Experiencing a bed bug infestation within a home is every homeowner and tenant’s worst nightmare. Although bed bugs cannot spread disease to humans or inflict structural damage to a home, the insects are notorious for biting people, resulting in itchy and swollen bite wounds. Unfortunately, bed bugs are too tiny to be immediately noticed within a home, making itchy welts on skin the typical first sign of a bed bug infestation. Also, bed bugs inject a saliva into people’s bloodstream when they bite. This saliva acts as an anesthetic, preventing bite victims from knowing when they are being bitten. It is not until later that the bite wounds begin to itch and become irritated. For one man in Metairie, the biting bed bugs infesting his mattress were too much to tolerate. However, instead of contacting a pest control professional, the man decided to carry out his own bed bug eradication strategy. This strategy involved the use of heat to eradicate bed bugs. Or, to be more specific, the man lit his mattress on fire in order to kill the bed bugs in his home once and for all. This man likely acted on impulse in response to weeks of sustaining bed bug bites, as he lit his mattress on fire while the mattress was still in his bedroom. As a result of this man’s actions, he was arrested and charged with negligent arson.

Charles Jones was arrested on March 7th in Metairie by deputies with the Sheriff’s Department for lighting his mattress on fire within his apartment bedroom, putting all other residents of the building at risk of being caught in a wild blaze. Not only that, but Jones fled the apartment building after lighting his mattress on fire. Luckily, due to flame retardant chemicals within the mattress, Jones’ ill-conceived plan did not work. The fire damage was limited to Jones’ bedroom, but his foolish act earned him a charge of negligent arson with the possible risk of endangering human life. If convicted, Jones faces up to three years in prison and a $3,000 fine.

Do you think that government programs should be enacted to assist lower-income individuals and families with bed bug control services?

PREVENT BED BUGS FROM RUINING SUMMER VACATIONS

J&J Exterminating offers tips to avoid bed bugs during upcoming travels

Summer is officially here, which means millions of Americans are eagerly gearing up for vacation. However, before hitting the road to enjoy some rest and relaxation, J&J Exterminating a pest management company servicing Louisiana and Tyler, Texas encourages travelers to learn and practice bed bug prevention tips to help avoid bringing home these unwanted souvenirs.

Bed bugs can turn a relaxing vacation into a nightmare, especially if they return home with you. Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to control, but taking precautions, such as inspecting hotel rooms, beach rentals and cabins prior to settling in, is a critical first step in helping travelers avoid coming into contact with these blood-sucking pests.

Keep these tips top-of-mind when traveling this summer:

• Thoroughly inspect the entire hotel room or rental before unpacking, including behind headboards, and around the bottom of cushions and seams of other furniture.
• Pull back bed sheets and inspect mattress seams and box springs, particularly the corners, for pepper-like stains or shed bed bug skins.
• Use a large plastic trash bag or a protective cover to store your luggage during your stay.
• Do not place luggage on upholstered surfaces. The safest place is typically in the bathroom in the middle of a tile floor or on a luggage rack after it has been thoroughly inspected. Do not use a luggage rack if it has hollow legs, where bed bugs may hide unseen.
• If any pests are spotted, notify management and change rooms or properties immediately. If staying in a hotel, be sure your new room is not adjacent to the possibly infested room.
• When you return home, inspect and vacuum your suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the home. Consider using a garment hand steamer to steam your luggage, which will kill any bed bugs.
• Wash all your clothes – even the items not worn – in hot water or dry on high heat.

If you suspect that bed bugs may have hitchhiked a ride into your abode, contact a licensed pest professional to recommend a course of treatment.