Advanced Pest Control marks 30 years

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Gene and Dorothy Schuessler have been operating Advance Pest Control for 30 years.

Entomologists call them "cimex lectularius."

Those of us who aren't insect experts call them a nightmare, and very difficult to get rid of.

We're talking about bedbugs, the small, wingless parasitic insects that are becoming a growing nuisance to many homeowners.

The good news is that Advanced Pest Control Systems Inc. can treat your home for bedbugs.

Bedbug control is one of the many services offered by Advanced Pest Control Systems. Gene and Dorothy Schuessler have been operating the company for 30 years.

Gene Schuessler cautions that since bedbugs are so hard to control, long-range commitment is required for complete control of the problem.

"It's a long-term process," Schuessler said. "To do a typical three-bedroom house, the initial treatment takes seven to eight hours, and then monthly treatment for at least a year."

Two of the company's field technicians underwent special training to treat bedbugs.

If residents complain of bites that occur while sleeping they should suspect that bedbugs might be a possible cause. They should look for oval-shaped bugs that are about 1/4 inch long and are flat when viewed from the side. Newly hatched bedbugs are about the size of a poppy seed.

Because their flattened bodies allow them to hide in the smallest cracks and crevices, inspection for bed bugs must be done very carefully. They like to hide in bed frames, mattresses, box springs and bed coverings. The folds and creases of bed linens can harbor the pests, as can the pleats of curtains.