest the blood they have consumed and then excrete the waste, which can be identified as small, dark spots on the mattress, bed frame and other areas in your bedroom.
Bed bug Aggregations
Colonies of bed bugs tend to gather together in groups after feeding to rest, digest, and reproduce. The areas where they congregate, called aggregations, can appear at first glance to be simply spots of black mold or mildew. Look closer, however, and you will be able to identify bed bug aggregates by the presence of live and dead insects, excrement spots, molted skins, and eggs.
Bed bug infestations can quickly get out of hand if you don’t contact an experienced pest control professional. If you live in Orange County, call Payne Pest Management today at (877) 365-5629 to learn more about treatments for your home bed bug problem.
