All posts in “travel”

Oh oh, Houston we have a problem

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“Scorpion sting woman on plane”

A flight out of LA had a bit of an issue with a feisty scorpion. Scorpions can hitch a ride but accidently getting into boxes and or other objects. It doesn’t happen often but bugs and other type of wildlife will take advantage of opportunities, maybe there was water or food present or maybe it was for warmth. If you are moving boxes from an attic or shed always wear gloves and take care.

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To spray or not to spray the plane?

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Several years ago, I also was on a flight which was sprayed and honestly I was amazed. I work in the industry that obviously sprays but I don’t and haven’t recommended spraying inside unless the bug is something that was carried in like cockroaches or stored product pests. I think it was Figi and we had just landed when the flight attendant came through the cabin spraying as she walked. I did of course check the can and it was a Permethrin aerosol. The reason they do this is to keep out foreign or invasive pests. I guess one mosquito could cause a lot of trouble and why not nip it in the bud right there on the plane.

“In flight spray bugs traveller.” – This week we have seen the stories about lawsuits and this isn’t one, she just wants people to realize that this happens. I have to agree, if the people were notified in advance they could at the very least put a handkerchief over their nose and mouth.

This is her quote: Cohen said she doesn’t want a refund. “I just want people to know before they travel that it may not be so much fun in the sun, especially if you’re sensitive.”

So take care if traveling, ask questions about spraying or ask about pests in general and maybe your trip will go off without a hitch. By the way I also applaud those countries not wanting to import pests like these into their countries.

IMG_20120901_182441I think I took this picture at the Logan Steakhouse (cool artwork), get out and travel.

 

Study on Bed Bugs, BBC News.

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“Catching the Mother of all Bed Bugs” by Sean Coughlan BBC news correspondent.

Genetic analysis has shown that a single pregnant bed bug that escapes detection can be responsible for an entire infestation, rapidly producing generations of offspring.

This may explain the ongoing issues with Bed Bugs, this story came from London. I’ve heard that the use of baits and not spraying may have lead to the rebound of those little biters. Maybe the widespread travel, they can be on one side of the world and tomorrow on our doorstep. So please take care and keep those critters out of your life.

A few tips:

  1. All Things Bed Bugs.
  2. 10 Tips (NPMA) to protect yourself.
  3. Bed Bug registry.
  4. ProBest Pest Management Bed Bug page.
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Bed Bug Nymphs photo by PPMA

 

Are bed bugs continuing to be a big problem?

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Bed Bugs are continuing their rise to a real pest in the U.S. and according to Orkin it doesn’t look like they are slowing down. Orkin has been keeping track of bed bugs calls within their company and provide data to keep officials and the public informed. “Chicago tops bed bug cities list for second year in a row“.

Phoenix is up seven from 35 to 28, so here are a few tips from me to keep you informed as well.

  1. Just be aware of the issue, don’t panic. Many people are bitten by various bugs like mites, mosquitoes and think they have bed bugs. If you are being bitten isolate the area (by that I mean the area in the home) see what you can see. Check beds for fecal spotting (when bed bugs bite they eject old blood feces etc), if you see something moving catch it and keep it handy for an expert.
  2. If you travel take precautions, I hand my clothes from the shower rod and put my luggage on the bathroom vanity and that is where it stays. Check the bed and close furniture and if you see something inform management and move to another room.
  3. Remember bed bugs just don’t hang out on beds.
  4. When returning home, unpack in garage or outside and check luggage. Wash everything and high heat, wrap luggage in black garbage bag and if you’re AZ put it in sun especially during summer 113 – 120 degrees in ideal to bake them.
  5. Keep an eye out if you have guests or frequent visitors, they can travel in backpacks.
  6. I’ll repeat “Don’t Panic!” call a Pest Management Professional, as I think this is not a “Do It Yourself” (DIY) program.

 

Bugs and Spiders do travel

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Bugs and Spiders do travel…

 

Green tires go black By: Bob Bissler

 

Stories like this above fascinate me and always get me to think about the way that bugs might hitch a ride. Way back in 2011 I wrote a home seal “The Beast escapes….“, where I mentioned the Brazilian Wandering Spider ending up in Germany on bananas. We are a traveling nation, we can pick up today and move without any concern to location. We can store all of our stuff in facilities and we never know what we might be bringing with us.

Border agents work with this premise everyday and every state cutting budgets over the years “Budget cuts affecting everyone” – is it possible to stop the pests? I guess time will tell, so be aware when placing hands into places where you can’t see.

tires

Travel Bugs = Bed Bugs.

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A little play on words, what is the travel bug – Bed Bugs of course!

 

Well in just about a week people will begin the Holiday traveling season, traveling to see relatives or friends. Hopefully not many will be bringing back any hitchhikers like Bed Bugs. So with traveling just ahead of us, here are a few tips for safety from National Pest Management Association and ProBest Pest Management:

  • Thoroughly inspect the entire room with a flashlight before unpacking, including behind the headboard, under lights, and inside dressers, drawers, sofas and chairs. I prefer to leave my luggage in the bathroom and hand my clothes on the shower rod.
  • Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams and box springs, particularly at the corners, for telltale stains, spots or shed bed bug skins.
  • Place suitcase in a plastic trash bag during the duration of your trip to ensure that bed bugs cannot take up residence there prior to departure. *Tip: Pack clothes in zip lock bag for easy cleaning upon returning home.
  • Do not place luggage on upholstered surfaces. The safest place is 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 you notice bed bugs in your room, notify management and request to change rooms immediately.
  • Do not move to a room adjacent and/or directly above/below the suspected infestation.
  • When you return home, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into the house.
  • Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly before bringing indoors and storing away.
  • Wash all of your clothes – even those items you haven¹t worn – in hot water to remove any bed bugs or eggs that may have traveled home with you. Dry clean only clothes should be thrown in the dryer and run on high heat.
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