Why Do Stink Bugs Stink?

Learn why stink bugs release a foul odor in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Key Takeaways

  • Stink bugs stink because they release their notorious odor as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened, injured, or crushed, much like a skunk.
  • The stink bug smell comes from a chemical mixture released through a gland in their abdomen and spreads through the air via their exoskeleton.
  • Whatever you do, don’t crush a stink bug! The odor is known to linger for hours.
  • While stink bugs aren’t dangerous to humans, they can become a major nuisance when infestations get out of hand.

Stink bugs weren’t given their name for no reason. For the most part, the stink bug odor is a defense mechanism used to deter predators when they feel injured or in danger. 

You’ll find them in Wisconsin throughout March and October, but especially in September and October. That’s why seasonal pest control is your best option for preventing infestations. 

How Do Stink Bugs Produce Their Odor?

Whenever they feel threatened (or are crushed or injured), stink bugs release a strong, odorous deterrent from a body gland in their abdomen. Much like a skunk’s defense mechanism, stink bugs will only use this function from time to time. 

The scent itself is a mixture of chemicals that is released through the exoskeleton. The odor is spread through the air and has been known to linger for a long time, which is why you should never crush one of these bugs when you see one!

Are Stink Bugs Dangerous?

While they don’t pose any immediate threat to humans, stink bugs can still be dangerous when infestations get out of hand.

The odor they release will not harm anyone and only occasionally causes mild irritation or agitation when the liquid gets on a human. They don’t typically cause structural damage, but they will invade homes and farms in large numbers. 

Actual Stink Bug Risks

They won’t bite or attack you, that doesn’t mean they’re completely harmless. Here’s what you should know about the risks they pose:

  • Mild Irritation: The liquid they release typically won’t harm you, but it can occasionally cause mild skin irritation or agitation if it comes into direct contact with your skin.
  • Large Infestations: Though they don’t cause structural damage, stink bugs tend to invade homes in large numbers, creating a smelly and frustrating situation.
  • Agricultural Damage: Stink bugs are a huge nuisance for farmers and gardeners, as they love to feed on fruits and vegetables

How to Prevent Stink Bugs

In the fall months, as the weather cools down, stink bugs begin to search for warm spots inside buildings to overwinter. In this overwintering phase, they will remain semi-dormant to weather through the cold months. Here’s how to keep them out:

  • Inspect your property. Look for cracks, crevices, and gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation that could serve as entry points.
  • Seal up entry points. Fix any problem areas you find to create a barrier against these smelly invaders.
  • Call in the pros. If you’ve noticed stink bugs inside your home or need help protecting your property, it’s time to call a professional.

Taking Care of Infestations Since 1946

If you need help protecting your home from stink bugs or if you have noticed them inside your home, it’s time to call the professionals at Batzner Pest Control!

We’ll inspect your space, put together a treatment plan, and keep stink bugs out. Get started today by reaching out and scheduling an inspection!

Wisconsin Cockroaches to Watch out For

Cockroaches are a common residential pest in New Berlin WI - Batzner Pest Control

In Wisconsin, there are four common species and four occasional species of cockroaches: the German cockroach, brownbanded cockroach, American cockroach, and Oriental cockroach.

Usually, cockroaches are oval-shaped, flattened, reddish-brown to black in color, and around 1 ⅛ to 2 inches long. They hide in dark, damp, confined places during the day and are active at night. This pest poses severe health risks once indoors, especially as an asthma trigger in children.

