Depending on the news source you trust, you may believe that the bed bug epidemic is on the rise or is finally letting off. The differing opinions could be based on the fact that there are different types of bed bugs that are adapted to different areas and climates in the country.

Bed Bug Basics

Regardless of the type of bed bug, the basics are generally the same. A bed bug hatches from a tiny little egg that is less than a third of the size of a sesame seed. It takes about a month to become an adult and lives as an adult for 6 months to a year. As an adult, they can be about ¼ of an inch, which is only slightly bigger than a sesame seed.

An female adult bed bug can lay as much as 500 eggs within that time. Clearly this bug multiplies fast. If you see one or two, you probably have an infestation. Get ahead of their game by calling the Las Vegas exterminators with experience in bed bugs.

While it cannot fly or jump, this particularly gross bug has gotten such a reputation because they can climb up just about anything. If you think you see these little guys climbing around, they can be white, light tan, dark brown or a burnt orange color depending on which type of bed bug they are. If the bug looks white, it could still be a bed bug that just molted.

Types of Bed Bugs

There are three main types of bed bugs:

• Cimex Lectularius or or household bed bug is the most common of all the types of bed bugs. It is a flat brown bug, so it easily lives in the small cracks and crevices of your walls and mattress. It is said they even prefer these small spaces because the pressure helps the bugs to digest their meals. They find their meals by following heat and carbon dioxide. As long as there is a steady blood supply, bed bugs will live in the same room for their entire life span.
• Cimex Hemipterus is the tropical bed bug that is found in places like California and Florida. This bug can be light tan or brown but turns red after it feeds. This type of bed bug also has small wings, but it cannot fly. This bug is also known to carry a number of different diseases, but there has yet to be a reported case of a disease transferring from the bug to its human host.
• Leptocimex Boueti is the bat bug. This type of bed bug is a picky eater. As the name suggests, it prefers to feed on bats. However, if you are a viable host that is in its vicinity, this creepy bug will happily munch on you. Thankfully, they are normally found in South America and West Africa so you don’t have to worry about them so much.

What does that mean for you?

Thankfully, none of the bed bugs are known to get humans seriously ill. Their bite can create a small, red welt that can be itchy or swell but that depends on how sensitive the host is. If you are not prone to allergic reactions, it is possible you can be bitten without having a reaction at all.

If you are bitten, you will most likely find the bites on your arms, legs, neck and shoulders. If you find these bites, you need to contact one of the Las Vegas pest control companies right away. Even if you have only a few bites, there is a good chance you have an infestation. Instead of waiting to see just how bad the infestation is, call the experts at R and C Pest Control. For more information about the best in Las Vegas pest control companies, contact 702.257.2847.

Living in the desert means you are subject to all sorts of creepy crawling pests. Some bite, some sting and some are just plain gross to look at.

Because this will always be a concern, you should know how to deal with the bites and stings of the insects you are likely to cross paths with in Las Vegas. One of those likely assaults can come from the stinger of a scorpion.

Of the 1,500 species of scorpions, only 25 of them have venom that is dangerous to humans. Even still, a sting from any of the other species can be painful and cause an allergic reaction. You want to make sure you know what to do in the event you are stung by a scorpion.

Chances are, if you get stung, you will be at home or out on a camping trip of some sort. Use these tips to prepare yourself for when you are away from immediate medical help.

1. Know the symptoms. If you are stung by a scorpion, of course you want to know if you are in immediate danger. Any of the symptoms on this list are a sign that you need to seek medical help right away.

• Fast or irregular heart rate
• Breathing, swallowing, speaking or seeing becomes hard
• Severe swelling
• Incontinence
• Moderate to severe muscle spasms in the eyes, head or neck
• Difficulty walking
• Vomiting
• Heavy sweating
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth

2. Find the sting. A sting from a scorpion that isn’t venomous shouldn’t cause much swelling. Instead, you might feel a pinch, a little burning, tingling or numbness.

3. Clean the sting. Wash the sting with soap and water to keep it from getting infected. This will also help wash away any left over venom if it was there to begin with.

4. Keep the sting low. There are resources that say you should raise the sting over your heart. Don’t. This will actually help the venom spread through your body faster. Naturally, you don’t want that. Also keep as still as possible to keep any venom that may be there from spreading with a quickened heart rate.

