The Inside Outside Guys ~ What’s Bugging You?

The Inside Outside Guys

June 12, 2023

From The Detroit News | By Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein

DETROIT, June 8, 2023 ~ JB Hines loves bugs. It is not unusual to see him at a home show exhorting the wonderful characteristics of cockroaches or spiders or even his “wingless mosquitoes” that we cringe and call bed bugs. He’ll then show you live examples of each that he carries in sealed plastic containers that you are reluctant to touch.

JB is a pest guy. He is the lead representative of Rove Pest Control in Novi, and he is passionate about the tiny creatures that most of us run from. He will share tidbits like the fact that the biomass of ants on earth exceeds that of all birds and mammals other than mankind. This is the time of year we are all attempting to get back outside to enjoy the deck or backyard while at the same time trying to avoid becoming food for various bugs.

PODCAST:

June 11, 2023 ~ Chuck “The Inside Guy” Breidenstein and Ken “The Outside Guy” Calverly offer the knowledge and resources you need to make the home of your dreams a reality. Catch them every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon on 760 WJR.

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As homeowners and parents, we also have a concern for the house and those that reside in it, so we asked JB and his boss, Rob Greer, to answer a few common questions that we receive from listeners.

Q. Are bed bugs the result of a dirty home?

A. No. Whenever we see an uptick in travel, we see a corresponding increase in bed bug issues. They will travel in your clothing and luggage. They hide in very small creases and crevices, whether in mattresses, baseboards or suitcases. In multi-family buildings, whether apartments, condos or hotels, they will travel through walls and framing to adjacent spaces and look for food.

When you return from travel, empty your belongings outside the house, then carry clothing in clear plastic bags directly to the washing machine. Some people even strip down and change in the garage before entering the home.

Q. Are ticks an issue in urban areas?

A. Absolutely. And this year we are seeing more of them. Ticks can cause Lyme disease, meat allergies and anaplasmosis. Keeping vegetation cut down around the yard can help as they will attach themselves to any exposed skin. If the kids or pets are playing outside, it is not a bad idea to examine them carefully for any of these small, black, critters.

Q. Can a company like Rove Pest Control keep mosquitoes out of my backyard?

A. For the most part the answer is “yes.” We try to treat larger areas to get good control and changing weather issues throughout the season will dictate the need for repeat applications. If the pests are breeding in your neighbor’s yard, you will likely become a victim, so we encourage groups of residents to “band” together when seeking treatment.

Q. I don’t want insect control to harm the pollinators like honeybees.

A. We feel the same way. The products and procedures we use eliminate the “bad guys’ while protecting the honeybees and other pollinators. We are the original “green” guys, even though Ken and Chuck claim it’s the builders. We truly believe that most such bugs are a vital part of the environment, so we try to protect our client’s homes and families without damaging the ecosystem.

Q. Can Rove eliminate the ants and gnats in my home?

A. Yes. We first try to determine exactly what type of ant or pest you have because they will not all react the same way or originate from the same source. If you can capture a critter to show us, it helps. For instance, this time of year you may see large black ants that are either misidentified as Carpenter ants or are assumed to have a nest in the home when they are merely a few “scouts” seeking food. Call us.

Q. Are spiders as prevalent everywhere as we hear?

A. Yes. There are over 500 species worldwide and 45 are unique to Michigan. They are a vital part of the ecosystem. A single acre of land is likely to contain a million of them. Inside the house, they will find moving air because bugs, their food, will do that as well.

The Guys could talk pests for hours with Hines and Greer. Even to the issue of allergens in the air produced by indoor mites and other critters. The Rove website, RovePestControl.com, is a joy to explore as you view Rob answering questions from his children and our listeners.

As always. When you need a trustworthy professional, they can be found at InsideOutsideGuys.com.

For housing advice and more, listen to “The Inside Outside Guys” every Saturday and Sunday on 760 WJR from 10 a.m. to noon, or contact them at InsideOutsideGuys.com.