Frequently Asked Questions

Are bed bugs common in Arizona?

ANSWER:

Yes, in Arizona bed bugs are very common – including throughout the Phoenix area. Bed bugs are so prevalent that 97 percent of pest professionals reported that they have treated bed bugs in the past year! Because of their size, bed bugs can hide just about anywhere: under carpets, in baseboards, inside mattresses and box springs, in electronics, and behind walls. It’s nearly impossible for a human visual inspection to be 100% effective.

What really gets rid of bed bugs?

ANSWER:

There are a variety of ways to avoid contracting bed bugs into your home, but Heat treatments are one of the most effective strategies that pest control companies can use to rid your home of a bed bug infestation. Heat services involve the use of a portable industrial heater that heats a room or your entire house to above 120 degrees Fahrenheit for a prolonged period to eliminate bed bugs. Heat treatments are an effective way of killing bed bugs instantly and the best pest professionals prefer using the heat method over pesticides or spraying chemicals.

Can bed bugs survive in Arizona?

ANSWER:

Yes, bed bugs can be found in Arizona and all 50 states. They are very resilient, hitch hiking on things like clothing, luggage, purses, packaging, used furniture, guests belongings, and more.

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

ANSWER:

First, let’s start with the obvious, if you wake up with itchy areas that weren’t there when you went to bed, you may have bed bugs. Particularly, if you continue to find little itchy welts, sometimes accompanied by dried blood on your skin. If this is happening contact a bed bug extermination professional ASAP.

Some other signs that aren’t quite as obvious, that indicate you have bed begs include:

• Blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases

• Dark or rusty spots of bedbug excrement on sheets and mattresses, bed clothes, and walls

• Bedbug fecal spots, eggshells, or shed skins in areas where bedbugs hide

• An offensive, musty odor from the bugs’ scent glands

What do bed bugs look like?

ANSWER:

Full-grown, adult bed bugs are only about the size of an apple seed and eggs can be as small as a speck of dust, making them near impossible to see clearly with the naked eye! Couple that tiny size, with their “camouflage” brownish color, and it’s easy to see why they are so commonly misidentified. They have six legs which is the easiest way to identify them.

Does heat kill bed bugs?

ANSWER:

Yes, heat is one of the best and most effective ways to completely exterminate bed bugs. Bed bugs ex- posed to 113°F will die if they receive constant exposure to that temperature for 90 minutes or more. However, they will die within 20 minutes if exposed to 118°F. Interestingly, bed bug eggs must be exposed to 118°F for 90 minutes to reach 100% mortality.

What makes homes attractive to pests?

ANSWER:

Pests are attracted to the basic survival needs – food, water, and shelter. One technique to keep pests out of your home is to remove their food and water sources. Simple measures such as keeping food in sealed containers and cleaning up any crumbs from food preparation/mealtime can help in keeping these pests away. Also fixing leaky pipes, faucets and drains ensures that if pests do get in, they won’t have the ideal living environment where they can thrive.

How do pests get in my home?

ANSWER:

Pests enter structures through cracks, holes, and crevices. Windows, doors, damaged screens and along foundations are all common places for pests to enter the home. If you have a fireplace that requires wood to be carried into the home, pests can also hitch a ride hidden in the wood. Some pests such as bed bugs can also ride in on your clothing, used furniture, or luggage to infiltrate the home. Always inspect any used furniture and your luggage upon returning home from a trip.

Where should I look for a pest problem?

ANSWER:

Most pests like damp areas, so the bathroom and kitchen are common problem areas. Any areas where there is exposed wood – especially if it is in contact with the ground outside should be inspected carefully. Termites love damp, exposed wood where they can easily burrow in. Basements, attics, roofs and foundations should be kept well ventilated, dry and clutter free to avoid providing an ideal living area for unwanted pests.

How do I keep scorpions out of my Arizona home?

ANSWER:

There are a few steps that can be taken to limit the entry points into your home and keep scorpions out. First, seal your home of all holes and cracks where they may be entering. Next, maintain your yard and keep leaves, wood, and other yard clutter away from the house. If you think you have a problem, you can go outside at night with a black light and search for scorpions. BE CAREFUL, and no not disturb any bugs that you may find.

What to look for if I think I have termites in my Arizona home?

ANSWER:

Termites are small, white, tan, or black insects that are commonly mistaken for ants. The worker termites are very delicate and can dry out if left in the sun too long, that’s why most termites are found in warm humid areas. Termites are often found in areas where there is poor drainage, in tree stumps, in the damp soil under the slab, and in mulch beds. Any termite activity can be dangerous to your home.

I have woken up the past few nights with bites on my arms and face – could it be bed bugs?

ANSWER:

This is a very common question, especially in high traffic areas such as hotels and apartment buildings. Bed bugs can affect anyone, even the cleanest and most organized homes can have a bed bug problem. The easiest way to describe a bed bug bite is that is like a flea or mosquito bite. What sets them apart is that bed bugs tend to bite in clusters of 3-4 bites. These bites will cause raised itchy welts and will go away in 1-2 weeks.

We proudly serve all areas of the state including:

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Cottonwood, Sedona, Clarkdale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Ahwatukee, Glendale, Surprise, Peoria, Sun City, Buckeye, Goodyear, and more.