4 Roaches Around Wisconsin

  1. German Cockroach: This is the most common cockroach in Wisconsin. They have two dark stripes behind their head, and can be up to 5/8 inch long. They breed around three to four generations per year, making them the fastest-breeding cockroach. This type of cockroach needs a source of water and is often found in bathrooms and kitchens.
  2. Brownbanded Cockroach: They are light brown to glossy dark brown, as the name suggests, and are about 5/8 inch long. They prefer warm temperatures of at least 80 degrees, so they are often found in false ceilings and around appliance motors, light switches, and picture frames. They have lower water needs than German cockroaches, so they can be found in any room.
  3. American Cockroach: This is the third most common cockroach in Wisconsin. These cockroaches are reddish-chestnut brown in color with light markings behind the head and can be up to 1 ½ inches long. They are most likely to be spotted in large commercial buildings such as hospitals, grocery stores, and bakeries. They can also be found in warmer climates and are nicknamed things like “palmetto bug” and “water bug”.

Oriental Cockroach: These cockroaches are dark brown to shiny black and can be up to 1 inch in length. They prefer cool areas with high humidity, so they are often found in damp crawl spaces, basements, and floor drains. Nymphs are found in spring and early summer, while adults are found in late summer.

Other Roach Species to Look Out For

The only native cockroaches in Wisconsin are the wood cockroaches. They look similar to small American cockroaches, are dark brown, and up to 1 ½ inch long. They live under the bark of dead trees and can be brought indoors with firewood. Male wood cockroaches can actually fly, and are attracted to lights at night.

As for the occasional cockroaches, the light green Cuban cockroach is often found in bananas. The Surinam cockroach is a plant-feeding species found in greenhouses and tropical plants. The Australian and smoky brown cockroaches arrive in various shipments and pallets from the southern United States.

What to Do About Roaches If You Find One

It is important for people to take preventative measures to protect their families and properties from the health threats associated with cockroaches. Cockroaches thrive in conditions of poor sanitation and areas where there is a large amount of food available. Following certain rules and eliminating those attractive environments can help prevent cockroach infestations:

  1. Keep your space tidy and spill-free.
  2. Look for and seal entry points, such as vents and cracks.
  3. Use DIY products carefully.
  4. Call in professional exterminators.

Cockroaches are more difficult to control in apartment buildings. Some sprays simply repel the cockroaches and drive them into untreated areas. All units may need to be treated to prevent reinfestation. Tenants should keep trash rooms clean, and allow free access to pest control professionals.

Wisconsin Roach Experts

As always, if you are experiencing a pest problem, we are happy to help. Batzner Pest Control has been handling roach infestations across Wisconsin for over 75 years. We’ll inspect your space, put a plan together, apply treatment as needed, and monitor for reinfestations.

Contact us today and get started with a free service quote.

Bed Bug Myths and Facts: What You Should Know

closeup of three bed bugs on mattress cover

Bed bugs are one of the most dreaded pests for homeowners and property managers, and the number of infestations seems to grow every year. Despite this, there are still several myths concerning bed bugs that we frequently encounter. 

Bed bugs incite a lot of fear in people and, in turn, lead to a lot of false information being spread. Because there are so many bed bug myths out there, it’s important to learn how to separate fact from fiction in order to better prepare yourself for an infestation down the line. 

Common Bed Bug Myths

Bed bugs are a result of unsanitary conditions in the home or apartment.

FACT: Bed bug infestations have nothing to do with the cleanliness of the home or the people living there. While cleaning up excessive clutter and frequent vacuuming can prevent large-scale infestations, the truth is that bed bugs don’t discriminate. Infestations can happen anywhere.

The only way I can tell if I have bed bugs is if I am bitten.

FACT: Regularly inspecting your room is a good way to avoid a full-blown infestation, because adults, nymphs, and eggs are all visible to the naked eye. 

Adult bed bugs are about the size, shape, and color of an apple seed. They are oval-shaped, flat, and about ¼ inch in length. Nymphs are translucent and are about the size of a pinhead. Eggs are the size, shape, and color of a half grain of rice. 

Additionally, most people don’t actually show signs of bites, and for those who exhibit symptoms, it can take two to four weeks for them to appear.

Sleeping with the light on will prevent me from getting bitten.

