Thermal Heat to Kill Bed Bugs

 Spring and surrounding areas has seen its share of bed bug infestations. This is partly due to people being exposed to bed bugs during travel and inadvertently bringing the pests back home with them.

Bed bugs, tiny, biting insects, make a home near their food source: human blood. Unfortunately, the mattress, box spring and bedroom carpet are prime locations for bed bugs to begin an infestation. Left untreated, the infestation will quickly spread to other living spaces, including connecting apartments or hotel rooms.

Heavy and repeated chemical use on bedroom furniture and carpeting is not ideal for a number of reasons. Fortunately, heat treatment is an effective alternative to chemicals for getting rid of bed bugs.

Heat treatment is considered to be the most effective method currently available for eliminating a bed bug infestation. Raising the interior temperature of a room and its walls to 125 °F or higher essentially kills bed bugs in any stage of the life cycle, including their eggs. The Greentech heater"s we use blow out hot air which thoroughly permeates the room, its contents and any crevices that could be harboring bed bugs. Since the units are portable, the entire household can be treated to ensure that the home will be free from bed bugs. Pest Arrest can generally take care of the infestation in one treatment. Similarly, this eco-friendly method does not require the use of toxins or other substances that may trigger allergic reactions or be otherwise harmful to young children and pets. Thus, it is the most effective, least destructive way to handle a bed bug infestation.

Infrared Camera used for bed bug heat treatments

Pest Arrest now uses the FLIR E4 camera during all bed bug treatments. This state-of-the-art thermal camera allows visual indication  temperatures reached sufficient levels to kill bed bugs during the treatment process. As of now, no other pest-control provider uses this equipment. A modern infrared thermal imaging solution,with On board 640x480 Images

 The Flir E4 unit can detect temperatures of up to 450˚F. It is sensitive enough to detect temperature variations of as little as 0.15˚F. Bed bugs heat treatment using FLIR E4 camera is visual proof the temperature went to where it was supposed to. No other pest control business is using this proven system for the bed bug heat treatment process.

 The FLIR E4 thermal camera addresses the primary means to eradicate bed bugs – high temperatures. Our technicians use it as visual confirmation to ensure the success of each treatment and service call.

In addition, Pest Arrest utilizes GreenTech heat treatment equipment suitable for killing bed bugs, cockroaches, termites, spiders, and ants. This equipment includes the eMaster heater and high-power air movers. Several different packages are available depending the size of the home, hotel or apartment.

Together, the equipment used, K9 detection  and thermal camera allow for the most reliable, effective bed bug treatment in the industry. Give us a call if you want it done right the first time.

BED BUG FACT SHEET
Bed Bugs are rapidly resurging and capturing the attention of many countries throughout the world. It
is essential that accurate knowledge of bed bugs, their habits, biology, reproduction, effective
treatments and prevention strategies will assist in reducing the incidence of bed bug infestations
worldwide.
There are several factors that accompany the resurgence of bed bugs in our modern day
society that have included:
 International travel
 Developing resistance to some commonly used pesticides
 People not recognizing signs of bed bug infestations or bites - [bed bugs are so great at hiding
that people tend not to look for them and a percentage of people are not affected by the bite of
a bed bug]
 A previous generation of professionals that had never encountered or seen a bed bug.
 Lack of society education
EDUCATE – BED BUG IDENTIFICATION AND NATURE - SINCE PEOPLE TEND TO MISTAKE
OTHER BUGS FOR BED BUGS, PROPER IDENTIFICATION IS IMPORTANT.
Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
are small insects that are flattened dorsally. Bed bugs have evolved as “nest”
parasites from inhabiting the roosts of bats and nests of bird’s centuries ago.
Since bed bugs feed upon warm blood, we as humans are perfect hosts. It is
very important to know what a bed bug looks like compared to similar insects
as the treatment options and costs are very different.
Adult bed bugs are reddish brown in color, have 6 legs and are
approximately ¼ inch in length. The adults can easily be seen with the naked
eye.
EGGS: A female bed bug can lay a few hundred eggs in her lifetime of many
months to around a year, but these are not deposited at one time and regular
feeding and mating are required. These eggs are attached to surfaces by a
sticky substance and can be difficult to see. Depending on temperature and
conditions, these eggs can hatch anywhere from three [3] to ten [10] days or
longer. When first hatched, the immature bed bug (nymph) is translucent,
pearl whitish in color and become slightly darker as they reach maturity.
Although the young nymph isn’t always easy to see, after a nymph feeds it
will become plump and red because the blood inside shows through their pale skin.

Rodents getting into your home? Here some tips how we can get rid of your problem.

