From The Detroit News | By Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein
DETROIT, June 8, 2023 ~ JB Hines loves bugs. It is not unusual to see him at a home show exhorting the wonderful characteristics of cockroaches or spiders or even his “wingless mosquitoes” that we cringe and call bed bugs. He’ll then show you live examples of each that he carries in sealed plastic containers that you are reluctant to touch.
JB is a pest guy. He is the lead representative of Rove Pest Control in Novi, and he is passionate about the tiny creatures that most of us run from. He will share tidbits like the fact that the biomass of ants on earth exceeds that of all birds and mammals other than mankind. This is the time of year we are all attempting to get back outside to enjoy the deck or backyard while at the same time trying to avoid becoming food for various bugs.
PODCAST:
June 11, 2023 ~ Chuck “The Inside Guy” Breidenstein and Ken “The Outside Guy” Calverly offer the knowledge and resources you need to make the home of your dreams a reality. Catch them every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon on 760 WJR.
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As homeowners and parents, we also have a concern for the house and those that reside in it, so we asked JB and his boss, Rob Greer, to answer a few common questions that we receive from listeners.
Q. Are bed bugs the result of a dirty home?
A. No. Whenever we see an uptick in travel, we see a corresponding increase in bed bug issues. They will travel in your clothing and luggage. They hide in very small creases and crevices, whether in mattresses, baseboards or suitcases. In multi-family buildings, whether apartments, condos or hotels, they will travel through walls and framing to adjacent spaces and look for food.
When you return from travel, empty your belongings outside the house, then carry clothing in clear plastic bags directly to the washing machine. Some people even strip down and change in the garage before entering the home.
Q. Are ticks an issue in urban areas?
A. Absolutely. And this year we are seeing more of them. Ticks can cause Lyme disease, meat allergies and anaplasmosis. Keeping vegetation cut down around the yard can help as they will attach themselves to any exposed skin. If the kids or pets are playing outside, it is not a bad idea to examine them carefully for any of these small, black, critters.
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For housing advice and more, listen to “The Inside Outside Guys” every Saturday and Sunday on 760 WJR from 10 a.m. to noon, or contact them at InsideOutsideGuys.com.
