Once you get past the weather, one of the biggest travel problems you could run into could be waiting at your destination, bed bugs.
Bed bugs can be found in places beyond just a bed- you can find them in buses, planes, luggage and even clothing. These bugs have been found in five-star hotels, and their presence is not always determined on the cleanliness of the conditions where they are found.
They look like an apple seed, flat and brown, and they feed on human blood.
They're most commonly found in places people sleep and among people who travel, but everyone is at risk to let the bed bugs bite.
"They're hitch hikers, that's how they get from place to place. So they're going to hitchhike on you if you're in a car, you're on a bus, plane, train, however you're traveling, that's where they can typically be," says Mike Coffey of Lane's Professional Pest Elimination.
When you head into a hotel, experts recommend doing a quick check around the room.
"Around the tufts of the mattress, behind the headboards, nightstand, sometime in the chairs, that's where you're going to typically see the bed bugs," says Coffey, "Blood spots on the sheets are going to be your first clue that you may have an issue in there."
Bed bugs may be harmless, but they're called a "pest," for a reason. They're fast, hard to kill and can live for a whole year without feeding.
To avoid taking these bugs home from trips with you, the first thing professionals say to do when you arrive at a hotel is put your bags in the tub.
"Bed bugs cannot climb into hard surfaces like that so nothing can get into your luggage and of course tubs are usually white so you can see them," says Coffey.
You can try to kill them with heat. Experts suggest taking your luggage, emptying it into the dryer and running it at a hot temperature for a minimal of thirty minutes.
If you see the bugs, you should contact pest control immediately. Experts say do it yourself remedies are not enough to kill.
The Centers for Disease Control say bed bugs have not been known to spread disease, but they do bite. Bite marks can take up to 14 days to develop. An allergic reaction to bites may lead to medical attention.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
Bed Bugs: Statistics Don’t Lie - Yes, They are Everywhere
Bed bugs have experienced a resurgence during the last decade that essentially is unrivaled by the growth of any pest in the pest control industry. But while many people have never come into contact with the pest – as far as they know – bed bugs literally are everywhere.
Think of the different facets of a community that can be affected by bed bugs and there likely are numerous examples of infestations that can be cited. In the hotel sector, these businesses are not only tracked on numerous travel websites but The Bed Bug Registry was formed specifically for the purpose of reporting bed bug incidents.
Colleges and universities have incidents splashed across the “front pages” of social media networks on a weekly basis, causing fear among students and concern at the parental level. Regardless, bed bugs have intruded into almost every corner of the country’s higher learning institutions – as evidenced by the 996,000 results that come up in a Google search for college bed bug incidents.
Senior living centers, public housing, halfway houses and even prisons are being inundated with bed bug incidents – proving that bed bugs are everywhere. According to the ‘Bugs Without Borders’ survey, conducted by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky, not only are they everywhere but most people are either coming into contact with them or know someone who has had a bed bug-related experience. The survey found the following:
• 99.6 percent of U.S. based professional pest management companies have encountered a bed bug infestation in the past year, slightly higher than the 99 percent that reported the same in 2011.
• As in previous years, survey respondents continue to treat for bed bugs in a variety of places outside private residences, such as college dorms, hotels, nursing homes, offices, schools and daycare centers, hospitals, public transportation and others. The majority of bed bug infestations occur in residential settings, such as apartments/condominiums and single-family homes, with 98 percent and 96 percent of respondents treating these dwellings respectively.
• Although not a seasonal pest, prime bed bug time appears to be during the summer months with nearly half (49 percent) of respondents saying infestations occur most often then and least often in the winter.
• Bed bugs continue to be the most difficult pest to treat, according to 76 percent of survey respondents, more so than cockroaches, ants and termites.
• Clutter contributes to the problem as approximately two-thirds of respondents point to homeowner clutter as the biggest customer-oriented challenge in treating bed bugs, while 58 percent say customers not following advice and 16 percent point to re-infestation.
Think of the different facets of a community that can be affected by bed bugs and there likely are numerous examples of infestations that can be cited. In the hotel sector, these businesses are not only tracked on numerous travel websites but The Bed Bug Registry was formed specifically for the purpose of reporting bed bug incidents.
Colleges and universities have incidents splashed across the “front pages” of social media networks on a weekly basis, causing fear among students and concern at the parental level. Regardless, bed bugs have intruded into almost every corner of the country’s higher learning institutions – as evidenced by the 996,000 results that come up in a Google search for college bed bug incidents.
