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A Guide to Bed Bug Powder

September 23, 2022

If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, you may consider using bed bug powder. But what is bed bug powder? And does it really work? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more. So keep reading to learn everything you need about bed bug powder.

What is Bed Bug Powder?

Bed bug powder is a type of insecticide used to kill bed bugs. It usually comes as a fine powder that can be sprinkled on surfaces where bed bugs are present. When the powder comes into contact with the bed bugs, it will kill them.

Is Bed Bug Powder Effective?

Yes, bed bug powder can be effective in killing bed bugs. However, it’s important to note that bed bug powder is not a silver bullet. There are a few things you need to keep in mind for it to be effective. First, you need to make sure you’re using enough powder. A light dusting will not be enough – you must ensure the powder covers the surface completely. Second, you need to ensure the powder is contacting the bugs. If there are any cracks or crevices where the bugs can hide, the powder may not be able to reach them.

Are There Any drawbacks to Using Bed Bug Powder?

One potential drawback of using bed bug powder is that it can be difficult to apply evenly, especially if you’re trying to cover a large area. As we mentioned before, it’s essential to ensure the entire surface is covered with a thick layer of powder to be effective. If you’re not careful, you may end up with patches of uncovered surface area where the bugs can still hide. Another potential drawback is that some people may have sensitivities or allergies to certain types of insecticide powders. If you’re concerned about this, test a small area before applying the powder more broadly.

Bed bug powder can effectively kill bed bugs – but it’s not a cure-all. Use enough powder and apply it evenly for the best results. And if you’re concerned about sensitivities or allergies, test a small area before using it more broadly.

Established in 1997, family-owned and -operated Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions has served numerous customers throughout the mid-south area of Olive Branch, Mississippi. We lead the mid-south pest control industry through community education, affordability, and top-notch customer service.

Visit our website for more information, or call (901) 377-9915 to schedule an appointment today.

Why Termite Inspection Matters When Buying a New Home

May 3, 2022

You finally found the perfect house, and it checks all the boxes on your list. But before you sign those papers, take a minute to make sure your house doesn’t have any hidden issues. Did you know that termites damage approximately 600,000 homes per year in the United States? Before buying a new home, a termite inspection is a must-do for several reasons.

Termites, also known as white ants, are wood-destroying insects. They are not dangerous to humans, but they are incredibly hazardous to your home due to the amount of damage they can cause. Down to their bones, most homes are constructed of wood, which is the favorite snack of a termite. They consume wood from cabinets, joists, walls, papers, boxes, and books in homes. They are even known for destroying shrubs, trees, and other foliage surrounding your home.

Even though the average cost of termite damage repair is $3,000 and termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually, no federal law mandates a termite inspection when buying a home. However, many lenders do require one. Your mortgage lender might request that you obtain a termite clearance letter before closing on your home.

After visiting the property, a pest control company provides a termite clearance letter and inspects the home for termites and termite damage. The inspection takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the home’s size. The inspector will need access to the entire house to inspect for visible signs of termite infestation, such as damaged wood, mud tubes, or droppings.

Even if your mortgage lender does not require a termite clearance letter, there are several reasons to get a termite inspection before you purchase a home.

Typically, homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage, so remedying any underlying issues through the home’s sale negotiations will save you money. The inspection cost is small compared to the cost of repairing a termite problem down the road.

Additionally, you may have active termites in your new home that your untrained eye cannot detect. Your licensed termite inspector can detect the presence of these pests before the damage is visible to the untrained eye. Termites can be present in the home for up to five years before the colony is large enough to cause significant damage.

The good news is that even if termites are detected on the property, not all is lost. Your professional can use termite removal methods to remedy the problem, maintain your structure’s integrity, and prevent future outbreaks.

Count on Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions for your termite inspection and prevention services. We have been keeping homes and businesses in the mid-south area bug-free for over two decades. In addition to eradicating pest problems, our highly trained exterminators can identify ways to protect your building from future infestations. Contact us for a free quote today!

Sources:

https://ridallbug.com/

https://www.simpleshowing.com/blog/do-you-really-need-a-termite-inspection-when-you-buy-a-home

The 3 Worst Pest Infestations

March 29, 2021

Few things in life are as frustrating as finding out that you have pests in your home. What’s worse is when it’s not just one or two stray bees or mosquitos, but when you have a full-on infestation. Don’t get us wrong, all infestations are bad, but let’s take a look at what we think the worst types of pest infestations are.

TERMITES

If you are not careful, termites can wreak serious havoc on your home. Infestations grow rapidly, and many homeowners are oblivious to the signs of wood damage around them. They enter the home from the outside and burrow their way in through wood compromising the structural integrity. Once they’re inside they begin to eat away at the wood of the home. They can do serious damage to everything from sheathing, rafters, joists, and studs. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that U.S. residents spend at least $1 billion a year on termite control and repairs every year, earning them the title of the most destructive wood pest in the U.S.

