Pest-Free Spring Break

Spring break is here.  As you book your flight, hotel, cruise, or time share be sure that you are completely prepared.  Sure, everyone will think of checking out the prices online for the best deals on airfare, lodging, and car rentals; that’s definitely smart.  And most likely many of you will peek at reviews online of the lodging and restaurants in the area, which again, is a great idea.  While all of these things are surely important, the ‘to-do’ list for the perfect and safe spring break vacation is not complete.  Don’t forget about pests.  No, that’s not a typo! I didn’t mean to say ‘pets’. I really did mean to say ‘pests’.  Pests may be the furthest thing from your mind, but take a moment to read on. You will learn why you should be concerned about pests during your vacation, and you will receive a few pointers for a pest free vacation this spring break that will, hopefully, help you to not bring home a pest souvenir that you didn’t intend to.
 
Bed Bugs
 
Yep, they are everywhere and it really doesn’t matter how many stars are on the rating of your lodging place; bed bugs do not discriminate.  They have been found in just as many less than clean hotels as they have spotless ones.  Not only have bed bugs been found in lodging establishments, but they can be found just about anywhere that humans spend any time.  Places such as:

• Libraries

• Hospitals

• Nursing homes

• Bus stations

• Public transportation (taxi, bus, and subway cushions etc.)

• Hotels

• Motels

• Schools

• Dormitories

• Theaters

Unfortunately, the list goes on and on.  The best way to avoid bed bugs in your lodging choice is to ask the management directly if they have had any issues with them in the past and what is their current policy for controlling and handling them.  You can also search online and look at reviews from other consumers for any indication of issues.  Be sure to inspect your room before you bring your luggage and belongings inside because these hitchhikers will catch a ride home with you on just about anything that you bring.  For signs of a possible bed bug infestation and to learn more specifics about this blood-sucking pest, check out our bed bug pest id page.

Ants

Right now it seems like ants are just about everywhere; in your bathroom, under your sinks, in the basement and unfortunately, in your kitchen.  Spring break means that you may be heading out and leaving your home for a while.  Be sure that you take the necessary steps to ensure that ants don’t move in while you’re out!

First of all, if you already have ants inside, then the very best option is to give the professionals here at All American Pest Control a call.  We will get them out, and keep them out.  Our experts know where to look and exactly what to do to stop these invaders.

The ants that you see are only the tip of the iceberg of the total population that are already coming inside and the ones that are soon to follow the path that their friends and nest mates took to get inside.  Do-it-yourself ant control measures are just not complete enough to truly rid you of your whole issue.  They often will just get some of the ants that you can see, and not treat the whole colony, which is the root of your problem.  

Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent ants from coming indoors at your home:

• Store trash in sealed containers away from your house and remove it from your property regularly.

• Repair or replace damaged window and door screens.

• Install door sweeps on all entrance doors, including overhead doors in your garage.

• Keep a clean and tidy home by cleaning up food crumbs and spills a.s.a.p. and always rinse your dishes immediately after use.  A dirty dish that is left sitting on the sideboard is an open invitation for ants

• Pick up pet foods except at feeding times.

• Store food in sealed glass or plastic containers in your pantry and refrigerator.

Spring break can be a fun time for families and students alike.  Be sure to do your research before you go to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and protected from pests while you are traveling.  And don’t forget to give us a call to protect your home from pests while you are away.  Pests are everywhere, and some areas may have some that you are unfamiliar with.  Do your homework to travel and play safe this spring break.