Bed Bugs & Bed Bug Control

"Sleep tight! Don't let the bed bugs bite!" How many of us have heard this common phrase before bedtime? Up until World War II, bed bugs were a common household pest and this admonishment of avoiding bed bugs was playful though serious. It was not uncommon for previous generations to place shallow dishes beneath bedposts filled with kerosene to prevent bed bugs from climbing onto bed furniture.

Bed bugs require blood meals to survive.

Bed Bug History

Bed Bugs have been infesting and feeding upon humans since the beginning of time. Bed Bugs were a routine household pest in the early 1900s, but were mostly eradicated post World War II because of widespread use of synthetic pesticides, such as DDT and malathion, and improvements in hygience and sanitation. However, the late 1990s saw a resurgence of bed bugs and within a few short years, bed bugs had spread to all 50 states and are now a serious concern once again. Over the last 5 years, bed bug control has become a real problem in  Southwest Riverside County. 

Bed Bug Habitat

Bed bugs hide in small spaces during the day, usually near sleeping areas and are most active at night between midnight and dawn. Bed bugs congregate tightly together for protection usually in and underneath unfinished wood material, such as the underside of bedframes, nightstands and in the seams and tufts of mattresses and pillows.  Bed bugs are attracted by warmth and the presence of carbon dioxide. 

Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites can be painful and itchy to some while others may have no reaction at all. Each individual may react differently to a bed bug bite, depending on his or her level of sensitivity and allergy to the bed bug's saliva. One bed bug can leave several bites when feeding. At this time, bed bugs are not known to transfer any diseases.

Bed Bug Inspection

AmeriGuard’s Bed Bug Defense Service begins with a licensed technician providing a full inspection of your home. During the inspection, your technician will identify all bed bug problem areas as well as potential bed bug harborages. Your trained technician will create a customized bed bug treatment plan and ensure you are fully educated and prepared for your bed bug service.

Choosing a Bed Bug Control Company

Bed bug infestations can spread quickly and if not addressed efficiently can spread to the rest of the house. It is important to choose a company that is both licensed and insured and has substantial experience in bed bug control situations. AmeriGuard provides extensive employee training in bed bug biology, habitat and treatment. 

Bed Bug Control Services

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, AmeriGuard Pest Defense is available to schedule a convenient inspection time. Call (951) 652-0505 to schedule your inspection and speak with trained staff to help answer any bed bug related questions. For more information for bed bug service details, please review the Bed Bug Preparation Checklist.

How to Control Those Pesky Gophers

There has been a surge of Pocket Gopher activity in Southwest Riverside County, especially in the Hemet - San Jacinto valley and surrounding communities of Menifee, Winchester, French Valley, Murrieta, Temecula, Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Sun City, Moreno Valley, Perris, Riverside, Banning, Beaumont, Cherry Valley and Nuevo. 

Gopher Burrow System

In Southern California, Pocket Gophers DO NOT hibernate and are not only active year round but also breed year round as well. Their diet consists of foliage and roots, grasses and live bark of shrubs and trees. They are particularly fond of broad-leaf herbaceous wild flowers and weeds, including dandelions, clover and alfalfa. Pocket Gophers are a vertebrate pest and a special agricultural license is required  to treat this type of burrowing pest.


As you can see above, the gopher tunnel system is extensively and intricately constructed, with drainage tunnels, food storage areas, a nesting site and a potty hole. The gopher tunnel systems run parallel to the ground. The fan-shaped mounds that you see popping up in your yard are the lateral runs where they expel all of that extra dirt. Pocket Gophers seal this hole and do not return once it is plugged. This is why many homeowner's fail in their efforts.

At-Home Gopher Control Options

Homeowners often report trying several at-home methods before finally contacting agricultural pest specialist at AmeriGuard Pest Defense. By this point, homeowner's are exasperated and defeated in the personal war being fought in their beautifully landscaped yards. We hear stories of homeowner's shoving sticks of wintergreen gum into gopher holes, sticking the hose and trying to flood the tunnel with water in attempts to "drown that sucker", pouring coffee into gopher mounds as well as human urine! All of these failed attempts do nothing more than prolong the treatment, while the gophers continue to dig and push up dirt - sometimes up to 3 mounds a day per gopher. 

Over-the-Counter Gopher Control Options

Are you not having any luck with the gopher bait available at your local hardware store? First, the problem could be with the application methods, but let's suppose you get the bait into the right location. Baits available to consumers require multiple feedings. Let's assume that your gopher eats a little of the bait. It is highly possible that the gopher will become "bait shy" and avoid future feedings since one feeding is not enough to provide a lethal dose and get rid of the gopher.