WASPS

Nothing quite puts a picnic or playtime on high alert like discovering a wasp in the area. Now multiply that by two thousand when you find a hive of wasps. Wasps are often considered one of the worst types of pests for several reasons. First, they are very territorial. And because they build their nests into existing sheltered areas such as eaves, gutters, and chimneys, you might not see them until it’s too late. Wasps are also prone to attack humans, especially before and after their breeding season, which is in the spring. And unlike bees, who have a barbed stinger, wasps’ stingers aren’t left behind after stinging you, so they can sting you multiple times without dying.

BED BUGS

While bed bugs aren’t the largest or most dangerous of pests, they are often considered one of the worst to have in your home. These little bugs are brought into the house by the owner. They cling to packages and bags that came into contact with other infested areas. Typically when it’s dark they find themselves a new hiding place closer to a food source. What do they like to eat? You guessed it, you! Bed bugs survive on human blood. Once they make their new house a home, they start reproducing. Most people don’t know they have bed bugs until they’ve been turned into a bed bug buffet. The bites are usually painless at first, but eventually, can turn into tiny itchy welts.

While pests can cause a lot of property and physical damage, perhaps the worst part of an infestation is the toll they can take mentally on a homeowner. The fear and anxiety of having ANY pest inside your home is stress that nobody should have to live with. If you realize you have a growing pest problem, the best thing you can do is act fast. They will not leave until you seek professional help!

Rid All Termite and Pest Solutions has been family-owned and operated for more than 20 years. In that time they have served more than 10,000 homes and businesses across the Mid-South region. Rid All has extensive experience with a large number of pests including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, hornets and wasps, termites, spiders rodents, and more. All of their treatments are people and pet-safe. To schedule a free estimate call 901-377-9915.

Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home with You

August 5, 2019

Waking nightmare – realizing in the morning of a hotel stay that you weren’t sleeping alone, but rather with an army of tiny creatures that have given you bed bug bites! What’s worse is to further the issue by bringing these little buggers home with you in your luggage! Unfortunately, hotel bed bugs have become more than a reality over the past several years. Bed bugs are masters at hiding out in cracks and crevices and creeping into luggage and other belongings. Here are several things you can do to protect yourself from any run-ins with these little beasts.

Know What You’re Looking For

Adult bed bugs are about a quarter-inch in length, flat, and reddish-brown like an apple seed. Younger bed bugs are smaller with a lighter, creamier color. Bed bugs are crawlers, so if you see a flying insect, it is not a bed bug. They can leave behind wings, black dots of feces, or brownish spots where they maybe were squished. Signs of bed bugs are little dark stains that could indicate a bed bug infestation. In a serious scenario, you could even see the bugs’ pearly white eggs or castaway shells. If you do find one of the critters, get it into a plastic bag or a glass so that you have proof for the hotel.

Nip it in the Bud

The first thing to do to avoid bed bugs is to do your hotel room due diligence. Upon entering any hotel room, do a thorough scan of the bed, wooden headboard, and any other upholstered furniture. A thorough scan will include behind and under the bed, all layers of the bed including mattress (especially seams), linens, box spring, pillows, dust ruffle, etc., all sides of night tables, any wall décor, drapes, carpeting, rugs, and all corners of walls, woodwork, and furniture. Avoid keeping your luggage on the floor.

Handling Infested Items at Home

Laundry. If you have been the victim of bed bugs it is imperative to treat all of your belongings when you get home. Rule number one – keep your luggage in the garage or on an outdoor porch. Put your clothing directly from the suitcase into a plastic bag to directly transfer it to the washing machine. Wash your clothing on a 30-minute cycle in hot water. Then place in the dryer on a “hot” setting for another 30 minutes. This will kill any bed bugs and their eggs. Be sure to tie-up and throw away the empty garbage bag immediately after emptying of clothes. Keep the bill for anything that you need to send to the dry cleaner in case you can get reimbursed.

Other Belongings. Any other items from your suitcase such as shoes, toiletries, shoes, and the actual suitcase should stay in the garage or outdoors until you can inspect them or treat them cold, heat, cold or insecticide. To treat with heat, place infested items into a plastic bag and place in a hot car where the inside temperature will rise to 120 degrees for an hour or more. If you are in a geographically cooler locale, you can treat with bed bugs with cold by placing the items into a chest freezer for a day or two for dis-infestation. If neither of these options is viable, items can be treated by a professional pest management company.

Established in 1997, family-owned and operated Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions has served over 10,000 businesses and homeowners in the mid-south area of Olive Branch, MS. Through community education, affordability, and top-notch customer service, we lead the mid-south pest control industry. We serve you best with integrity, ongoing employee training, and safety awareness. Visit our website for more information or call (901) 377-9915.

Sources:

https://citybugs.tamu.edu

https://home.howstuffworks.com

https://www.washingtonpost.com

Archives

A Guide to Bed Bug Powder

Why Termite Inspection Matters When Buying a New Home

The 3 Worst Pest Infestations

Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home with You

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