Archive for August 1st, 2010

Some Basic Facts About Bed Bugs

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Bed bugs are obviously a very unwelcome house guest for anyone unfortunate enough to develop an infestation. For a very long time, these pests have been an problem of public health. If you have developed an infestation, or are merely curious, some basic information may be in order.

These insects are very small and oval shaped, typically brown in color. Their diet consists of blood, especially the blood of humans. This makes having the pests a very unsettling issue. They can easily infest a home, especially areas where people sleep, and are hard to get rid of.

These insects can survive in a variety of environments and climates, but are best suited for human environments. This flexibility of environments, coupled with the fact that they can easily travel on a person through clothing or luggage, make them a worldwide pest. Often found in hotels or other high-traffic areas, they can very easily be brought home with an unsuspecting traveler or tourist.

These creatures are generally, but not always, nocturnal. They will feed on almost any exposed area of skin. Typically, the bite of this bug is painless and usually goes unnoticed until the symptoms of the bite manifest. The wounds will quickly become a raised bump which will become red, itchy, and somewhat swollen. Often, they are mistaken for bites from other insects, typically mosquitoes or fleas.

Typically, these insects do not carry the risk of disease. Therefore, they are not considered to be a serious health risk. There have been reports of allergic reactions to these bites, as well as subsequent infections. Although these bites tend to be itchy, it is important that you resist the temptation to scratch the wounds. Scratching these wounds can lead to an infection which needs to be avoided if possible.

Getting rid of these pest can be difficult, and even expensive. It is advisable that you throw out a mattress that is infested with these bugs. If this is not possible, vacuum the mattress and apply a plastic, sealed cover. All clothes, bed sheets, pillows, and linens should immediately be washed in hot water and vacuumed. Although insecticides should never be used on an area where people sleep, sticky traps might be a good option to capture any roaming bugs.

Bed bugs are a nasty pest that no one wants to see in their home. Unfortunately, they are very easy to acquire, but fairly difficult to get rid of. Luckily, they typically pose no real health threat or long term risk. You should, however, immediately take steps to battle the infestation.

Not entirely sure how to Kill Bed Bugs ? We’ve got the ultimate low down now in our Dead Bed Bug guide.

What You Should Know About Poison Ivy

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Poison ivy is a very nasty plant which grows only in the United States and west of the Rockey mountains. The plant is coated in a oil like substance that causes very severe allergic skin reactions in about eighty-five percent of people. The reaction may be red itchy skin but can develop into welts, blisters and oozing sores on the allergic population.

Other noxious plants are also found in the USA which cause similar reactions. West of the rockies, you will find poison oak. In the wet bogs of the southeastern quarter of the States, you find Poison Sumac. Each of the plants have a coating of urushiol, the oil like substance that clings to the skin and causes the reaction.

The allergy to these plants is one that can become worse with repeated exposure. In fact, the first outbreak of the reaction often take five or more days from contact to development of the rash. A second exposure can cause a reaction in one to two days. In persons with severe reactions, exposure may cause anaphylaxis. Even persons who do not think they are allergic to the plants should avoid contact as their bodies could become sensitive to the plant at any time. Burning these plants can cause severe respiratory reactions in some people who inhale the fumes.

Contrary to popular belief, the rash cannot be passed from one person to another. In addition, the fluids that ooze from the weeping allergic reaction do not cause the rash to spread. The later reactions are due to the urushiol was initially in contact with the skin.

If you will be in an area where these plants grow, take precautions to protect yourself from a reaction. Heavy work clothing should cover your body. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. A special lotion applied before exposure can prevent the chemical from affecting your skin. Any clothing that has come in contact with the plants should be careful washed in the hottest water available with detergent. You should shower as soon as possible after exposure.

Most of the time you can deal with the allergy using home remedies such as cold showers and calamine lotion. Antihistamines are also helpful In cases where there is extreme swelling of the face or neck, seek a doctor’s care. The doctor can give a shot to stop the swelling.

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are plants that can cause severe allergic skin reactions in humans. If you will be in areas where these plants are know to be present you should take precautions to avoid exposure. If at all possible avoid contact with these plants to prevent reactions.

Poison ivy is not easy to deal with, so if you get it, you will be looking for a cure for poison ivy. We can give you a poison ivy cure now and stop those symptoms.