Gopher Experts Riverside County

AmeriGuard Pest Defense gopher experts know exactly where to probe to identify those intricate underground burrow systems for our residential customers. We have several different treatment plan options available to fit your unique situation ranging from baiting to the pesticide-free Rodenator service.  

AmeriGuard is available to answer your gopher questions over the phone by calling (951) 652-0505. Call us today to see which gopher eradication method is right for your yard. 

Bird & Pigeon Control

Bird Problems

Birds can be a source of enjoyment and pleasure for some, while some birds, such as pigeons, can become a bothersome nuisance when they make themselves too comfortable on ledges, eaves and overhangs. Pigeons are an example of wildlife that poses a growing pest control problem and health concerns for homeowners and businesses.

Pigeons roost in roof voids and other protected areas and are adapted to living with humans, often depending on close contact with humans for food as well as roosting and nesting locations. 

Pigeon, also known as a Rock Dove

Pigeon Threats and Health Concerns

Pigeons are of medical concern because then can cause more than 50 diseases and ectoparasites, including the spread of cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, food poisoning, among others. Pigeon droppings (guano) are unpleasant and can be hazardous, causing slips and falls as well as harbor the fungus histoplasmosis, which contributes to lung disease. Other pests thrive on birds, such as fleas, lice, mites, ticks and others. Pigeon droppings are acidic and can discolor buildings and deface surfaces and car finishes. 

Pigeons nest in undisturbed and protected voids.

 Pigeon Control and Exclusion

To prevent or eradicate pigeons, AmeriGuard Pest Defense's bird experts will make roosting and nesting areas inhospitable. At this time, AmeriGuard achieves bird control by mechanical methods to modify the structure, which may include: netting, metal wire, bird spikes and metal flashing. Filling in access to voids, sloping resting areas with metal flashing and preventing landing by using devices will help control an emerging or existing bird problem. All materials will be primed and painted to match existing structures and blend in as effectively as possible. 

Metal flashing is painted to match exterior structure.

Bird Sanitation

As mentioned above, bird droppings can contain disease that can affect humans. It is important to treat the contaminated areas and nesting sites with a sanitation service. AmeriGuard is able to provide this additional service for bird control situations.

Bird droppings should be sanitized and disinfected.

Pigeon Infestation in Riverside County? 

If you are concerned with an ongoing or emerging bird infestation that is causing unsightly droppings, potential health hazards and noise concerns, contact your local licensed bird experts at AmeriGuard Pest Defense today for a quote or to schedule an inspection by calling (951) 652-0505 or submitting an online request.   

Organic/Green Pest Control in Hemet, Temecula, Murrieta, Moreno Valley, and surrounding cities.

AmeriGuard Pest Defense is offering a 100% Botanical pest control service for sensitive accounts who want to opt out of traditional pesticides. The product being used is called EcoExempt IC2 and has about a 30-45 day residual. This can be used in combination with reduced toxicity baits in the case of ant infestations.

If you live in Hemet, San Jacinto, Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Sun City, Perris, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Winchester, Beaumont, Banning, lake Elsinore, or any other surrounding cities, please give us a call today at 951-652-0505.

Local Termite Control Company

The termites are swarming all over southern California as we speak. If you are having a problem with subterannean termite or the western Drywood termite, make sure and call AmeriGuard Pest Defense at 951-652-0505 to help get rid of the problem.

We service the Hemet, San Jacinto, Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Sun City, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Moreno Valley, Winchester, French Valley, and other surrounding areas.

Thank you very much, Richard Parker / CEO

Bees kill couple in their own home!

Click here to read story.

Please make sure to call a professional when you are dealing with bees.



Call AmeriGuard Pest Defense at 951-652-0505 today.

Spring is coming and so are the Bugs.

Hello everyone. If you live in Southwest Riverside County you may soon be in the need of Professional Pest Control services. We at AmeriGuard Pest would like to have an opportunity to be there for you when those problems may occur. Ants, spiders, crickets,earwigs, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, termites, gophers, and the list goes on and on. No matter what the problem may be we are here. Call us at 951-652-0505. To learn more about us visit our webpage at www.ameriguardpest.com.

Thank you,

Richard Parker / CEO

Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, Sun City, Canyon Lake, Perris, Moreno Valley, and More