FACT: Bed bugs’ activity level has nothing to do with the amount of light in a room. Instead, bed bugs adapt their activity level to the schedule of the host to amplify their feeding time. For example, the bed bugs present in someone’s home who works third shift will be active during the day and inactive at night, while the opposite would be true for someone who works first shift.

Bed bugs spread diseases.

FACT: While they are a huge nuisance, causing itchiness, irritation, and a loss of sleep, bed bugs are not known to spread disease. The biggest problem they inflict upon people is psychological in nature. Being feasted upon at night is something that disturbs most people and can cause loss of sleep.

Because bed bugs feed on blood, there’s a common belief that they can transmit disease, just like mosquitoes and ticks can. 

If I am being bitten in my bed, sleeping in a different room of my house will offer some relief.

FACT: Bed bugs will follow their food source, and this would just result in spreading the infestation to more rooms of your home, making treatment more difficult. They are likely living or hiding in belongings that you would take to the new room as well, or they can migrate on their own. Alternatively, bed bugs can go into a dormant state and live up to nine months without feeding, only to reemerge when you reenter the room.

I can take care of the problem with over-the-counter products.

FACT: We strongly recommend not using a DIY treatment. Nearly 90% of bed bugs are genetically resistant to common household insecticides. Only professionals can access the products and training necessary to control bed bugs, and an over-the-counter insecticide could cause the bed bugs to disperse to multiple rooms, making effective treatment more difficult.

Once I’ve gotten the infestation treated, I’m in the clear.

FACT: Bed bugs can re-infest a building just like the original infestation. You still need to remain vigilant and frequently inspect critical areas. As with other pest issues, it is extremely beneficial to be as proactive as possible and contact a bed bug control professional as soon as possible.

Bed bugs only feed at night.

FACT: These pests are active when their hosts are at rest. This usually means overnight, but they are not nocturnal. Bed bugs are able to adjust their schedule to feed whenever you are at rest.

Bed bugs only infest my bedroom.

FACT: Contrary to their name, bed bugs infest more than just your bed. They’ve been known to infest chairs, sofas, cracks in the wall, and even power outlets.

Bed bugs are more likely to infest messy homes.

FACT: Not at all. Anyone is prone to a bed bug problem, regardless of whether your home is clean or messy.

Bed bugs can jump and fly.

FACT: Unlike fleas and ticks, bed bugs have underdeveloped wings. To get from one place to another, they crawl.

I need to dispose of infested furniture.

FACT: Definitely not. Moving around infested furniture can actually spread bed bugs to other areas of your home.

I can get rid of bed bugs by myself.

FACT: No, DIY bed bug treatment is never a viable solution. A bed bug infestation requires professional treatment to exterminate.

What You Can Do

Bed bug problems can happen to anyone. Thankfully, there are several ways to possibly avoid a problem: 

  • Always be wary of buying used furniture unless you inspect it for bed bugs first. 
  • Take caution while traveling. This includes inspecting your hotel room for bugs and being careful when unpacking your suitcase. 
  • Get regular inspections from a professional pest control company that knows exactly how to spot early signs of bed bugs and other pest problems. 

Let the Professionals Handle Infestations

The team at Batzner is here for you. We’ve been handling bed bugs, and other infesting pests, since 1946. When you call, one of our technicians will inspect your space, put together a tailored plan, and apply treatment to eradicate bed bugs.

Contact our team today to get started with a service quote!

What to Do Once You Know You Have an Ant Problem

Learn what to do once you have an ant problem in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control serving New Berlin, Madison, Oshkosh, Racine, Green Bay and surrounding areas

If you’ve ever experienced an ant problem, you know how frustrating and seemingly never-ending they can be. Seeing just a few ants here and there can quickly turn to hundreds or even thousands—overnight! Ant infestations are overwhelming for any property owner, which is why it’s important to know what to do as soon as you suspect you have an ant issue looming. Bottom line, completely getting rid of ants often requires the help of a professional pest control company with experience controlling current infestations and preventing future ones.

