Residential and commercial pest control in Pleasanton, CA may include a number of services including ant treatment and rodent removal. Unfortunately, most people do not contact pest removal services until they have a pest control problem, so they rarely know how to prevent or deal with these problems in advance. Read on if you are interested in obtaining answers to your questions about bed bugs.

Where Do Bed Bugs Live?
Bed bugs tend to be excellent survivors , which makes their infestations particularly difficult to completely eradicate. These pests have been associated with developing countries in the past but are now found all over the world. They like to infest areas where humans tend to sleep and, contrary to popular belief, they are not particular to low-income or dirty spaces; bed bugs are just as happy invading high quality hotels and apartments. These insects are commonly found in areas where multiple different people sleep, such as hotels, dorm buildings, and apartments; they also have a habit of infesting trains, buses, and other areas of heavy human traffic. Inside the home they typically live in bed frames, dressers, or even inside mattresses.

Are They Dangerous?
Many people who notice that they have bed bugs frantically call their pest treatment professionals because they are scared of disease and infection. Although bed bugs may be just as unwelcome as other pests, they do not carry disease and thus should not be considered a threat to public health. However, bed bug bites affect different people in different ways; while some do not react to their bites at all, others may experience itching, small marks, or allergic reactions. Unfortunately, those who experience itching may sometimes scratch to the point of secondary infection, and multiple allergic reactions may warrant the attention of a medical professional.

How Can You Treat an Infestation?
If you are suspicious that you may have a bed bug infestation, it is wise to call an exterminator or pest control professional immediately. If you live in an apartment complex or you rent a home, you should also talk to your landlord about pest control options.

Have you seen a rat or mouse scurrying around inside your home? If so, there’s a chance you have a rodent infestation. It’s important to call an exterminator if you suspect a rodent infestation, because it only takes three weeks for a female to give birth to more than a dozen young. For effective rodent control in Pleasanton and surrounding areas, call Performance Pest Management.

Tracks
Use a flashlight to check the dusty areas of your house for footprints or trail marks. If you notice tracks, look closely at them to see what type of rodent you have in your home. Mice have feet that measure about 3/8 inch or less, while rat tracks are usually between 3/4 and 1 inch. Rats drag their tail on the ground, so you may see a mark in between tracks if you have a rat problem.

Rodent Noises
If you hear squeaking, rustling, or scampering around your home, chances are you have a rodent problem . Noises are typically more apparent at night, when you’re going to bed and they are starting to wake up.

Urine, Grease, and Droppings
Rodents produce a prolific amount of waste. You will probably see small mounds of dirt, urine, and droppings around the house if you have a rodent infestation. You may also notice grease marks—this is the oil and dirt found in a rodent’s coat.

Nibble Marks
If you see small holes or gnaw marks in your food packaging, there is a good chance you have a rodent problem on your hands. Rodents do this to keep their incisor teeth sharp. You may also notice gnaw marks on wood, electrical wires, and even dog food.

Nests
Rodents build their nests from materials such as shredded paper, twigs, grass, furniture stuffing, and fabric. Nests are commonly found in dressers, behind appliances, and inside machinery such as computer cases.