Bed Bug Travel Guide

As you head out on vacation this year be careful not to bring bed bugs home with you. Learn how to protect yourself wherever you go this summer with our free guide. 

Most of us head out of town during the summer and travel off to a stress-free destination for some long over due time off. Whether you’re headed off to the beach or a mountain lake, to another country or remain in the U.S., remain aware of bed bugs.

Bed bugs are masters at hitchhiking and may infest five-star hotels, planes and vacation homes, along with everything in between. Rest assured that while bed bugs don’t spread disease, they can inflict itchy swollen welts. And who wants to spend their vacation time digging at their flesh or making an unexpected trip to Urgent care?

I am often asked: can you actually see bed bugs? The answer is yes, you can! The adult bed bugs are about a 1/4-inch long by roughly an 1/8-inch wide. Bed bugs are a reddish brown in color, but may appear more red after feeding. Bed bug nymphs,(or young) are visible as well, but hard to see as they are smaller - about 1/32 inch.
 
The last thing you want to do is bring bed bugs home back from vacation with you! I have been told over and again about how horrible people have felt after taking bed bugs from a hotel to a friend or relative’s house. While it's not really your fault, we definitely encourage everyone to take these steps to vacation bed bug-free.  
 
IN HOTELS

• Place your luggage on smooth-surfaced furniture away from the bed, like a desk. If using a luggage rack, inspect it for bed bugs before placing your luggage on it - it only takes a few seconds. Look underneath, check the frame and so forth.
• Pull back the four corners of bedding and check the mattress and box spring for bed bugs - follow the seems as this is where bed bugs typically hide. If you notice black dots on the mattress, that could be an indication of a problem.
• Inspect all night stands, desks and headboards for signs of bed bugs.
• If you believe your hotel room has bed bugs, call the front desk and ask for a different room. Each time I stay at a hotel I ask if there has been any bed bug issues I need to be aware of at the time of check in.

 
AFTER TRAVEL

• Before unpacking, inspect your luggage for bed bugs. Do this outside.
• Place clothing from luggage in the dryer for at least 15 minutes on high heat. This will kill any bed bugs that may have come back with you. 

By following these simple steps you can easily enjoy your vacation this year without worry of bed bugs keeping you up in your hotel room at night. You need to relax and have as much fun as possible so what are you waiting for? Have a great vacation!

Avoid Sand Fleas This Summer

Not to bust your summer fun or time on the beach but... our number one bug for the summer is the sand flea. Otherwise known of as a sand hopper, these tiny little creatures are actually crustaceans. Due to their ability to inflict irritating bites, the name "sand flea" is often used to describe a wide variety of insects like midges, biting gnats, flies and your typical flea. With each of these insects, the aftereffects of their bites are similar leaving itchy, red welts that can, well... make for a memorable vacation.

Sand fleas can easily be found on beaches along Atlantic coastal areas and marshes, but can also be found in the desert as well. Before you get too worried relax because truth is sand fleas will never really come home with you from vacation. Unlike bed bugs, they prefer their ocean view habitat. Now, before you get too relaxed know that the female sand flea has the ability to burrow under your skin to lay her eggs

How ToAvoid Sand Fleas

• Sand fleas typically feed in the early morning and late afternoon so, avoid the beach during those times. I know, right?
• Avoid placing your towel (or blanket) right on the sand. Make use of folding beach chairs and lounges instead. (Ladies, here is a great selling point for the hubby for renting one.)
• I would say wear close-toed shoes but, then why walk the beach to begin? Sand fleas can't jump that high so... your call.
• Spray on some insect repellent if you do end up getting bit - it is the most effective prevention.
• Avoid areas with seaweed since this is where they can usually be found feeding.

What To Do When Bitten

According to the National Institute of Health, if bitten by sand fleas avoid scratching. While extremely rare for the female to deposit her eggs in your skin, look after bites and if you find a black center to one consult your physician immediately.

