proactive wood and moisture control

Bed bugs have become a widespread nuisance, exacerbated by global events like Paris Fashion Week and the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics. Increased public awareness through viral stories has prompted individuals to learn how to check for and prevent infestations. Educating customers about bed bugs and their prevention is crucial amid rising concerns.

Don't believe everything you see on social media. A viral Reddit post claimed that a Sephora moisturizer attracted wolf spiders. Users speculated on its ingredients, but entomology experts debunked the idea, stating that the lotion does not contain spider pheromones. The increase in spider sightings is likely due to cold weather driving spiders indoors, not the body butter itself.

During the Christmas season, bringing in a tree may introduce mantis egg cases, leading to unexpected guests when they hatch indoors. These mantises, harmless but requiring upkeep, can survive on limited food. To avoid this situation, inspect the tree for egg cases before bringing it inside, removing them if found.

At Rutgers University, researchers evaluated various attractants for German cockroaches to enhance sticky trap effectiveness. They tested 18 substances, finding that combinations of apple and blueberry oils, along with commercial roach lure tablets, significantly improved catch rates by over 100%. More research is needed for reliable delivery methods.

Research on rodent trap placement in food facilities reveals that conventional spacing, based on outdated standards, lacks sufficient scientific backing. A study assessing building characteristics showed that warmer, sheltered areas attract more rodent activity. This suggests that inspections should inform trap placement to enhance effectiveness and reduce unnecessary bait waste.

Psocids, or booklice, are small insects that can infest homes and stored grains, causing contamination and damage. Recent research shows that lowering humidity below 50% effectively kills psocids within 16 days, supporting pest management strategies. Psocids are often overlooked, yet nearly all homes inspected in North Carolina had them present.