How To Get Rid of Rodents

STEP 1) Find out how the mice are getting inside your house. There are holes outside, leading into the building. Vents, gaps in siding, areas where wires and pipes go into the house, roof lines, etc. Mice enter in these areas, then crawl up the walls and into the attic, which is an ideal nesting and hiding place. You will never get rid of all the mice permanently until you find out how they are getting inside.

STEP 2) Seal every last entry point shut - anything larger than 1/4 inch. Use steel mesh or metal flashing, because these little rodents can chew though lesser repairs, such as mere caulking.

STEP 3) Trap and remove the mice. Set snap traps, at least ten of them, wherever you see mouse trails or droppings. I usually do this in the attic, where mice have left ample evidence with trails and mouse poop in the insulation.

STEP 4) Clean the attic space, if necessary, to get rid of germs, pathogens, and mouse odor that attracts new mice. This also helps prevent the growth of mold, which can happen with mouse urine and feces.




Why do rodents like to live in the attic? It's warm and dry and safe, that's why! They breed up there, they build rodent nests in the insulation, they poop, they pee, they store food. They make little tunnels and runways in the insulation.

Most people seem to notice the noises in the attic or walls at night. If it's a light pitter-patter, it's likely rodents. Sometimes the noises seem loud, if the rodents are running directly on the drywall. Some people report to me hearing noises like rolling nuts in the attic.

rodent in the attic can cause damage by chewing on electrical wires. They also spread diseases and odor. They often crawl down from the attic and into the house and kitchen, where they chew on various things, and get into the pantry and contaminate food.

How To Get Rid Of rodents In The Attic - If you know that you have rodents in the attic, then you may be thinking that it is the worst place for rodents. Some of those worries are warranted because you can tell why a mouse would think that the attic is perfect; it is small, dark, and there seems to be infinity of places where a mouse can hide. The attic is also a place that does not have much human traffic because it is not every day that you need something from your attic. But just because it is dark, small and has those hiding places does not mean that it is difficult to catch mice there. If you are asking “how do you get rid of mice in the attic” you will be surprised at how simple the answer is. Use traps with bait that mice will find irresistible, and more importantly, set these traps in the proper location, after you have sealed all of the mice's entry holes leading into the attic shut permanently. You just need to place the traps in the attic and leave them. Soon you will notice that the traps begin to work. The mice may be hiding in the attic, but they eventually have to leave their hiding place in order to feed. Peanut butter will get them in the trap within hours. Seeing mice in the attic may be tough, but trapping them is not.

How To Get Rid Of rodents In The Ceiling - There are many that might find that you have rodents in your ceiling. You can hear them scampering about. So, the question for you is how to get rid of mice in the ceiling? You have come to the right place to learn how to get rid of them. You have to lure them out. When you are looking at how to get rid of mice in the ceiling, some have set up traps up there and have put out peanut butter or cheese. That would be one way you can do this. This won’t kill them unless they just die in the traps, but at least you can get rid of them to some extent. Another idea for others who are looking at how to get rid of mice in the ceiling when you don’t want to use traps would be poison. They will go to die up there so you will have to go up to get rid of the dead mice, but that is a way to handle them as well. You don’t want them in your ceiling as they can do damage if they start chewing on your ceiling. So, try these things when you find those rodents up there.

Getting Rid Of Roof Rats - There are many places in your home but the one that is a bit more complex to solve is the rodents on the roof. The reason why the roof presents problems is that it gives the rodents a way out as well as a way in. It is also not the easiest place for you to get to. So there are a few things that you will need if the objective is getting rid of roof mice. Because getting the rodents from your roof can be a bit dangerous you should be really careful if you are going to give it a try. The best way to get mice from your roof is by far to use some sort of rodent poison. The reason for that is that there really is no good place to put a trap when you are on the roof. You will need to use a ladder to get there and once on the roof place the poison in places where they would be accessible to rodents, but try to hide it from other wild life. If you can place the poison somewhere that it will not get wet that will make it more likely that the rodents will find it.


Call Pest Arrest 281-374-7770

Heavy rain means more fleas and ticks

It has been "raining cats and dogs" for most of the summer in our area and unfortunately this means bad news for our local cats and dogs.  All this wet weather combined with normal heat and humidity equals the perfect conditions for a surge in flea and tick infestations.  These insects reproduce very quickly and not only pose a serious health risk to your pets, but to your family as well. To help your protect all your loved ones this summer, we have put together a list of five steps you can take. 