Pantry Moths

Moths are mostly nocturnal creatures and some beautiful but, most people enjoy them when they remain outside. Sometimes the occasional invader might fly inside the home by accident and frantically try to find their way back out amid the interior lighting. But, many people feel differently when certain moths make their way inside the home, especially when one moth turns into several in less than a week. Soon your pantry and kitchen becomes garden like so, then what?

Both moths are readily found during each stage of food production. From packaging to retail these two insects can infest almost any type of packaged food product, including flour, cereal, chocolate, beans, dried fruits, birdseed, and pet food. Additionally, you may unwittingly purchase interior or holiday décor that is already infested.

Common Pantry Moths

If you have moths in your pantry or kitchen, good chance they’re one of these two types:

Indian meal Moth The body of these tiny moths are white with copper-like spotting on their front wings. Females deposit eggs in food. The larvae hatch then tunnel through food making their way out to then form cocoons.  Indian meal moths are very slow fliers and are typically seen resting on ceilings or walls.

Mediterranean Flour Moths While they are the same size, Mediterranean flour moths front wings are pale gray with some spotting. After the eggs are deposited and hatched, the larvae spin silk feeding tubes. The mediterranean flour moth flies in a zigzag pattern.

Preventin Pantry Moths

When trying to eliminate these household pests the first step is to contain any food that may be infested. 
Follow these simple steps if you find moths in your pantry or  kitchen:

• Locate and get rid of infested food, the packaging and any possible decorations.
• Freeze flour and grain-based foods for a week before placing in cupboards or pantry.
• Clean shelves and cabinets that stored infested foods with soap and water.
• Use only tightly sealed storage containers for dried goods.
• Contact a professional pest control service, like Gladhill Services if in need of additional help.

And remember that pantry moths are not the same moths that can damage your clothing. You can read more about Clothes Moths in this post.

Why Moths Eat Your Clothes

Got moths in your closet? Finding your clothes damaged? Ever wonder why it's happening? If you answered yes to these questions then, this post will tell you how to end it all once and for all.

Ever opened up your closet to find tiny holes or cuts in that favorite shirt or sweater? If so, you most likely have clothes moths taking up residence. Obviously, this is a problem but just what can you do to eliminate clothes moths from the closet? First we need to understand the true nature of clothes moths and in this post we are going to educate you about them so you can begin saving your wardrobe. 

There are two main types of moths that damage clothing - the webbing clothes, and the casemaking clothes moths.

The most important thing to remember is the adult moths you see flying around do not damage clothing. The larvae do the damage as they feed on natural fibers readily supplied to them in your wardrobe. 

Unlike most species of moths being attracted to light, the webbing and casemaking clothes moths prefer the dark.  Another reason these tiny moths find refuge in your closet is due to the fact their larvae need keratin to develop, which is a protein found in your skin, hair, and fingernails. This same protein is found in natural fibers derived from animals including silk, leather, feathers, furs and... wool!

The females lay eggs on keratin-rich materials so their larvae have plenty of food to grow. Webbing's moth larvae spin feeding tunnels to travel through as they feed on clothing. The tunnels are usually the same color as the material making up the clothing they feed on. Casemaking moth larvae are named accordingly as they carry with them a tiny case as they feed. Again, this case is typically the same color as the material they eat. Due to the size and color of the tunnels and cases, the larvae of each type of moth is almost impossible to find. 

Preventing Clothes Moths

Cedar: Small blocks of cedar wood work mildly to repel clothes moths but do nothing for the larvae. Once the presence of larvae is gone be sure to sand the blocks of cedar every two-three months, or wet the surface to release the aromatic repellent within the wood.

Cleaning: Before stowing away clothing for the summer or winter, wash or dry clean clothes according to the manufacturer to kill any larvae present. Storing clothes in a plastic container helps prevent the spread as well. Another option is to place articles of clothing in plastic bags and freeze for 10 days. This will kill larvae too. A final step in cleaning as a preventive measure is vacuuming all areas, including cracks and crevices, inside your closet. 

Storage: To prevent larvae from getting back into clothing, storage containers must be airtight. Airtight storage containers lined with cotton work well for seasonal storage.