Senior living centers, public housing, halfway houses and even prisons are being inundated with bed bug incidents – proving that bed bugs are everywhere. According to the ‘Bugs Without Borders’ survey, conducted by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky, not only are they everywhere but most people are either coming into contact with them or know someone who has had a bed bug-related experience. The survey found the following:
• 99.6 percent of U.S. based professional pest management companies have encountered a bed bug infestation in the past year, slightly higher than the 99 percent that reported the same in 2011.
• As in previous years, survey respondents continue to treat for bed bugs in a variety of places outside private residences, such as college dorms, hotels, nursing homes, offices, schools and daycare centers, hospitals, public transportation and others. The majority of bed bug infestations occur in residential settings, such as apartments/condominiums and single-family homes, with 98 percent and 96 percent of respondents treating these dwellings respectively.
• Although not a seasonal pest, prime bed bug time appears to be during the summer months with nearly half (49 percent) of respondents saying infestations occur most often then and least often in the winter.
• Bed bugs continue to be the most difficult pest to treat, according to 76 percent of survey respondents, more so than cockroaches, ants and termites.
• Clutter contributes to the problem as approximately two-thirds of respondents point to homeowner clutter as the biggest customer-oriented challenge in treating bed bugs, while 58 percent say customers not following advice and 16 percent point to re-infestation.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Insects Open Access Journal Article: Behavioral Responses of the Bed Bug to Permethrin-Impregnated ActiveGuard™ Fabric .... Susan C. Jones* , Joshua L. Bryant and Scott A. Harrison
Abstract: ActiveGuard Mattress Liners have been used to control house dust mites, and they also are commercially available as an integrated pest management tool for use against bed bugs (Cimex lectularius). The aim of our study was to evaluate responses of numerous populations of the bed bug to the permethrin-impregnated fabric, with particular regard to contact toxicity, repellency, and feeding inhibition. Continuous exposure to ActiveGuard fabric resulted in rapid intoxication for three of four populations, with 87 to 100% of moderately pyrethroid-resistant and susceptible bed bugs succumbing by 1 d.
In comparison, a highly resistant population reached 22% mortality at 10 d. Video data revealed that bed bugs readily traversed ActiveGuard fabric and spent a considerable amount of time moving about and resting on it during a 12-h period. ActiveGuard fabric was non-repellent to bed bugs from five tested populations. Furthermore, significantly fewer bed bugs successfully fed to repletion through ActiveGuard fabric than through blank fabric for the five populations. With just 30 min of feeding exposure, mortality ranged from 4% to 83%, depending upon the bed bug strain. These laboratory studies indicate that ActiveGuard liners adversely affected bed bugs from diverse populations.
CLICK HERE to read the full article.
Behavioral Responses of the Bed Bug to Permethrin-Impregnated ActiveGuard™ Fabric .... Susan C. Jones* , Joshua L. Bryant and Scott A. Harrison
Department of Entomology, Ohio State University, 2501 Carmack Rd., Columbus, OH 43210, USA
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 27 April 2013; in revised form: 17 May 2013 / Accepted: 20 May 2013 / Published: 7 June 2013
In comparison, a highly resistant population reached 22% mortality at 10 d. Video data revealed that bed bugs readily traversed ActiveGuard fabric and spent a considerable amount of time moving about and resting on it during a 12-h period. ActiveGuard fabric was non-repellent to bed bugs from five tested populations. Furthermore, significantly fewer bed bugs successfully fed to repletion through ActiveGuard fabric than through blank fabric for the five populations. With just 30 min of feeding exposure, mortality ranged from 4% to 83%, depending upon the bed bug strain. These laboratory studies indicate that ActiveGuard liners adversely affected bed bugs from diverse populations.
CLICK HERE to read the full article.
Behavioral Responses of the Bed Bug to Permethrin-Impregnated ActiveGuard™ Fabric .... Susan C. Jones* , Joshua L. Bryant and Scott A. Harrison
Department of Entomology, Ohio State University, 2501 Carmack Rd., Columbus, OH 43210, USA
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 27 April 2013; in revised form: 17 May 2013 / Accepted: 20 May 2013 / Published: 7 June 2013
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Allergy Technologies LLC Continues Funding Bed Bug Research at The Ohio State University with a 2nd Year $100,000+ Research Grant
Allergy Technologies LLC, manufacturer of ActiveGuard™ Mattress Liners, is funding a second year of bed bug research at The Ohio State University with an additional $100,000+ grant. This grant is an extension of last year’s support by the Company that enabled the launch of this essential research initiative.