1. Keep your outdoor play areas and lawns clear of brush, grass clippings, woodpiles and leaf debris.  These are ideal havens for mice and rats which are renowned carriers of fleas and ticks.
2. Bathe and groom your pets often and visit a veterinarian for professional flea and tick treatments.  Also, be sure to inspect them regularly, especially the front shoulders, back and ears.
3. Vacuum frequently this will help remove fleas and prevent them from laying eggs.  Get rid of the vacuum bag immediately after you finish because fleas are professional escape artists!
4. When outside, in areas where ticks are common, be sure to dress properly.  Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and if possible, wear light colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. Also, use a tick repellant containing DEET or Permethrin and before you head back inside, inspect your clothing and skin thoroughly for ticks, especially the head and behind the ears.
5. If you suspect you have a flea or tick infestation, you should contact Pest Arrest immediately.

We hope these tips help keep you, your family and your pets flea and tick free.

Raccoon Removal

What to do about Nuisance Wildlife: Raccoon Removal

Raccoons will find any way to enter your home.

Raccoons are one of many wildlife pests that wreak havoc on personal property.  Not only do they cause damage, they also carry diseases and create messes.  If you are experiencing raccoon troubles, then Pest Arrest wildlife service that handles raccoon removal.

The Facts about Raccoons
With their dark mask and mischievous curiosity, raccoons always seem to be up to no good.  The raccoon is a nocturnal mammal, which means that it spends majority of its night scavenging for food.  As a result of this, many individuals wake up the next morning to find their trash scattered across their front yard.  Raccoons prefer wooded areas near a water source as this is their natural habit, however, they have adapted extremely well to the urban environment.  Instead of making their home in a tree, they often nestle in accessible areas in your home such as an attic or chimney, or underneath a deck, house or shed.  Because raccoons are nocturnal, it may take a long time to even know that you have a raccoon problem.  However, if a raccoon has made it into your home, it will not take long to hear them scurrying about over your head.  At this point it’s a good idea to call PEST ARREST.

Damage Caused by Raccoons
It may be hard to imagine how a raccoon can get into your attic but low hanging or adjacent branches to your house provide easy access.  Raccoons are relentless pests, so anything exposed or that can be detached, such as shingles, roof vents, chimneys, or fascia boards offer a potential entrance into your home.  Raccoons find attics to be a great environment to raise their young because of the warmth they provide and the abundance of materials that can be used to build a nest.  They will rip insulation off the attic walls and chew through electrical wires, as well as destroy air ducts. They will use your attic as a restroom; feces will begin to pile up and urine will seep down to your ceiling.  If given the opportunity raccoons will raise multiple litters in your attic, so early detection and raccoon removal is crucial.

Raccoons Carry Lethal Diseases and Parasites
Raccoon removal is necessary because of the diseases that they carry.  The most common disease is rabies.  Rabies is a deadly disease caused by the neurotropic rabies virus carried in saliva and transmitted by bites.  Raccoons also carry roundworms that can be found in their feces.  Roundworm eggs are resistant to disinfectants and can stick to all types of surfaces.  These eggs are extremely difficult to destroy, which is why hiring professional pest control is the best solution. Human exposure to diseases and parasites carried by raccoons needs proper medical attention.

Professional Raccoon Removal 
The damage created by raccoons can be extensive, but the hiring of Pest Arrest as soon as raccoons are suspected can make all the difference.  Some companies will provide raccoon removal and remediation or clean up services and repair the damages created by the pests.  Not only will the damages be fixed, but professional pest control companies work to prevent raccoons and other wildlife from entering your home in the future. We offer exclusion, remediation, trapping, damage repair and preventative techniques.

Raccoons are destructive animals, but all is not lost if you find one taking up residence in your home.  Pest Arrest offers wild life removal and can help make the raccoon removal process quick and easy for both the homeowner and pest. If you’re experiencing a raccoon issue, give us a call at 281-374-7770

Mosquito Alert

Mosquito alert



Recent heavy rains have caused area bayou water levels to increase, which coupled with the warmer springtime temperatures will increase our mosquito population. Here are some helpful Mosquito Control Tips for Your Home provided by a mosquito control district.
Personal protection
During peak biting times (dawn, dusk, and early evening) 
1. Try to stay inside.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you go out. 
3. Loose clothing.
4. Light colored clothing. 
5. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET.
6. DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
7. When using repellents always read and follow directions for use as printed on the product. 
What you can do to help
1. Throw out old tires 
2. Throw out tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any water holding containers.
3. Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in yard.
4. Keep drains, ditches, and culverts clean of weeds and trash, so water will drain properly.
5. Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater, and drill holes in bottom of trash containers so any water can drain out.
6. Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets. 
7. Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week or store in a position that water will drain.
8. Make sure your backyard pool is maintained properly. 
9. Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.
10. Change water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.
11. Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house, so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
12. Keep gutters clean and free of debris and leaves.

You can also contact Pest Arrest for a mosquito treatment to reduce the population in your yard, these treatments start around $79 per application. Plus we can customize a mosquito system for your yard. Call us today 281-374-7770