Who's Your Love Bug This Valentines?

While you may be celebrating an anniversary or the start of a new relationship Gladhill Services wants to share the ultimate love interest with you. Say what you want about humans, when you get right down to the sexiness and love we all crave the insect community has the ultimate lovers. 

Each year, Florida plays host to the ultimate lovers not too long after Valentines Day. "Love bugs,” are a nuisance pest any Florida traveler should become familiar with. 

Each spring, mega swarms of "love bugs" take flight filling the airspace along roadways. During this time, love bugs mate during a non-stop flight of sexiness. That is until their sexy time comes to an abrupt end as they both smash into windshields, headlights, grills and the side mirrors of vehicles. Swarms of these tiny creatures can cause drivers to pull over as their crushed bodies make it impossible to see out of windows, darken headlights and worse, cause radiators to overheat. Sounds like something out of a horror movie but, it's all too real. Just ask anyone living or traveled in Florida during Love Bug season.

Having lived in Florida for several years, I will never forget the crushing pop heard at least once every two to three seconds while driving. The mess left behind as they go out with a bang was the worst part. I would carry extra washer fluid in my truck during "Love bug" season but it really didn't help. Truth is every three days I had to pressure wash my windshield to clean off the juice left over from crushed bodies. 

Campers Guide To Pest Control

Camping is all about getting lost and intimate with nature so, don't let a few bugs ruin your trip. Here you will learn the 6 most common outdoor pests campers encounter and 7 tips to help ensure a great outdoor experience. 

You get lost in the wild for a reason. But some outdoor insects can make your camping trip more irritating than peaceful. If swatting bugs wasn't irritating enough, think about how some insects could bite leaving you with harmful and life-long effects. Have fun and enjoy your time outdoors without insects taking over your campsite eliminating that  peace of your natural bliss. Before you pack all that gear and head outdoors this summer, be prepared to prevent and reduce your worry.

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6 Insects Every Camper Needs To Know

Planning to get into the wild this summer? When packing your camping gear, s'mores, and other campsite delights, batteries and sleeping bags be prepared to face several insects that want exactly what you have. Face it, when you begin sleeping under the stars you’re sure to invite a few more friends you typically don't sleep with at home. Some of these insects will steal a little bit of food while others may want to feed on you. Here are 5 common insects that campers usually face when getting back to what's real, as well as 7 tips for helping you during your getaway.

Midges, Gnats, No-see-ums

No-see-ums can shake the fun out of any camping trip. These little flies can bite. They are most active at dusk. They will also come out to bother you when the skies get cloudy and the wind dies down a bit.

Mosquito

Mosquitos enjoy the fact your camping, too. They keep you scratching day and night with their bites. When you’re sleeping in nature the high pitched buzzing of mosquitos can drive you insane to boot.

Ticks

Ticks are not popular critters with people. While ticks thrive in wooded areas, they latch on to you in places easily out of reach. Ticks can cause severe infections like Lyme disease and Spotted Fever.

Wasps, hornets, yellow jackets

Stinging insects typically avoid people unless you provoke them somehow. But, some species like hornets and yellow jackets are aggressive when defending their nests. You'll most likely encounter them when hiking or resting.

Ants

Ants may become your biggest concern when dwelling in nature. Most ants are harmless but will crawl all over you when sleeping. Some species may bite or sting so keep an eye out.

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7 Tips to Help You Enjoy Camping This Summer

1. Clothing - It's No Option

You should wear long sleeves, pants and light-colored clothing when camping as this will help cover skin insects would bite. Light colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks also. When hiking through dense woods or tall grass remain in the middle of trails stopping periodically to check for ticks.

2. Insect Repellent

When using bug repellents follow the manufacturer's directions. If applied properly insect repellent won't kill insects - it sends them off in another direction.
If your pets come along, be sure to consult with a veterinarian about tick and heartworm prevention. 

3. Avoid Insect Habitats

Avoid camping near pooled water, marshes and ponds with stagnant water. This is a mosquito habitat with plenty of gnats, no se ups, midges and ticks. Look for an area close but not too close for your safety and enjoyment. 