5. Calm down. If your heart rate is up, the venom spreads.

6. Ice the sting. Put an ice pack wrapped in a towel or washcloth on the sting for about 10 minutes. Remove it for another 10 minutes and repeat until you see the swelling go down. Doing this will also help slow the spread of venom and reduce pain.

7. Safely self-medicate. Over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling. Never use opiate painkillers because they can stop your breathing in combination with the venom. If the pain is that bad, get to the hospital as soon as possible.

8. Get professional help. Whether you know for sure if it was a venomous scorpion or not, you should be seen by a doctor. There are experts to help you deal with these things.

Once you’ve taken care of the sting, think back to where you were. If you were camping, avoid that campsite or take the right preventative measure upon arrival. If you were at home, you need to seek the help of an exterminator in Las Vegas right away.

One scorpion usually means that there are others close by. Call a Las Vegas pest control company like R and C Pest Control. They are experts in dealing with the creepiest crawling insects in the desert. For more information about a great exterminator in Las Vegas, contact 702.257.2847.

“I love to watch the ants march one-by-one right into my kitchen!” said no one ever. Ants are frustrating little pests that work their way into homes whenever outdoor conditions are not ideal. Even if the weather outside is perfect, these tiny critters seem to have a knack for finding equally tiny food particles in places you had no idea food could go.

Of course, you can handle an infestation once it has happened. There is plenty of information on the internet from Las Vegas exterminators that tell you just how to do it. They even give natural options. For those of you who would like to prevent an infestation before it ever happens, here are some tips.

Prevent the Ant Army Invasion

First and foremost, the ant army won’t come if the scouts can’t find food. If you keep your floors clean and your dishes washed, you are less likely to ever deal with this problem.

If you have small children or pets, it can feel impossible to keep a spotless home. Ants like runaway doggie food bits just as much as they enjoy cheerio crumbs. To keep the ants away, check your home – inside and out – for the cracks and holes they can be entering through. Fill the cracks with caulk and block their paths with salt, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, lemon or vinegar to keep the ants out.

If you do have pets, put their bowls inside of a larger, shallow bowl with soapy water in it. It’ll keep them from feasting on the goods inside.

If there are trees that are so close to the walls of your home that the branches touch, it may be a good idea to prune those branches back. Ants can live in trees and use the branches as a bridge right into your home.

Another very effective way to prevent ants is to find the ant army’s base. The colony won’t always look like a mound of dirt so look carefully for small holes in the ground. If the ants are in your home, there’s a good chance a colony or two is close by. Find them and pour boiling water into the entrance. Take this extra time to win the war.

Oh wait, they’re already in? Okay…

ATTACK!

Sometimes, even with all these preventative tips, the ants breach the perimeter. In the event that happens, there are many resources out there about how to get rid of ants. There are natural remedies and options for chemical warfare. Do your research and choose the solution that will be best for you and your family.

If that feels like too much work, just call the Las Vegas exterminators at R and C Pest Control. They know how important it is to attack an ant infestation at the root of the problem to keep them from coming back. For more information about a great exterminator in Las Vegas, contact 702.257.2847.

Bugs are pesky annoyances that can’t be avoided no matter where you live. There are a few critters that are Las Vegas natives thanks to the heat and dry weather. These desert insects can be particularly frustrating and even a little dangerous. Here are a few that you can expect to see while living in Las Vegas.

Scorpions

This creepy insect has eight legs and a poisonous sting. It can make you feel nauseous, numb, induce vomiting or cause breathing issues.

These bugs can be tough to get rid of. They tend to seek warmer shelter when it begins to get cold. Las Vegas homes are usually where they head. It is definitely a good idea to call a professional exterminator in Las Vegas if you spot one in your home. If there is one, chances are there will be more close by.

Cockroaches

Everyone is familiar with this bug, but did you know there are four different types? You can see the American cockroach, the Australian cockroach, the Oriental cockroach and the German cockroach. They all vary in size and color but behave generally the same way.

Cockroaches of all types are very resilient bugs. They can live for long periods of time without eating. They can even fly and swim. When they do eat, they eat just about anything they come in contact with at night.

