Pest of the Quarter: Bed Bugs

Referred to as “bomb cyclones” by meteorologists, winter storms have been sweeping the U.S. causing dangerously low temperatures.* Also known as “invader season”, winter is a prime time for pests to flock inside in search of warmth, food and shelter. Once indoors, they can be difficult to control and cause severe damage to your business and bottom line. And one pest breaking headlines for its amazing winter survival skills, is the bed bug.

As temperatures drop, bed bug introductions and infestations tend to trend higher — which was observed in states along the East Coast, all the way to states in the Midwest. However, it was reported that 87.1 percent of companies saw an increase in bed bug activity in the Central U.S., starting in Minnesota and North Dakota and traveling south through Texas.**

Whether you are experiencing an influx of bed bug activity in the Central U.S. or seeing general bed bugs issues in other parts of the country, it’s important to learn about these pests so you can help identify them before an infestation grows out of control. Our Pest of the Quarter resource about bed bugs will walk you through signs of their activity, the threats they pose and techniques for detection and treatment.

In the meantime, check out these other blog posts about our pest of the quarter:

• 5 Pests Commonly Mistaken for Bed Bugs

• 5 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Bed Bugs

• The Difference Between Bed Bug Introductions and Infestations

Although freezing temperatures don’t seem to push these pests out, there are things you can do to prevent the chances of a bed bug infestation. Routine staff inspections of areas where bed bugs are most likely to be found is crucial to early identification in commercial spaces.

Want to brush up on your bed bug knowledge and learn more about these freaky, fascinating pests? Download our free bed bug e-book, 100 Facts About Bed Bugs.

*https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/11/science/ticks-bedbugs-winter.html

**http://www.pctonline.com/article/bed-bug-activity-november-rises-bedbug-central/