Signs of an Ant Infestation

Just seeing a couple of ants every few days is a pretty normal occurrence for any property owner. So how do you know when you have an infestation on your hands? There are several things to look out for when it comes to dealing with ants:

  1. Ant trails: Worker ants will lay down a pheromone in their trail to a food source in order to lead other ants to the food.
  2. Ant mounds or nests: The appearance of nests can vary between species, but generally look like small piles of soil or dirt.
  3. A never-ending population: If you’re noticing more and more ants each day, it’s likely their colony has spread.

How to Get Rid of Ants

There’s a reason why ants are so dreaded by homeowners—they’re infamously hard to get rid of! Although there are a number of DIY solutions to ant problems, they work best for prevention methods only. Once ants establish a colony inside your home or business, they can quickly grow and easily resist any store-bought products you may use in an attempt to defeat them. For this reason, a professional is needed to treat ants. While you’re waiting for help, you can help reduce the conditions that encourage ant populations to grow by keeping a tidy home, wiping up spills, picking up pet food, and more.

Professional Help for Ant Problems

Your best bet at stopping an ant issue in its tracks is to call a professional pest control company as soon as you start noticing more and more ants in your property. A licensed technician will be able to identify the species you’re dealing with before administering effective, long-lasting solutions to resolve your ant problem for good. Contact the expert team at Batzner Pest Control for ant solutions you can count on.

Rodent Awareness Week Brings Focus to Rodent Prevention

Rodent Awareness Week at Batzner Pest Control - Rodent control services by Batzner Pest Control serving Southeastern Wisconsin

Rodent infestations become a major problem in Wisconsin in fall and winter.

What makes rodent infestations so dangerous?

Rodents pose a number of health risks to you and your family. The spread of food-borne illnesses like Salmonella is probably the most alarming, as rodents contaminate surfaces throughout the house and will look to get into your kitchen cabinets and food prep areas. Their skin, saliva, and urine can also aggravate allergy symptoms.

In addition to spreading disease, bacteria, and allergens, rodents can cause electrical fires by gnawing through your home’s wiring. All of the problems associated with rodent infestations are amplified by how quickly they reproduce. A few mice in your attic can turn into a full-blown infestation in a very short period of time – each female mouse can give birth to between six and eight offspring every three weeks!

What should homeowners look out for?

Because of the potential dangers and the speed at which they can occur, homeowners need to be extremely vigilant when preparing their homes for the fall and winter. Here are some tips from the NPMA on how to rodent-proof your home this year:

  • Use weather strips on doorways and windows
  • Replace broken windows
  • Caulk around utility/service pipes
  • Repair openings in the building’s foundation
  • Screen all vents
  • Seal additional small cracks with copper mesh (steel wool will rust and deteriorate over time).
  • Around the house exterior, rake away any weeds or shrubbery as they provide safe passage to pests
  • Mulch, in particular, should not be used near the foundation, and any overhanging tree branches need to be cut down
  • Do not store firewood within the immediate vicinity of the house

Once these preventative measures have been taken, the NPMA advises being on the lookout for these indicators of rodent infestation:

  • Droppings: Droppings are typically found in kitchen cabinets and pantries, along walls, on top of wall studs or beams, and in boxes, bags and old furniture.
  • Noises: Rodents often make scurrying sounds, especially at night, as they move about and nest.
  • Gnaw marks: New gnaw marks tend to be rough to touch and are light colored.
  • Burrows: Inside, rodents often nest in various materials such as insulation, and are drawn to dark and secluded areas.
  • Damaged food packages: House mice prefer to feed on cereals and seeds, while Norway rats prefer meat, fish and dry dog food.

If any of these signs of rodents are found, contact us immediately! Remember, a small issue will become a major problem in a short amount of time. You can reach us at (262)797-4160 or on our website.