4. Pay Attention

Nature is home to thousands of bugs and other creatures all trying to make their way in life. When we share their natural environment don't get too upset with them as they are trying to live too. Just keep an eye out for ant mounds, beehives, spider webs and such. Keep an ear to the wind for buzzing sounds. If heard, locate the nest and set up camp further away from it. 

5. Secure Tents & Gear

For the most part, your tent is zipped up and secure but, bugs find their way in at times. If you keep food in your tent then expect more bugs. During the night try keeping food in your vehicle if possible. Secure all openings before turning down for the night. And, more importantly you can spray the exterior base of your tent with an approved insect spray to help prevent unwanted visitors from getting in. 

6. Take A First Aid Kit

Tweezers come in handy for removing ticks, splinters and thorns. The Center for Disease Control says stocking a health kit when traveling with, anti-itch ointment for bites and stings is a good thing to do. If anyone on your camping trip has a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, the CDC also recommends carrying epinephrine auto-injectors.

7. Store & Secure Food

Keep all food sealed tightly in containers and keep up off of the ground - especially during the night. Use coolers inside tents, hang trash from a tree, and discard all trash in a proper receptacle. Do this for your safety and enjoyment along with protecting others and the environment. 

Mosquitos, Gnats, and Midges Oh My...

A swarm of gnats can be frustrating especially when your trying to enjoy nature or a backyard picnic. When a swarm of gnats are observed from a distance the result is cinematic but, when you're caught up within the swarm it's not so enjoyable. So, just why do gnats swarm in the first place, and is it even possible to keep them away?

The terms, gnat, and midge are used to describe numerous small, biting and non-biting insects. The list includes, sand flies, phorid flies, black gnats, fungus gnats, fruit flies, and buffalo gnats. Truth is gnats only live about one month and in this short life span they only have enough time to mate and lay their eggs. Many don't even feed during this time. 

What gnats, mosquitos, and midges like

For the gnat species that do feed during their life cycle, sweet scents and fruity odors are major influencers in determining where they will swarm. Fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and even some flower beds are common places gnats congregate to form swarms. As you open and close the doors and windows to your house, gnats, mosquitos and midges may find their way inside as they are attracted to ripening fruits, sweet scented veggies, and organic food matter. For the ladies to remember, these nuisance pests are especially attracted to scented shampoos, conditioners, skin creams, and soaps used for bathing and such. Gnats typically swarm around your face due to these scented products. 

Ever wonder why gnats usually fly right into your eyes or land on your lips?
It's because they love heat and moisture too.

Both inside and out, gnats spawn in wet areas. Even moist soil is a breeding ground for certain types of gnats. Inside your kitchen and bathroom, and if gnats make their way inside, can fly into the drains and begin breeding. Before you know it and without warning you'll have a ghost - what many professionals refer to a gnat swarm by. 

Keeping Gnats Away

1) Keep areas clean

Below you will find 3 steps that will help rid both inside and outside of your home from swarming gnats. Nature is nature with it's weather so remain calm and follow the 3 steps outlined to begin minimizing any swarms you may currently have. In no time at all, you'll begin to witness a reduction in swarming behavior. 

Don’t allow fruits, candies or even ripening veggies to accumulate in your kitchen too long. Artificial sweeteners and sweet drinks left to sit out will be a lure for gnats to swarm. Clean any food or drinks that spill and keep lids sealed on all trash cans.

2) Eliminate moisture

Gnats love moisture and wet areas - this is where they breed so eliminate areas of moisture by preventing water from collecting around your home. This includes areas like your spouting and gutters, pet bowls, and birdbaths.. Any plumbing leaks should be repaired as quickly as possible. 

3) Trap gnats

You can try capturing gnats using a simple and homemade gnat trap with a mixture of red wine (or vinegar,) and dish soap. Mix the wine and soap in a bowl and set it out in an area where gnats are active. More often than not, gnats will land in the mix and due to surface tension of the soap will usually drown. Depending on the type of gnat the success of this method will vary.