Extension of this programmatic grant to The Ohio State University will allow for the continued support of a variety of research investigations relating to bed bugs, including various product efficacy, treatment protocols, and application methods to control bed bugs. Given the continued rise in bed bug infestations and the growing cost of treatments throughout the country, Allergy Technologies' continued sponsorship will allow for much needed field and lab research integral to the development of promising bed bug products and strategies. Given the impact of the bed bug scourge that is sweeping the nation, the results of this research may have direct influence on treatment and preventative strategies for residences, colleges and universities, and hotels.
“Allergy Technologies’ funding of this research allows us to continue and complete some very valuable studies and trials relating to bed bug behavior, control strategies, resistance, repellency and more,” said Dr. Susan Jones, principal investigator on the project. As part of the 2nd year of the grant, Susan Jones, PhD and her team of urban entomologists will continue to examine behavioral and feeding characteristics of bed bugs, including their response to existing and novel products related to bed bug management.
According to Dr. Jones, “the core rationale of this research is to improve pest management practices and protocols relating to the proper control of bed bugs. Year Two funding gives us the opportunity to apply the results from the important laboratory studies we completed in the first year and transition into field studies while continuing to expand our fundamental behavioral research.”
Gus Carey, Managing Director and CEO of Allergy Technologies acknowledged the strong affiliation that his company has with Dr. Jones and The Ohio State team. “We have been continuously impressed with the knowledge and dedication of Susan Jones and her group of urban entomologists. Dr. Jones’ strong understanding of bed bugs and their habits was one of the key reasons for working with Ohio State in the first place. Her work over the past year has greatly enhanced our understanding how bed bugs behave in the field and we look forward to continuing that research to help us find working solutions to eliminate these pests.”
“Bed bug infestations have dramatically increased over the course of the last decade, making this research so much more valuable to the pest control community,” said Joseph Latino, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Allergy Technologies. “This grant directly underscores Allergy Technologies’ principal business paradigm of continuing our focus on supporting both the pest control industry and inner-city communities through our Philanprofit™ efforts.”
ActiveGuard by Allergy Technologies LLC, are thin and breathable liners easily installed onto mattresses and box springs, which kill bed bugs and dust mites continuously for up to two years.
Allergy Technologies and a team of research entomologists originally developed ActiveGuard for use against house dust mites. Distinct from encasements, ActiveGuard has been extensively lab and field tested for use in both active and preventative bed bug control strategies.
About Allergy Technologies
Allergy Technologies is a subsidiary of A. Carey Co. LLC, which focuses on using philanthropy as a core business strategy for its businesses. Through its Philanprofit strategy, a portion of all ActiveGuard proceeds go to help fund inner-city homeless and women’s shelters and asthma clinics.
For more information, call (866) 978-6288 or visit www.allergytechnologies.com.
Media Contact:
Ed DeMask
DeMask Marketing
630-768-1404, cell
630-389-0572, office
ed@demaskmarketing.com
Extension of this programmatic grant to The Ohio State University will allow for the continued support of a variety of research investigations relating to bed bugs, including various product efficacy, treatment protocols, and application methods to control bed bugs. Given the continued rise in bed bug infestations and the growing cost of treatments throughout the country, Allergy Technologies' continued sponsorship will allow for much needed field and lab research integral to the development of promising bed bug products and strategies. Given the impact of the bed bug scourge that is sweeping the nation, the results of this research may have direct influence on treatment and preventative strategies for residences, colleges and universities, and hotels.
“Allergy Technologies’ funding of this research allows us to continue and complete some very valuable studies and trials relating to bed bug behavior, control strategies, resistance, repellency and more,” said Dr. Susan Jones, principal investigator on the project. As part of the 2nd year of the grant, Susan Jones, PhD and her team of urban entomologists will continue to examine behavioral and feeding characteristics of bed bugs, including their response to existing and novel products related to bed bug management.
According to Dr. Jones, “the core rationale of this research is to improve pest management practices and protocols relating to the proper control of bed bugs. Year Two funding gives us the opportunity to apply the results from the important laboratory studies we completed in the first year and transition into field studies while continuing to expand our fundamental behavioral research.”
Gus Carey, Managing Director and CEO of Allergy Technologies acknowledged the strong affiliation that his company has with Dr. Jones and The Ohio State team. “We have been continuously impressed with the knowledge and dedication of Susan Jones and her group of urban entomologists. Dr. Jones’ strong understanding of bed bugs and their habits was one of the key reasons for working with Ohio State in the first place. Her work over the past year has greatly enhanced our understanding how bed bugs behave in the field and we look forward to continuing that research to help us find working solutions to eliminate these pests.”
“Bed bug infestations have dramatically increased over the course of the last decade, making this research so much more valuable to the pest control community,” said Joseph Latino, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Allergy Technologies. “This grant directly underscores Allergy Technologies’ principal business paradigm of continuing our focus on supporting both the pest control industry and inner-city communities through our Philanprofit™ efforts.”