Ants

Ants are a common problem in homes around the world. This is probably because they are so small and have no problem getting into the tiniest cracks. They are also difficult to deal with because they leave an invisible trail for other ants to follow right into your home. If you can’t find the trail, it can be difficult to exterminate them.

Pay especially close attention for fire ants. Many people are allergic to their painful sting.

Spiders

While there are many different kinds of desert spiders, there are three that are most common.

The desert recluse is the first. It is usually brown and hides in small dark spaces. Because of this, you may think it is a brown recluse but it is not. The desert recluse only has three eyes instead of four and has longer legs. The desert recluse is also not as aggressive or poisonous as it’s counterpart. These spiders only bite when bothered. Their bite is also much more mild.

Black widows are another common Las Vegas spider. You can spot this spider by the well-known red hourglass on the back of females. If you get bitten by a black widow, relax. Their bites are dangerous but not lethal.

Camel spiders are the last of the common spiders. They tend to be aggressive, but they have no venom. At worst, the large bite may need to be treated with antibiotics if it becomes infected.

Bees

Killer bees have also declared Las Vegas their home. Be careful because they tend to build their nests in places where people accidentally disturb them. This leads to violent attacks by large groups of bees. If they are very aggravated, they will chase you for up to a quarter of a mile.

Crickets

This bug is popular around the Las Vegas valley but they are not as dangerous as the other bugs on this list. They can be yellow, brown or straw colored and reproduce quickly. They also make a high pitched chirping sound to attract a mate. Perhaps the main reason this is so annoying is because they only seem interested in mating at night.

These common Las Vegas pests can be frustrating and, in some cases, scary. Call a Las Vegas pest control company to handle the issue right away. The experts at R and C Pest Control are familiar with all kinds of desert pests and know how to exterminate them most effectively. For more information about a great Las Vegas Pest control company, contact 702.257.2847.

Yesterday we covered half of the commonly asked questions about bed bugs. Below you can find the rest. Remember, beg bug infestations can get really bad really fast. Having the right answers sometimes just isn’t enough. Make sure you are properly prepared with the right tools. If that doesn’t help, the only thing you can do to truly solve your problem is call a bed bugs pest control service in Las Vegas.

Bites

Why does it seem like my partner is the only one getting bitten?

Chances are, your partner is just laying on the side of the bed where most of the bugs are hanging out. Also, once bed bugs find a host, they tend to stick with them and don’t travel much. It is also possible that you are getting bitten. Not everyone reacts the same way to bed bug bites.

If I’ve already been bitten, how to I treat the bite?

First off, do not scratch! Scratching makes any kind of bug bite worse. Wash the bite with soap and water and apply an anti-itch cream.

Bed Types

Can you get bed bugs with a water bed?

Yup! Bed bugs can live just about anywhere, even behind pictures and in the walls. That’s because the bedding isn’t what attracts bed bugs, your warm blood does. So they will lie in wait in water beds, memory foam beds, sleeping bags, or stacks of cardboard or straw. These hungry pests don’t discriminate as long as they get to feed. Also, since water beds sometimes come with heaters, bed bugs can be very happy living there.

Can a mattress cover prevent bed bugs?

Not in the slightest. Bed bugs are flexible creatures and can still get on top of the cover or hide in the nooks and crannies of the bed frame. The good thing, however, is that if you already have bed bugs, the mattress cover can help trap them into the mattress. So you may be able to keep them from biting you as much. If you really want the bugs to stop biting, don’t take this way out. Call an experienced bed bug pest control service to properly handle an infestation for you.

Even with the answers to these questions, a bed bug infestation can be overwhelming. Handle the issue right away by calling the bed bugs pest control professional at R and C Pest Control. They understand how to properly address an infestation. For more information about a great Las Vegas Pest control service, contact 702.257.2847.

Bed bugs. They’re gross and everyone is terrified of accidentally bringing them home from a vacation. Perhaps it’s that fear that created all the rumors in circulation about bed bugs. You shouldn’t believe everything you hear. Here are the answers to some common bed bug questions to help you be better informed.

Preventing

Can applying insect repellent before sleeping in a hotel keep bed bugs from biting?

