READING WRITING AND PEST CONTROL

Nader's Pest Raiders Wants to Educate Parents and Teachers on the Top Three Pests Heading Back to School with Students This Year

Back to school time is right around the corner and many preparations are underway to ensure a successful start to the academic year.  During this hectic time, Nader's Pest Raiders, a local pest and termite control company, wants to be sure parents and teachers are aware of the pests that often accompany kids when they head back to school.  With large numbers of students congregating in small public spaces, it's easier than ever for these pests to travel from person to person or backpack to backpack. Kids often have more than their books in tow when they get home from school.

"Back-to-school time is often a very busy time of year for pest professionals as we see an increase in pest infestations.  It's extremely important for students to be mindful of pests and not provide them transportation by taking simple steps, such as keeping their personal belongings off the floor," said Shay Runion, pest expert for Nader's.  The Top Three Back to School Pests parents and teachers should be on the lookout for are:

• Bed Bugs: Bed bugs are small - about the size of an apple seed - and can typically be found in mattresses, suitcases, boxes and shoes. Nocturnal in nature, they feed on human blood. Often, people don't realize they have been attacked until an itchy, red welt appears on the skin. To prevent a bed bug infestation, clean out backpacks each night and check around the seams to avoid bringing them into the home or dorm. Whenever possible, hang backpacks and purses to keep them off the floor.
• Ants: Ant infestations are very common in schools. Because they are small, they can easily find their way into small cracks and crevices around the school. Unwrapped food and crumbs left in a lunch box are the perfect snack for these pests. To prevent ant infestations, dispose of old food and clean crumbs from lunchboxes and lockers.
• Fleas: The unseasonably warm, wet weather in our area coupled with a rise in the rodent population has caused flea infestations to surge.  While fleas are most commonly associated with the family pet, they shouldn't be overlooked by humans since they can pose serious health problems. Fantastic hitchhikers, fleas are always looking for warm-blooded hosts to attack and can transfer bacterial diseases through their saliva.