When facing the challenge of bed bugs, many people are choosing to leave their old apartment behind and move on to bigger and better (if not just better).  This poses many concerns for both those with bed bugs, and those without.  How do you know that the moving company you hire will not move bed bugs in with all of your belongings, and if you do have bed bugs, how do you move without bringing them with you?


At A3 Superior, we have a solution for most moving problems, which also proves to be a solution for other situations - Bed bug thermals, in a truck!  Through the processes that we have developed over the past few years, and taking into consideration all of our previous experiences, we have in our arsenal the ability to complete thermal remediation treatments in box trucks, moving trucks, personal vehicles, and more.

The completion of a thermal treatment in a moving truck is a very effective moving tool.  While we cannot guarantee that the new apartment is currently free of bed bugs (without an inspection of course), we can ensure that your belongings are. Cost of treating a truck varies greatly based upon location, size of truck, amount of belongings and more.  Call 1-977-757-7767 for more information.

When considering a move, why not consider a bed bug truck thermal? 

When faced with possible bed bug infestations, many if not most people are now choosing to bring in a scent detection dog to confirm if they have bed bugs or not.  There are canine teams cropping up left and right, which can lead to some serious feelings of being overwhelmed when trying to decide which dog/handler team is the most reliable.  Many teams are not properly trained, and are making the work of the honest bed bug dog more difficult.
The question is, what can you, the perspective customer, do to ensure that the dog you hire will take all necessary measures to give you an accurate inspection?  We have compiled a list of suggestions and questions to help you pick the best scent detection canine team available in your area.

Use the NESDCA, or other independent, third party (and nationally recognised) organization.  NESDCA - National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association - certification requires an annual testing of both dog and handler to prove that the team meet certain standards.

Are dogs demonstrated prior to an inspection? - Bed bug dogs are trained with live bed bugs (kept in vials safe from getting loose), and should be able to be demonstrated upon request.

Does the dog alert only to live bugs and viable eggs? - There is no sense pouring out money for expensive bed bug treatments if the smells the canine alerted to were those of dead bugs, cast skins, or fecal matter

Does the handler complete a visual confirmation (to the best of his/her ability) when/if the dog alerts?

Is the handler/canine team able to work with your schedule?

By educating yourself on the skills and services that should be available from your bed bug scent detection team, you will be sure to get the most accurate results.  Remember when deciding on a company, to purchase based upon quality and value, not by price.  If the price is too good to be true, it probably is!

For many people, summer means a time of relaxation, vacations to exotic locations, or maybe even just a car trip to a new place.  A summer  vacation should be fun-filled and relaxing, but bed bugs can destroy a week away in a matter of minutes.  Bed bug infestations are quickly becoming a problem of epic proportions world wide, leaving the uneducated traveler exposed to unwanted guests and souvenirs.  Fortunately for those who have planned to vacation this summer, or at any time in the future, a few precautionary measures can help ensure that there are no extra guests or stow-away's racking up extermination bills once you get home.

By now you more than likely realize the importance of inspecting everything and everywhere for bed bugs.  This process can prove to put a large damper on the mood of your trip.  To avoid unnecessary stress as much as possible, do your research before you travel.  Learn if the area, hotel, and/or airline you are planning for have had prior bed bug problems.  Don't let a report of an infestation give you the creepy-crawlies, even some of the nicest establishments have had problems.  Instead, familiarize yourself with the procedures and precautions put into place in regards to bed bugs.  An upstanding establishment will know how to handle problems so that should you encounter bed bugs, you will not have to worry about bringing the hitch-hikers home.
Consider looking up locations, hotels, airlines and more on websites such as www.bedbugregistry.com and www.tripadvisor.com.

Once your travel details are planned, pack your things wisely.  Consider purchasing a luggage set like the one shown to the right, which is made of a hard poly-carbonate material (avoiding fabric can help avoid stow-aways).  When packing your luggage, place your clothing into ziplock bags, bugzip encasements (get them here), or even Space Bags.  Keep the bags sealed throughout the trip.

Once you have arrived at your location, keep luggage off floors, beds, chairs, etc. and do not place your belongings into the dresser.  Keep luggage closed as often as possible.

Inspect, Inspect, Inspect!  Be sure to check your hotel room thoroughly for signs of bed bug infestations upon arriving, and inspect all of your belongings prior to leaving.

Enjoy your vacation!

Once you arrive home, wash and dry clothes in the hottest cycles on your machines.  This will help to ensure that no bugs are in clothing.  Smaller items that cannot be placed in the dryer can be treated via the use of other devices, such as a PackTite, if you feel it is necessary

Above all else, keep in mind that the key to a bed bug free summer vacation relies mostly on education.  Educate yourself on bed bugs, and on the areas that you frequent, while at home or away.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding upcoming travel plans, or bed bugs in general, please feel free to contact our offices at any time!

Flying bed bugs have been around for a few years now, though reports and cases are seldom heard.  We don't of course mean bed bugs with wings, as bed bugs themselves are not capable of producing the momentum or movements required to fly (nor do they have wings), but rather bed bugs on airlines.


Concerns in the air-travel industry are constantly changing, security procedures are updated, new charges are added, and most recently, new visitors may be sharing your seat!  Over the course of the past year, the number of planes which require treatment for discovered or suspected bed bug problems have been on the rise.  

This should not come as a surprise to those who are familiar with the ways of the bed bug, as it is well known that these insects are great hitch-hikers, and are fond of clothing, suitcases, etc. So when planning your next business trip or vacation, keep in mind these few pointers (in addition to remembering to pack your toothbrush!).

