Both male and female mosquitoes are by nature nectar feeders, much in the same way a humming bird is.  The female mosquitoes of many of the 3,500 species of mosquitoes found around the world are capable of feeding by drinking blood from many warm blooded mammals.  These mosquitoes use the blood meals not as a requirement for survival, but rather as a supplemental source of such things as protein and iron to assist in the development of eggs.

So how do these mosquitoes find their blood meals? Similar to the way a bed bug locates a host, mosquitoes take advantage of the carbon dioxide (CO2) exhaled by prospective hosts.  The carbon dioxide is the first directional in finding a host.  Malaria mosquitoes in particular are attracted to specific locations on the human body.  This location is usually the feet of humans.  In the research conducted by Remco Suer, if was discovered that the foot odors detected by the malaria mosquitoes are actually the defining factors in where they should bite their selected victims.

What does this tell us? When outdoors in an area with mosquito populations, many people think to wear protective clothing.  Perhaps closed shoes (with clean feet!) should be added to the clothing requirements. 

Click Here to read the full article about Malaria Mosquitoes

Not only are these pests an annoyance, they are also a health hazard.  We would like to take a moment to inform you of some of the diseases that are carried and can be transferred by rats and other rodents.  These diseases can be transferred in numerous ways, which include biting, infecting human food with droppings or urine, infecting skin wounds with urine, indirect transfer by blood-sucking insects, mites, cats, or dogs, and by dying in a water source that is used as drinking water.

Tapeworms – Rats are a host to tapeworms (Hymenolepis) that can be spread to humans through fecal matter.  These parasites hatch internally, grow and reproduce.

Salmonella – Salmonella causes serious gastroenteritis, which in some cases can be fatal.  It is spread to humans through contact with droppings, especially through consumption of contaminated food or water.  Household pets are often infected, and can die as a result.

Bubonic Plague – The plague s usually fatal within a few days of infection.  In human populations, the most common, and primary source of plague infection in humans is rats.  It is present in rodents around the world, including the western USA.

Murine Typhus – This disease is transmitted from rats and mice via a flea bite.  It is usually treatable with prescription antibiotics, but can cause death in those with weak immune systems (the elderly, or those who are already ill).

Rat-bite Fever – This bacterial infection can be treated medically, and is fatal in aproximatly 10% of untreated cases.  It is transmitted through bites, or from urine contamination of preexisting wounds, water, or food.


If you are currently facing an infestation of rodents, please call A3 Superior Pest Control at 1-877-757-7767 for further assistance.  Remember when cleaning areas that have rodent presence to clean the area sufficiently with a watered down bleach solution.

Are you facing a move to a new home? With today’s bed bug infestations cropping up throughout much of the US and the world, it is imperative that precautions are taken when moving.  The following series of blogs will inform to perspective mover of all the things he/she needs to know whether currently dealing with a bed bug infestation, or trying to avoid one.
Moving With Bed Bugs
If you are currently dealing with a bed bug infestation, and are looking to move, there are many factors that need to be considered before officially packing and re-locating.  First, will you treat your current home for bed bugs prior to moving out, will you treat during your move, or will you wait and deal with the infestation once you are in your new home?
Our suggestion is to treat all of your belongings during your move.  One of the services offered by A3 Superior Pest Control is a truck thermal.  These treatments can be completed inside of a moving truck, or in a box truck, such as the one we have for the company.  This treatment requires moving your belongings into the appropriate truck, and a heat treatment is then completed on the contents of the truck.
When moving with bed bugs, you must take precautions to ensure that you do not spread any infestations to your neighbors, both new and old.  Wrap all mattresses and box springs in plastic, and ensure that anything you throw away is sealed tightly, and will not be picked up and brought into another home.
If you have any questions regarding moving with bed bugs, please contact A3 Superior Pest Control at  1-877-757-7767.

Moving without bed bugs
Recently a customer of ours, who has been bed bug free for a few years at this point came to us for assistance with her new move.  She is moving from an apartment that we know does not have bed bugs, and wanted to ensure that her new home was also bed bug free before moving in.  The problems she ran into inspired us to share her story with you.
A canine inspection was conducted in the old apartment, which confirmed that no bed bugs were present.  Shortly before moving, we conducted a second canine inspection in the new apartment, which was also confirmed to be bed bug free.One final canine inspection, which was conducted in the old apartment, and the results were very upsetting to our customer.  Our dog found evidence of bed bugs in only one place in the entire apartment, the boxes our customer had purchased from a moving company!
When facing a new move, be sure to get proof that both your new and old apartments are bed bug free, and be sure to purchase any supplies carefully.  Take the time to inspect any new purchases, including items such as boxes and furniture, before bringing them to the new home.
If you are facing a new move, and are feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry, A3 Superior Pest Control is here to help.  We have programs available to issue certificates proving that the apartments are clear of bed bugs, which is something you might consider requesting from your new landlord.  If this is not an option, be sure to conduct inspections yourself, and avoid the cost of bed bug treatments.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 1-877-757-7767.