Why am I seeing Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs in Spring?

swarm of asian lady beetles in wisconsin home

Around this time every year, we start seeing an increase of phone calls and website submissions regarding Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs. While these little guys cause no harm to you or your house, that doesn’t mean they are welcomed with open arms. There’s a reason they start showing up around this time of year inside your house, and honestly, they’re kind of just lost.

If preventative measures were not taken in the fall to help protect against these guys, they will likely start showing up in your house around this time of year. You will especially find them in rooms that have the most sun exposure. Dave Kusnierek, District Service Manager and Certified Entomologist, explains, “In the Fall, Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs land on the sunny sides of your house and then make their way into the walls and window casings via any cracks or crevices they can find. They hang out there until the sun warms the structures they are within causing them to ‘wake up’ and start wandering around. This is when you will likely start seeing them in your living room because, between the two choices of inside or outside, your house is looking much cozier in spring.”

Successful treatment for these pests is performed in Fall. In winter or early spring when they start appearing in large numbers within your home, reduction services can be performed. Residential Service Consultant, Katrina Jaehnert, explains, “This is done in the interior to help alleviate activity levels within the home. It is important to note that this will not eliminate them completely. Once Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs settle in the cracks of your home, there’s not too much you can do, but we will recommend that you are set up for preventative treatment in the Fall to prevent this from reoccurring the following year.” Treatment for Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder bugs is included in Batzner’s pestfree365 program, among other pests. For more information, call our office at 866-591-3519 or get a free estimate online today.

Bed Bug Facts and Information for Prevention

closeup of a bed bug before and after a blood meal

Bed Bugs are a very real problem in the United States. According to a survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association, 1 in 5 Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has.

In the pest control industry, we answer countless questions about bed bugs and consider ourselves “myth busters” when it comes to the tiny, blood-sucking pests. Knowledge is your first line of defense. Simply knowing how to correctly identify a bed bug and its basic behaviors goes a long way in preventing an infestation.

Basic bed bugs facts:
  • Bed bugs primarily feed on humans, but they also feed on warm-blooded animals, including birds, mice and pets.
  • Adults are just under ¼” long, relatively flat and oval in shape compared to most other insects.
  • Bed bugs can lay one to five eggs per day and more than 500 in a lifetime.
  • Bed bugs can survive for several months without eating.
  • Bed bugs can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from nearly freezing to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Bed bugs draw blood for about five minutes before retreating to digest.
  • Bed bug hatchlings are so small they can pass through a stitch-hole in a mattress.

Now that you’re thoroughly disgusted, let’s move on to how you can protect yourself. While there is no 100% guaranteed way to prevent bed bugs, there are steps you can take to greatly decrease your chances of bringing them home.

It’s important to keep in mind that bed bugs can be found nearly everywhere. Hotels, movie theaters, apartment complexes, libraries, public transportation, retail stores, and even offices can all harbor bed bugs.

Quick tips to help keep you bed bug free:
  • Regularly inspect sleeping areas for signs of bed bugs such as pepper-like stains, molted bed bug skins and white, sticky eggs.
  • Never bring second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box springs, into a home or college dorm without thoroughly examining it for signs of a bed bug infestation.
  • At hotels, thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in furniture. Pull back the bed sheets and check the mattress seams for pepper-like stains that may be evidence of bed bug activity. If you suspect an infestation or problem, notify management and change rooms immediately. Be sure the new room is not adjacent to or directly below or above the possibly infested room.
  • Keep suitcases in plastic trash bags or protective covers during a hotel stay to prevent bed bugs from nesting there. Do not put them on the beds.
  • Upon returning home from a trip, inspect all suitcases and other belongings before bringing them into the house.
  • Wash all clothes – even those that have not been worn – in hot water and dry them using an extra-hot dryer setting.

If you suspect or discover a bed bug problem in your home, it’s best to contact a professional right away. Attempting self-treatment can often do more harm than good.

