Residential & Commercial Pest Control Issues in Providence
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Scenic riverside views, historic landmarks, and a fun, artistic culture delight locals and visitors alike. However, older buildings, a dense population, and tourism also attract New England pests.
The compact city structure combined with a high population makes Providence a welcoming environment for insects. As most Rhode Islanders know, avoiding activities at dusk and dawn, wearing protective clothing, and using deterrent sprays are all part of living in an area prone to biting flies and other pests.
Types of Pests in Providence
Marinas and waterways make cities like Providence an appealing habitat for mosquitoes. These insects lay their eggs in and around water, and areas around the river often serve as the perfect breeding ground. Female mosquitoes need a blood meal to reproduce, which they take easily from pedestrians, tourists, and outdoor diners.
Providence residents deal with mosquitoes from the beginning of summer until the end of fall. While typically an outside pest, the insects often get inside Elmhurst homes or West End office buildings through open windows and torn screens. Certain species can also overwinter in garages, sheds, and basements.
Bed bugs are another common Rhode Island pest. These tiny hitchhikers travel by latching on to luggage, clothing, furniture, blankets, and towels. Providence's tourist trade makes it easy for these insects to spread via the crowds at Waterfire, public transport, and even theater seats.
Hotels and other hospitality service providers in Providence and Warwick have to be vigilant against bed bugs. These insects typically hide in the folds of fabric and upholstery as well as mattresses, box springs, and headboards. Just one piece of infested luggage is enough to start a serious issue in a guest room, rental car, or shuttle bus.
Pest-Related Problems
Mosquitoes and bed bugs affect Providence homes and businesses in several ways. Some of the problems these pests cause include:
- Irritation - Mosquitoes ruin night-time strolls, sunset picnics at Hopkins Park, and early morning East Bay bike rides by hovering around and delivering itchy bites. The rash that develops from bed bug bites also keeps people from getting restful sleep and can result in anxiety issues.
- Illness - In Rhode Island, infected mosquitoes can transmit Illnesses such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Bed bug bites do not transmit disease, but their cast-off skins, egg casings, and waste can trigger asthma attacks.
- Revenue Loss - Reports of pests in Providence businesses can harm a company's reputation. Customers may avoid your restaurant if mosquitoes bombard them during a meal, and tourists may leave damaging reviews about your hotel if they discover bed bugs in their room or bring the pests back to their own home.
Do I Have An Infestation?
Bites are the most obvious signs of a mosquito or bed bug problem. You may also hear mosquitoes buzzing around lamps in your Water Street office. Store managers may see them flying around lit signs above entrances and around lighting in Cranston retail shops and Warwick supermarkets.
If you fall victim to a bed bug bite, inspect furniture and mattresses thoroughly for traces of the pest. Look for the insects and egg cases as well as reddish-brown stains and spots on sheets, mattresses, and other fabric items. In waiting rooms, hotel lobbies, and other public areas, check upholstered furniture, baseboards, and hidden areas behind picture frames for these signs, as well.
Preventative Measures
To keep mosquitoes and other pests outside, patch up damaged screens, repair cracks in foundations, and seal gaps around doors and windows. Mosquitoes are capable of breeding and producing thousands of offspring in as little as a single water bottle cap filled with water. Be sure to empty rain-filled trashcans and clear out gutters for proper drainage. Keep unused swimming pools covered and clean birdbaths every week.
Take action as soon as you suspect a bed bug infestation. Wash bedding, soft toys, linens, clothes, and curtains in hot water and dry them on the highest temperature setting. Scrub the seams of your mattress and box spring with a stiff brush, then vacuum the entire bed and use the crevice tool to clean the frame as well. Take the vacuum outside to dispose of the bag or empty the bin.
Bring in the Professionals
Removing pests, especially bed bugs, can be frustrating and time-consuming. If you have a mosquito, bed bug, or other pest problem affecting your home or commercial property, contact the experts at Waltham Pest Services for friendly, efficient pest control in the Providence, RI, area.
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