FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1st, 2010
Contact: tonia@creativevoicemedia.com
978-544-3205
“Don’t let the Bed Bugs Bite” was a phrase often echoed in the halls and bedrooms of America by our Grandparents. However, that phrase is making a comeback to the homes and hotels of western Massachusetts, Hartford County and throughout the United States.
Robert Russell, the pre eminent expert on Bed Bugs in western Massachusetts and Hartford County and Board Certified Entomologist for American Pest Solutions, has been watching the recent spread of Bed Bugs with alarm. “Bed Bugs were nearly eradicated in the 1960’s, but American Pest Solutions is increasingly treating more instances and outbreaks than ever before”, said Russell.
The decline in Bed Bugs coincided with insecticides developed around the turn of the last century. These products are no longer available. In recent years, immigration and increased international travel has returned Bed Bugs to the bedrooms of America. “You only need to have one egg in your luggage or brief case from a trip to a hotel, and they hatch and create hundreds of Bed Bugs in your home in just a matter of weeks.” said Russell.
While Bed Bugs are not known to transmit any serious disease, they are a human parasite. “Bed Bugs will wait until you are fast asleep, and attack the human body to extract a blood meal. A person can have dozens of painful bites in just one night from an infestation of bed bugs”, said Russell
How do you know you have Bed Bugs? Bites are the obvious first clue, but you can also inspect around a bed with a flashlight looking for the tell tale signs of Bed Bugs. Bed Bugs discard their skin as they grow, much as snake or lobster. The molts look like the shell of a bug. “I bring a flashlight to every hotel I sleep in, and inspect for Bed Bugs around the back of the bed and in the cracks before I go to sleep”, added Russell.
American Pest Solutions offers comprehensive treatment options online at www.413pestfree.com. American Pest Solutions uses environmentally responsible treatment strategies for Bed Bugs. “Years ago”, said Russell, “Bobby and Susie’s bed was inundated with DDT and other pesticides – that is not the solution today.”
So, will the phrase “Don’t let the Bed Bugs Bite” return to common Americana conversation? -“Bed Bugs are here and all indications are we are at the beginning of an explosive national and regional epidemic”, said Russell.
About Robert Russell:
Robert Russell is a Board Certified Entomologist specializing in urban insect behavior. He is also President of American Pest Solutions based in Springfield, Hartford and Pittsfield. His family and company have been treating Bed Bugs since 1913, and Robert has been engaged as an expert in the pest management industry since 1981.
Robert Russell provides advice and insight to newspapers, radio and television stations with his deep and expert insights on insect behavior and pest management. Contact us today for information and interviews at tonia@creativevoicemedia.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2009; Springfield, MA
American Pest Solutions Uses Dog To Combat Bedbug Outbreak
American Pest Solutions, Inc. of Springfield has entered into a partnership with New England Canine Detectives for the use of a bedbug detecting dog in its effort to combat the area’s rapidly growing bedbug infestation.
“Bingo”, a NESDECA certified search dog is a beagle specifically trained to locate bedbugs. American Pest Solutions teams will use Bingo to quickly and efficiently locate bedbug infestations in homes and businesses without using pesticides.
American Pest Solutions President, Bob Russell, commented on the growing problem of bedbugs in Western Massachusetts. “We’re experiencing a bedbug epidemic around here, just like the rest of the country is. It’s a much hardier, more resistant strain of bedbugs that we’re dealing with now and they multiply rapidly. You need to find them quickly. For that, a dog like Bingo is unbeatable.”
Bedbug Facts:
- Bedbugs are wingless insects of the family cimicidae.
- Adults are the size of an apple seed, with a flat, oval, reddish-brown body.
- Bedbugs feed on human and animal blood, are active at night and will bite any areas of
exposed skin. - Bedbugs can infest a home and hide in crevices and cracks around beds and furniture.
- Bites may go unnoticed, or result in localized swelling and itching. Areas may become infected when scratched.
- Bedbugs are not believed to transmit diseases to humans.
- Females lay from 200 to 500 eggs which hatch in about ten days.
- Bedbugs can exist without food for as long as 550 days.
- Bedbug can ingest six times its weight in blood and will feed from 3 to 10 minutes.
- Adult bedbugs live about ten months, with three to four generations per year.
American Pest Solutions, Inc, located on Williams Street in Springfield, was founded in 1913 by Abraham Russell. The family owned business is now managed by the fourth generation of the Russell family. The company was awarded the prestigious Torch Award, the Better Business Bureau’s highest award for business integrity for 2008.
For additional information contact:
Robert D. Russell, BCE
President
American Pest Solutions
169 William Street
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 784-0044
russellbce@pestsol.com
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