ActiveGuard by Allergy Technologies LLC, are thin and breathable liners easily installed onto mattresses and box springs, which kill bed bugs and dust mites continuously for up to two years.
Allergy Technologies and a team of research entomologists originally developed ActiveGuard for use against house dust mites. Distinct from encasements, ActiveGuard has been extensively lab and field tested for use in both active and preventative bed bug control strategies.
About Allergy Technologies
Allergy Technologies is a subsidiary of A. Carey Co. LLC, which focuses on using philanthropy as a core business strategy for its businesses. Through its Philanprofit strategy, a portion of all ActiveGuard proceeds go to help fund inner-city homeless and women’s shelters and asthma clinics.
For more information, call (866) 978-6288 or visit www.allergytechnologies.com.
Media Contact:
Ed DeMask
DeMask Marketing
630-768-1404, cell
630-389-0572, office
ed@demaskmarketing.com
Friday, November 2, 2012
NPMA Recap: Allergy Technologies Hosts “Evening on the Island” Social Gathering for 150 Pest Management Professionals at PestWorld 2012
NPMA Recap: Allergy Technologies Hosts “Evening on the Island” Social Gathering for 150 Pest Management Professionals at PestWorld 2012
AMBLER, Pennsylvania (Friday, November 02, 2012) – Pest Management Professionals from across the country gathered at Allergy Technologies’ “Evening on the Island” event during PestWorld to discuss industry news in a social atmosphere. The event was held on October 18th at the Boston Sheraton Hotel with approximately 150 PMPs in attendance.
The event was hosted by Allergy Technologies LLC, manufacturer of ActiveGuard™ Mattress Liners. According to Joseph Latino, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Allergy Technologies, the “social” aspect of the gathering was the secret to its success.
“PMPs attending PestWorld have a diverse variety of evening activities available to them, but we wanted to host a ‘party’ in the truest sense of the word so that industry professionals could gather and relax,” said Latino. “For that reason the event was designed as a social gathering with no product or sales pitches…it really was a complete success! We’ve heard from many PMPs since who have thanked us for hosting such a unique event.”
The room was transformed into a tropical motif, complete with rattan furniture, dramatic up- lighting of tropical trees in ActiveGuard’s blue and fresh tropical arrangements throughout. In keeping with the Boston locale, Allergy Technologies provided a full raw bar, lobster rolls and other fresh fish that everyone enjoyed.
This event followed Allergy Technologies’ successful nationwide promotion – “Take the ActiveGuard Challenge” – in which PMPs who purchased ActiveGuard Mattress Liners were given a chance to win a new iPad with every order. The promotion ran from July through September.
ActiveGuard is the only standalone pro-active strategy for preventing a potential bed bug infestation. Distinctly different, and a powerful alternative to encasements, these liners actually kill bed bugs within 72 hours; even those resistant strains studied! These thin and breathable liners are easily installed onto mattresses and box springs and kill bed bugs and dust mites continuously for up to two years.
The Company’s field and observational research clearly demonstrates the use of ActiveGuard in bed bug control programs result in reduced technician call backs; installation at initial service as only four sizes fit almost every mattress and box spring; quick installation by one technician; no added replacement expense if ripped or torn; and, increased customer confidence. All of these factors lead to increased revenue for the PMP on each bed bug job ActiveGuard is used!
Extensively lab and field tested, ActiveGuard’s ability to keep on killing bed bugs provides continual protection against any adult bed bugs, nymphs or eggs that may be introduced into a room.
About Allergy Technologies
Allergy Technologies is a subsidiary of A. Carey Co. LLC, which focuses on using philanthropy as a core business strategy for its businesses. Through its Philanprofit strategy, a portion of all ActiveGuard proceeds go to help fund inner-city homeless and women’s shelters and asthma clinics.
For additional information, call (866) 978-6288 or visit www.allergytechnologies.com. Also, “like” the ActiveGuard Facebook Page and follow Allergy Technologies on Twitter. In addition, sign-up to receive the Allergy Technologies’ monthly eNewsletter.
Media Contact:
Ed DeMask / DeMask Marketing
630-768-1404, cell / 630-389-0572, office
ed@demaskmarketing.com
# # #
AMBLER, Pennsylvania (Friday, November 02, 2012) – Pest Management Professionals from across the country gathered at Allergy Technologies’ “Evening on the Island” event during PestWorld to discuss industry news in a social atmosphere. The event was held on October 18th at the Boston Sheraton Hotel with approximately 150 PMPs in attendance.
