Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Bed bug bites, skin, etc.
other bugs that bite
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paulaw0919
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Joined: Jul '07
Posts: 1,034
Posted 1 year ago
Sun Jul 6 2008 21:52:10
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Before bed bugs we never did any outdoor chemical treatments of our single family home. (besides getting termites 1.5yrs before bed bugs) Well, after bed bugs we are now oh so interested in our outdoor lawn maintenance. We live in the country, about 15 houses away from a small lake, and our home property backs the woods. So, we deal with a lot of moisture issue insects that I never even knew we had until I took the time to look. (again post bed bugs) After bed bugs we have noticed ticks, biting midges, red mites, red ants, beetles, small black flies...just to name a few of biting insects that anyone can have on their property, encounter etc. We now treat for these critters to keep our property as bug free as possible. This time of year is very trying when going through a bed bug infestation and I just want to put out there that there are many many other insects, some very tiny, some with wings that can and do bite. Many come in through the screens of windows, and even make it in the home with the windows shut. Not every single bite you receive may be a bed bug bite, especially this time of year and location of where you live.
Here's a link to some biting flies that can be common depending on where you live. I personally see midges and small black flies, dead in our windows between the glass and screen that I frequently have to clean up from spring pretty much through summer. -
There are a number of things to consider before starting a pest management program on the exterior of your home. If you over look the following, the long term results you now desire will be limited to reduction only by chemical. The best approach is to remove conditions conducive to pest infestation.
Yes you will reduce the numbers of insects around your home, but for how long? Techs tend to do the same thing over and over and the only inspection you get is the first one the day you call for service. I’ll give you a few ideas and things you would have to address if you were my client.
1. An 18 to 24 inch vegetation free zone around your foundation. This included mulch, debris, and any bushes or other material around the exterior periphery.
2. The soil or landscape needs to be pitched and sloped away from the home as so water can run off away from the structure. (Included under my service)
3. Gutters need to be serviced regularly (If my client, this is included with a service contract as I have a robot that does this via remote control while I’m on the ground doing other things). Down spouts have to be working and not clogged as well. You also have to have the water exiting the downspouts and run off the home.
4. Change from mercury light bulbs to sodium outside and try and keep lighting away from windows inside. I also encourage clients to have the proper window covering inside as to not let the interior lighting of the home luminate outside. This only brings flying insects closer to your home at night.
5. Although a lot of insects can squeeze into the screens and tiny cracks around doors and windows, they still need the proper weather stripping and sealing to be most effective in reducing entry points into the structure. Door sweeps are an important part of pest management. Flies can smell what you are cooking from 1 to 2 miles away. (Included in service again)
6. IF you have auto sprinklers or setup watering sprinklers, don’t let them soak the foundation area around the home.
7. Make sure there are no trees toughing the utility lines that lead to your home. Cut back branches when needed. Also no tree limbs touching or hanging over the roof. ( Also included with me)
8. Make sure if you store fire wood it is at least 1 foot off the ground and covered with a tarp. I will restack a log pile so as to get space between the logs for a better inspection and moisture reduction.
9. Kid’s toys, small pools, yard tools, potted plants, welcome mats, or yard boxes often stay in one place for a long period of time. These need to be moved at each visit to remove moisture buildup and harborage areas for pest.
10. Never store bird feed or pet food in garages. Always keep them inside in sealed Tupperware.
11. Make sure as to have your trash cans as far away from your home as possible or as much as you can tolerate. Again make sure these are cleaned regularly both inside, outside, and the underside.
12. Make sure crawl spaces and attics are vented properly.
I really could go on and on about plenty of ways to reduce the population of insects around a structure but this will give you an idea of a few things I would address before just signing up for monthly chemical baths around your home. I’m sure I’ll get bashed for some of these comments as the pros here don’t like what I say at times.
I am a Green Pest Management Specialist. Have a look here http://www.greenshieldcertified.org You can learn a lot about Integrated Pest Management online. My business will be Green Shield certified I hope when we open in a few weeks. I just met with Dr. Thomas Green the President of the IPM institute of North America about 2 weeks ago. By rights my business needs to be running for a minimum of 3 years but since we spoke he is presenting this to the board for a vote on whether they will bypass this rule for me since I showed a great interest in become Green Shield certified. I gave him a rundown of the type of treatments I do and what I look forward to doing in the future with my company so the outlook looks good for me. Will see. But good luck! Let me know if you would like any more tips -
Ahh big one I forgot about biting flies. Make sure you remove the feces from your pests in the yard daily. I don't need to tell you this is a breeding site for flies.
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Flashing around your chimney is also an area of interest. Make sure its sealed properly.
Sky lights should have a shade to pull over at night and also make sure these are sealed as well.
Another great investment is the KM AntPro liquid bait station for the exterior of your property. This is a better choice for reducing ant colonies around your home. Yes feeding ants is 100 time better then spraying for them. OK OK I’m done now unless you want more info =)
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