Comments on: Ask the Expert: Avoiding, controlling and eliminating bed bugs

By: Reese Anderson

Reese Anderson — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:52:11 +0000

This is really great information for rental property owners as well. A friend of mine has rental properties and has had to deal with pest control problems. I’m glad this article tackles avoiding them as well as getting rid of them. Thanks for posting! http://trulynolen.com

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:52:23 +0000

My nephew has discovered he has bed bugs. He brought his comforter to my house to wash. It was in a sealed plastic bag. We came in Garage and put it right into washer/dryer. What are my chances of getting them in my house?

By: Sam

Sam — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:27:19 +0000

Greg,

I recently had a bed bug problem and purchased some bed bug products here: http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/bed-bugs-c-39.html. What I used seem to work just fine but I was wondering your opinion on when it’s okay to use the do-it-yourself products, vs. hiring a professional? I’ve heard of people that had to throw away their furniture because their infestation was so bad.

Thanks,
Sam

By: victor9011

victor9011 — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:10:10 +0000

I am having a problem. I live in the suburbs of New York and I have bed bugs. How can I get rid of them without spreading them?

By: Greg Baumann, Orkin Pest Control

Greg Baumann, Orkin Pest Control — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:09:45 +0000

If you are talking about bed bugs, the most important thing is to stop the transfer to other buildings. You’ll not only have to train your tenants but your employees as well. If you have laundry in a different building, ask tenants to pack into plastic bags. Wrap any furniture after inspecting so that bed bugs don’t infest the furniture. Most importantly, have a pro perform preventative inspections during changeover so that if there is an issue, you have an early warning and can control before it gets out of hand. Don’t allow used furniture/beds to be sold and moved from unit to unit. There are many other things which could be done in a perfect world, but we have to balance being intrusive with what is acceptable. At one time, everyone wanted to stay quiet about the possibility, but now tenants welcome advice as they by now should know that this is not a sign of poor management or maintenance. One of the best things is to create an information sheet or use NAA’s which will give tenants some advice and information.

By: Greg Baumann, Orkin Pest Control

Greg Baumann, Orkin Pest Control — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:03:22 +0000

CP,

Luckily, these are mites. They are common in Georgia this time of year. They are outside plant feeders and work their way inside in some cases but don’t survive inside. I copied the image and then magnified it 8x. A few mites are nice and clear and you can count eight legs, so they are not insects. Bed bugs and all insects have six legs. The two things which appear to be antennae are actually long front legs. The white ones are recently molted and haven’t developed the color yet. At first glance, you can mistake the mites for engorged bed bug nymphs, but the bed bugs will have six legs and you will clearly see the head extend. Here is some good information on mites: http://www.orkin.com/other/mites/clover-mites. You can rest easy now!

By: Ray

Ray — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:59:48 +0000

What is the process if you have the pest in your building and is going to other buildings?

By: cp

cp — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:17:13 +0000

Please help me identify what these are. I ‘m hoping that these are not bedbugs. Location: Georgia:

picture link:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j38/cpqcpq/bug.jpg