Bed Bugs Bite

These days we are receiving an increasing number of calls concerning bed bugs. While most of the problems seem to be in apartment buildings and hotels, we are seeing more and more residential problems.

One of the major reasons bed bugs are making a comeback is increased travel by Americans and the increase in foreign travelers. In some portions of the Middle East bed bugs are merely a small nuisance, much like we consider house flies to be a nuisance. We usually just "shoo" them away when at a restaurant and think little of it. However, house flies are a greater potential health hazard than bed bugs!!

And bed bugs are not easily detected. I recently vacationed in Arizona, visiting the national parks and monuments there. A wonderful experience! I thoroughly checked every hotel room for signs of bed bugs, following a guideline that I prepared for travelers. In spite of this, I hosted a bed bug feast in one hotel, receiving multiple bites on my shoulders and neck. They are VERY difficult to detect in small numbers.

If you would like a copy of our "Travel Tips Regarding Bed Bugs", send me an email at leafpestcontrol@yahoo.com.

James R. Martin

Tragically, a very valued and loved friend and associate of 14 years was taken from us on 16 April. Those who knew James Martin will remember his broad and omnipresent smile. We knew him also as a person dedicated to his customers, a hard worker, a willing helper, honest, reliable and lovable. James did not ask for much, but he gave a lot. He loved providing top quality service for his customers. James has now gone to service the Lord. May he find the peace and rest he so very much deserves.

Dennis and all of the Leaf Staff

Baggies for Fly Control

I recently came across the following on the iNet:

ZIP LOCK BAG FOR FLIES

We went with friends to Sweety Pies on Sunday for breakfast and sat in the patio section beside the house. We happened to notice zip lock baggies pinned to a post and a wall. The bags were half filled with water, each contained 4 pennies, and they were zipped shut. Naturally we were curious! Ms. Sweety told us that these baggies kept the flies away! So naturally we were even more curious! We actually watched some flies come in the open window, stand around on the window sill, and then fly out again. And there were no flies in the eating area! This morning I checked this out on Google. Below are comments on this fly control idea. I'm now a believer!

Zip-lock water bags

Ann Says: I tried the ziplock bag and pennies this weekend.. I have a horse trailer. The flies were bad while I was camping. I put the baggie with pennies above the door of the LQ. NOT ONE FLY came in the trailer. The horse trailer part had many. Not sure why it works but it does!

Danielle Martin Says:

Fill a ziplock bag with water and 5 or 6 pennies and hang it in the problem area. In my case it was a particular window in my home. It had a slight passage way for insects. Every since I have done that, it has kept flies and wasps away. Some say that wasps and flies mistake the bag for some other insect nest and are threatened. Maggie Says:

I swear by the plastic bag of water trick. I have them on porch and basement. We saw these in Northeast Mo. at an Amish grocery store & have used them since. They say it works because a fly sees a reflection & won't come around.

DJ Says:

Regarding the science behind zip log bags of water? My research found that the millions of molecules of water presents its own prism effect and given that flies have a lot of eyes, to them it's like a zillion disco balls reflecting light, colors and movement in a dizzying manner. When you figure that flies are prey for many other bugs, animals, birds, etc., they simply won't take the risk of being around that much perceived action. I moved to a rural area and thought these "hillbillies" were just yanking my city boy chain but I tried it and it worked immediately! We went from hundreds of flies to seeing the occasional one, but he didn't hang around long.

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night,and the road downhill all the way to your door"

I have never heard this one. I would appreciate any comments.

Dennis

Insects of Spring!

Spring is here at last and every insect is stirring. Those that spent the winter inside homes (stink bugs, lady beetles, cluster flies, etc.) are showing up in kitchens and other living areas and making people crazy. Stinging insects are flying about, looking for nest-building areas. All of nature is coming alive!

The temptation to buy a "can of stuff" and kill these nuisances is high. My advice, for safety's sake, is let them be. Open your windows/doors and let them out or vacuum them up. Outside, try to avoid the south side of buildings (this is the side that wasps like to build their nest on) and don't harass the wasps. They are actually the females and they are only looking for a place to build a nest.

The danger to your family from the pesticides you may use is not worth the limited results, especially indoors. I never use pesticides inside my house and I have used pesticides for over 30 years.

Enjoy Spring