Thank Your Dog or Cat for Noticing Pests in Walls

Some pets are natural pest control professionals you can have in your home 24/7. Their keen sense of hearing and smell can alert you to pest activity that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Cats and dogs are among the pets that get the most credit for noticing and alerting you when something isn’t quite right. Whether that means staring at walls or sniffing under couches, cats and dogs are likely to notice a pest in your home before you do.

Cats

Cats are probably the best pets for pest control because they take care of insects and rodents without any training. They are naturally inclined to watch for creatures you may not want in your home, and they have all the tools needed to eliminate the problem. Because cats notice even the slightest of movement, they are very proficient at chasing house spiders, centipedes, moths and other creepy crawlies. The chasing and eating of bugs is both fun and instinctual, as bugs are quickly moving small things and cat’s brains are programmed to chase. The innate desire to hunt and practice predatory behavior through play is still active in domestic cats. If there’s a mouse in your house, a cat will be sure to find it, and they will spend hours patiently watching and waiting until a rodent emerges. While there are perks of having 24/7 pest control in your home, beware of the diseases rodents can carry that could spread to your cats. Cats can unfortunately get fleas, ticks and other parasites from catching and eating mice.

Dogs

With their keen sense of smell and excellent hearing abilities, dogs make excellent pets for pest problems. They alert you to the presence of a pest you may not notice. Dogs are less likely to kill insects and rodents than cats are, but they will at least tell you when a problem comes up.

About two years ago, my dog, Tripp, would suddenly wake up in the middle of the night and stare off into the darkness. Comforting, I know. It took me a while to catch on, but then I heard it too – a scratching, scrapping sound coming from inside the wall which could only mean one thing…MICE.

The thing about mice is they can make a lot of noise considering their small size. Around the same time each night, I could hear them running their nightly errands. I started losing too much sleep, so I called a pest control company to help take care of the issue. They inspected the outside of my home and found that the point of entry was where the siding met the brick on the side of my house. They sealed up the small gap where the mice were sneaking through. As Training and Development Manager, Steve Counsell, always says “Batzner’s goal is to always figure out the method of entry and seal those openings. As long as there is an ‘open door’, they will keep coming in.” By quickly identifying and solving the issue, my mice problem finally went away.

If it wasn’t for the excellent hearing skills of my pup, it would have taken me a lot longer to catch on to what was going inside my walls. If your dog or cat is waking up in the middle of the night or staring at walls, he might be trying to alert you of some pests. Take a minute and listen to see if he has noticed something you haven’t. If you find out there is something unwelcome making a home inside your walls, take my advice and call Batzner at 866-591-3519 or contact us online today.

How to Spot Pest Issues When Buying a New Home

When it comes to major purchases, there’s nothing more exciting than buying a new home. The new home search is filled with plenty of decisions and “watch outs.” When touring potential homes, many home-buyers focus on cosmetic changes they want to make in their new home. However, most new home buyers rarely think about pests. Pests, such as cockroaches, mice, rats, and stinging pests, carry health risks. Other pests, such as carpenter ants, rodents, and wildlife, can cause severe and costly damage to homes. Pest problems can be lurking beneath the surface, and knowing what to look for could help you avoid expensive repairs and treatments after you’ve signed on the dotted line.

As you visit the house, make sure to inspect the interior and exterior yourself for signs of pest invasion or damage. See if the previous owner has taken common pest problem prevention steps, such as installing screens on windows and doors or keeping shrubs and tree limbs from extending to the side of the house and roof. Look for cracks in sealed areas such as floorboards and molding, holes in the back corners of storage spaces and webs in the garage and basement. While many of these issues are easily fixed, you should be aware of the level of preventative care the previous homeowner took.

According to the National Pest Management Association, at any given time, approximately 29% of American homes are experiencing a pest infestation. While the occasional insect guest can happen in any home, you may want to have more serious pest concerns resolved before you buy; some may be serious enough for you to consider not making a purchase.