The event was hosted by Allergy Technologies LLC, manufacturer of ActiveGuard™ Mattress Liners. According to Joseph Latino, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Allergy Technologies, the “social” aspect of the gathering was the secret to its success.
“PMPs attending PestWorld have a diverse variety of evening activities available to them, but we wanted to host a ‘party’ in the truest sense of the word so that industry professionals could gather and relax,” said Latino. “For that reason the event was designed as a social gathering with no product or sales pitches…it really was a complete success! We’ve heard from many PMPs since who have thanked us for hosting such a unique event.”
The room was transformed into a tropical motif, complete with rattan furniture, dramatic up- lighting of tropical trees in ActiveGuard’s blue and fresh tropical arrangements throughout. In keeping with the Boston locale, Allergy Technologies provided a full raw bar, lobster rolls and other fresh fish that everyone enjoyed.
This event followed Allergy Technologies’ successful nationwide promotion – “Take the ActiveGuard Challenge” – in which PMPs who purchased ActiveGuard Mattress Liners were given a chance to win a new iPad with every order. The promotion ran from July through September.
ActiveGuard is the only standalone pro-active strategy for preventing a potential bed bug infestation. Distinctly different, and a powerful alternative to encasements, these liners actually kill bed bugs within 72 hours; even those resistant strains studied! These thin and breathable liners are easily installed onto mattresses and box springs and kill bed bugs and dust mites continuously for up to two years.
The Company’s field and observational research clearly demonstrates the use of ActiveGuard in bed bug control programs result in reduced technician call backs; installation at initial service as only four sizes fit almost every mattress and box spring; quick installation by one technician; no added replacement expense if ripped or torn; and, increased customer confidence. All of these factors lead to increased revenue for the PMP on each bed bug job ActiveGuard is used!
Extensively lab and field tested, ActiveGuard’s ability to keep on killing bed bugs provides continual protection against any adult bed bugs, nymphs or eggs that may be introduced into a room.
About Allergy Technologies
Allergy Technologies is a subsidiary of A. Carey Co. LLC, which focuses on using philanthropy as a core business strategy for its businesses. Through its Philanprofit strategy, a portion of all ActiveGuard proceeds go to help fund inner-city homeless and women’s shelters and asthma clinics.
For additional information, call (866) 978-6288 or visit www.allergytechnologies.com. Also, “like” the ActiveGuard Facebook Page and follow Allergy Technologies on Twitter. In addition, sign-up to receive the Allergy Technologies’ monthly eNewsletter.
Media Contact:
Ed DeMask / DeMask Marketing
630-768-1404, cell / 630-389-0572, office
ed@demaskmarketing.com
# # #
Monday, October 1, 2012
How to Make More Money on Bed Bug Work
Pest Management Professionals are happily discovering they can make more money on bed bug work by incorporating ActiveGuard Mattress Liners into their active control and preventative strategies. PMPs are no longer passively trapping bed bugs, hoping they don’t escape; ActiveGuard kills them 24/7 and continuously for two years.
Here are just a few ways active liners can improve your bottom line: (read more)
• Increased sales to end users
• Can be used in conjunction with encasements – increasing sales to end users
• Expand your hospitality business by offering your hotel clients a novel preventative program that will
save them time and money while increasing guest confidence and brand reputation.
• Reduce the number of call backs, protecting the resident, mattress and box spring
• Reduce the incidence of re-infestations due to rips and tears, common with encasements
• Lower inventory carrying costs, four ActiveGuard SKU’s cover 99% of available beds
• Easy, one-technician installation saves time and money
• Carrying only four SKUs on service vehicle allows for installation at the initial service,
saving the cost of returning while increasing initial treatment effectiveness
• Selling as part of a pro-active preventative program
• Kill any bed bugs missed during cleanout service
• Two-year residual sale opportunities
• Dust mite abatement
Here are just a few ways active liners can improve your bottom line: (read more)
• Increased sales to end users
• Can be used in conjunction with encasements – increasing sales to end users
• Expand your hospitality business by offering your hotel clients a novel preventative program that will
save them time and money while increasing guest confidence and brand reputation.
• Reduce the number of call backs, protecting the resident, mattress and box spring
• Reduce the incidence of re-infestations due to rips and tears, common with encasements
• Lower inventory carrying costs, four ActiveGuard SKU’s cover 99% of available beds
• Easy, one-technician installation saves time and money
• Carrying only four SKUs on service vehicle allows for installation at the initial service,
saving the cost of returning while increasing initial treatment effectiveness
• Selling as part of a pro-active preventative program
• Kill any bed bugs missed during cleanout service
• Two-year residual sale opportunities
• Dust mite abatement
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