Redd Pest Solutions

Gulfport, MS – On Tuesday March 3rd nationally known bed bug expert and urban entomologist Paul Bello came to Gulfport to conduct an educational seminar on bed bug management for over 75 attendees representing the hospitality industry, the health department and the pest management industry. The meeting was hosted and coordinated by Redd Pest Solutions of Gulfport, MS. “We were pleased to have the opportunity to bring Mr. Bello to Gulfport”, said Gordon Redd, president of Redd Pest Solutions, “Paul has appeared on National Geographic television, local television news, in the New York Times and other well known media”, he added.

Nationally known urban & industrial entomologist Paul Bello conducted a bed bug
seminar in Gulfport. Bello is a technical consultant for Redd Pest Solutions of Gulfport, MS.

In recent years bed bugs have continued to be a growing concern with more and more infestations occurring. “We basically had no bed bug problems years ago however, even here in Mississippi, we’re starting to see them”, said Mr. Redd. And, he’s right, bed bugs had been virtually eliminated from the United States by the 1960’s however, due to increased international travel, immigration and other factors bed bugs are on the increase. “Bed bugs are more common in locations outside the US”, said Mr. Bello.

While most people have never seen a live bed bug before attending this meeting, live specimen in glass jars were passed through the audience for all to see. During this process Mr. Bello instructed the audience saying “please be careful and do not try to open or drop the glass jars”. “To be better prepared to battle this pest people need to understand bed bug biology, behavior and know how to recognize the tell tale signs of bed bugs” said Mr. Bello.

“Bed bugs are not a common pest and we do not wish to scare people but the fact remains that nearly anyone can get bed bugs and they take up a majority of my consulting time” cautioned Mr. Bello. This was a comprehensive seminar on bed bugs and included biology, behavior and useful tips on bed bug control and prevention.

“Bed bugs are stealthy hitch-hikers and folks get bed bugs from places that already have bed bugs. Business travelers and vacationers need to be careful” said Mr. Bello. Some of the tips to prevent bed bugs included:

Know how to recognize the signs of bed bugs. Look for fecal stains and shed skins on the bedding, mattress and box springs. The headboard is common place to find them in a hotel room.
Use a good flashlight to look for them.
Wrap luggage in plastic bags if you suspect bed bugs may be present.
Go to reputable websites to learn more about bed bugs

“For the inexperienced person bed bugs are difficult to detect and eliminate. People should call a professional if they think they have bed bugs in their home” advised Mr. Bello.

During the seminar Gordon Redd was interviewed by WLOX News about bed bugs. “We don’t have bed bugs here in the Gulfport area like they do in cities like New York and others but we are starting to get more calls about them and we know it’s a growing problem across the country. We’re pleased to host this seminar and bring this information to Gulfport for the benefit of all” said Mr. Redd.