Start from the beginning.  When booking your travel arrangements, don't just ask the hotel to inform you about their bed bug procedures and prevention methods, ask the airlines too.  Bed bugs in hotels come from something or somewhere, and chances are that something was on an airplane.  A good airline should be able to tell you what preventative measures they take to avoid bed bugs, and what their procedures are if a problem is found or suspected.

Consider bringing your own pillow and blanket.  The less chance of coming into contact with possibly contaminated items you have, the better.  Things such as pillows and blankets are a great hiding place for bed bugs.

Once you have boarded the plane, be sure to inspect both your seat and the areas surrounding it, including an adjoining seats.  Keep an eye out for common signs of bed bug infestations (not sure how to find an infestation?).

Of course, should you see any signs of bed bugs or something that might be a bed bug problem, notify a member of the cabin crew immediately.  While changing your seat may be enough, an airplane is a confined space, and moving from front to back may not be enough of an avoidance tactic.

Once your flight is completed, make your way over to the baggage claim.  Be sure to inspect your luggage for any signs of bed bugs or eggs prior to leaving the airport.  If you do notice anything, be sure to inform the correct parties immediately, to avoid spreading the problem to other unsuspecting travelers.

Which came first, the bug or the egg?

While most bed bug infestations occur via spread or transportation of live bed bugs, it is of course possible to bring bed bug eggs into your home, especially if you are purchasing used furniture or picking things up curb-side.

Female bed bugs generally lay one to twelve eggs in a day.  In a ten month time period, one female bed bug can lay upwards of 200 eggs.  The eggs are deposited in protected places, within a close proximity to the host (you).  Common  places for eggs include interior spaces of box springs, mattresses, under wallpaper, behind baseboards, etc.  Bed bug eggs are "glued" to the deposit site with a stick substrate coating.  This coating makes it difficult to dislodge the eggs.  Eggs are white and generally around 1/32 of an inch in length.

Bed bug eggs hatch at rates dependent upon temperature.  Generally speaking, eggs will hatch in around two weeks.  The eggs do not need their mother present in order to hatch.  The eggs pose one of the largest threats, as many chemicals do not kill bed bug eggs.  This is the main reason why chemical bed bug treatments are generally spaced out at two week intervals.  Any eggs that are not killed during the previous treatment, will be killed during the next, before they are of size and age to lay eggs of their own.

Keep in mind when planning a treatment, thermal or heat treatments for bed bugs kills all stages of bed bug life.

The idea of purchasing a couch second hand for $50 is a great bargain, though in light of current bed bug issues, you my be purchasing a deposit on future bed bug treatments. With the current outbreak of bed bug infestations not only locally, but nation-wide and globally, most people are being recommended to avoid second-hand and thrift shops.  In light of current economic states, many people are however, finding that they need to or prefer to use second hand items, whether it be to save some money, for a love of vintage, or to be more green.  All that being said, how safe is it to shop in second-hand or thrift shops, and how can we protect ourselves from bringing home unwanted guests?

There are many things that can be money-saving when purchased at a thrift shop.  Of these things, many can cause more of a hassle than a help, unless purchased with a well informed eye.  Bed bugs can and will hide in any available places, and are excellent hitch-hikers.  Couches, chairs, or other upholstered furniture received second-hand leave large windows of opportunity for transportation of bed bug infestations.  Even an "inspection" conducted pre-purchase can leave you at home with bed bug eggs hiding in your new-er furniture.

Clothing:
Vintage, second-hand, or hand-me-down clothing is one of the safest things when it comes to bed bugs. Should you choose to buy (of inherit) pre-owned clothing, ensure than anything is washed and dried on high heat before it is brought into the home or worn.  This should ensure that any bugs that might be in the clothing are killed.

Purses/Shoes:
Purses should be shaken out and inspected prior to purchase.  Like clothing, toss these items into the dryer before using them or leaving them out in your home.

Luggage:
It is very difficult to squeeze a suitcase into the dryer, and even more difficult to try to inspect every pocket, seam, and crease.  If at all possible, avoid second hand luggage, and consider purchasing from a discount store such as TJ Maxx

Furniture:
The great deal on that "new" couch might not be a good deal if you are giving bed bugs a free one-way fare into your home.  If you must have that vintage leather chair in the thrift shop around the corner, be sure to inspect it EVERYWHERE, and be thorough.  Ask the employee if they are inspecting/treating their store for bed bugs, and ask for proof.  While this will not guarantee your safety, it's a step in the right direction.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

With the increase in bed bug related incidents in homes around the US, concerns and problems have begun to crop up in our school systems, be it elementary, middle, high, or college.  If a bed bug is found on a student, or his/her possessions, it is an indication that there may be a problem at home.  Bed bugs are fast movers, and it is possible that the insect found was brought in by another person.  One of the most important factors in eliminating the school as a carrier for infestations at home is communication.  If a suspected bed bug is found, students, parents, teachers, and all others occupying the area should be informed so that proper measures can be taken to prevent spread of infestations.

While schools do not need to close due to bed bug problems, they do need to remedy the problem as soon as possible.  From the parent’s point of view, prevention and protection are vital.  Consider placing your child’s backpack directly into a sealed container (extra large ziplock bags work great!) as soon as he/she gets home from school.  If your child is complaining of bites or if you see anything coming home, be sure to notify the school immediately, and consider seeking the help of a pest control professional to complete inspections and/or treatment if needed.

Facing a bed bug problem? Contact A3 Superior Pest Control 1-877-757-7767.

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.