Unfortunately, no. Bed bugs seem to not be bothered by insecticides at all. There was even a test in the 60s about it. Bug spray was sprayed on the bed posts of beds to see if the bugs would stay away. They didn’t. In fact, bed bugs will sit right on top of bug spray until they die their natural death. also, bed bugs are most active in the early morning before 5am. Unless you went to bed at 3am, your bug spray wouldn’t still be working anyway. The best way to tackle the issue it to contact a bed bugs pest control company.

I bought a silk sleep sack at the store. Will it help prevent bites?

Probably not. These voracious pests have no trouble biting you right through the silk fibers. Even if the sack could help, it’s not difficult or uncommon for the bed bugs to find the opening to the bag and feast that way. The only true way to prevent a bite is to thoroughly inspect the bed and the surrounding area like the wall and nightstands before you unpack anything or lay down. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Sprays

Will spraying the bedding of a hotel with Lysol help kill bed bugs?

Again, not likely. Lysol will only be helpful if you manage to spray the bugs directly. Disinfectant spray that dries will have no affect on the bugs when they cross over that area. If you find bed bugs in your hotel, it’s better to just report it to the front desk, housekeeping, or directly to management. Don’t try to spray the area yourself. The bugs will just freak out and seek refuge in places like your suitcase. Let the bed bugs pest control professionals handle it.

Will there ever be an effective bed bug spray?

Right now, there is no bed bug spray in development with the EPA. That’s probably because to get a product from development to registration with the EPA to the store shelf, it costs about $100 million dollars. So naturally they are really selective about which products they choose to spend time on. Bed bugs used to be a big issue in the 1900’s, however. If that happens again, public demand will probably get the ball rolling.

Don’t wait until the last minute to fix a bed bug problem. The longer you wait, the worse the infestation gets. Handle the issue right away by calling the bed bugs pest control professional at R and C Pest Control. They understand how to properly address an infestation. For more information about a great Las Vegas Pest control service, contact 702.257.2847.

A gardener with any degree of experience usually knows that there are both good and bad bugs that live in a garden. Make sure you know which is which before you call a Las Vegas exterminator to control your garden pests.

Good Bugs

Lady bugs may be the most well-known of the good bugs. These critters are so helpful because they eat aphids and add a pleasant touch of color to a garden.

Parasitic wasps are also one of the good guys, even though their name suggests something very different. It is called parasitic because this wasp lays its eggs on the larvae of tomato hornworms. The larvae of the wasp then eats up the tomato hornworms, much like parasites elsewhere in nature.

Lacewig

There are many other bugs that don’t pose a threat to a garden or its gardener. The lacewig is a beautiful, bright green bug that is attracted to light at night. This flying creature is harmless and is great for the ecosystem of a garden. The assassin bug is another helpful insect, because it is a trained killer. This creature is a dark, hairy bug with a massive appetite for other insects. This bug can inflict a painful bite if it feels threatened, so be careful around it.

Bad Bugs

Slugs and snails are well known garden nuisances that should be removed without an insecticide. Unless you are working on a large parcel of land with commercial plants, insecticides should be avoided as a general rule.

The potato beetle is not a friend to any garden. Both the beetle and the larvae have huge appetites that strip the leaves off plants. Without leaves plants are unable to photosynthesize, so they are unable to flourish. Catch the bugs, pluck them off your plants and place them in soapy water to remedy the issue. Do this instead of using an insecticide because you don’t want to kill the good bugs that are living in your garden alongside these culprits.

Tomato hornworm covered with parasitic wasp larvae

Tomato hornworms can be considered the worst of the worst on this list. This long, light green worm is the larvae of a moth that can grow to be five inches long. This insect gets its name from the horn on their rear and they have a dangerous tendency to be aggressive.

The Japanese beetle is another dangerously hungry bug, introduced to the United Stated roughly 100 years ago. It is most commonly found in gardens with roses, grapes and plum trees because they love to eat the leaves off these fragrant flowers. To avoid the irrevocable damage they can cause, pick them carefully off the plants and place them in your soapy water. They can be caught more easily early in the morning.

The experts at R and C Pest Control are dedicated to keeping your home and garden pest free. No matter what type of infestation or how large, they can handle any job effectively. For more information about Las Vegas pest control, contact 702.257.2847.