Recently, a customer called Batzner because they heard a noise coming from the attic of their newly purchased home. When our Operations Manager went up into the attic to take a look, he found BIRD NESTS! It turned out that the home inspector never went up into the attic, so the nests weren’t discovered until after the new owners moved in. If you are buying a home, use a qualified home inspector or strongly consider getting a pest inspection in addition to the required inspections.

It can be difficult to spot pest issues – some pests are too small to see or live in areas that may be difficult to access. That’s why it’s important to know signs that may indicate a more serious problem.

How to spot signs of potential pest issues:

Mice, Rats and Wildlife

  • Look for mouse and rat droppings
  • Listen for scratching noises coming from under the floor, behind walls or in ceilings
  • Check for signs of rodent nests in cabinets, pantries, and behind appliances
  • Chewed or gnawed wiring may also indicate a problem with rodents or wildlife

Insects (common pests include cockroaches and ants)

  • Live or dead insects could indicate a problem
  • When outside, look for openings or gaps that insects could use access to gain entry to the home – anything larger than ¼-inch is a cause for concern
  • Ant mounds are another issue to watch for in yards
  • Bee, wasp, and hornet nests attached to the home or in the yard; look up in high trees, under overhangs on the structure, etc.

Carpenter Ants

  • Carpenter ants will look for softened wood to infest; if you notice signs of wet or moisture damaged wood, it may be a good idea to have a pest inspection done before buying
  • These pests can hollow out wood, similar to mosquitoes, which can be costly to repair
  • Carpenter ants are larger than most ants – about ¼-inch to ½-inch in size – and black in color
  • In areas where carpenter ants are active, you may notice piles of what looks like sawdust near their entry holes

Bed bugs typically aren’t an issue for new homes, but if you are purchasing a town-home or condominium unit that shares walls with neighbors, be aware that your risk of bed bug issues could increase.

If you can’t decide whether or not to purchase your dream home, call a pest professional. The local pest control experts at Batzner are here to identify any potential pest issues. Getting a professional evaluation will give you a better idea of what can be done to eliminate existing pest issues and keep your new home pest-free for a long time to come.

Batzner can do an inspection of your potential home before you buy to avoid any horrifying surprises. This could save you thousands of dollars in home damage that may go unnoticed by other inspectors. The last thing you want is to inherit someone else’s pest problems.

Where are Bed Bugs Found? 6 Places You Wouldn’t Expect to Find Bed Bugs

pest exterminator performing thorough bed bug inspection

Bed bugs have the physique that allows them to hide under, behind, and in anything. They will typically hide within five feet of their food source, which correlates with where you spend most of your time, likely where you sleep.

Bed bugs are found in many places, not limited to any one specific type of dwelling. Infestations have been reported everywhere including single family homes, multi-family housing, apartments, hotels, hospitals, schools and college campuses, office buildings and even retail stores. Even five-star hotels and high-end clothing stores are susceptible to infestations. While there are the typical places bed bugs are found, they might be found in a few unlikely places as well, including:

  1. Movie theaters
  2. Waiting areas – doctor’s offices, government buildings, office lobbies
  3. Libraries
  4. Public Transportation – buses, taxi cabs, trains
  5. Locker rooms
  6. Airplanes

So how do they get to these unlikely places?

Steve Counsell, Training and Development Manager, explains, “Female bed bugs are the most likely to hitchhike, which causes trouble for us. If the female is pregnant, she is bringing with her a bunch of potential little bed bugs. Pregnant females will typically migrate away from the bed to unusual places throughout a room.” From here, they are likely to get picked up by accident and transported to one of the places listed above.

It is important to remember no place is a guaranteed bed bug free zone. Any place humans sit, rest or sleep gives bed bugs the opportunity to feed and multiply. In order to protect yourself as best as possible, inspect public areas before you take a seat or set down your belongings.