Bed Bugs

In the last few years, bed bugs have made a huge resurgence. Bed bugs can be flat or round-shaped and the adult is about the size of an apple seed. These insects are very good at hiding in small cracks or crevices. Good places to inspect for them include mattress folds, box springs, behind the headboard, electrical outlets, baseboards, end tables, drapes, etc.

Bed bugs are found across the world and are not limited to certain economic areas and locations. They have been found everywhere from cheap motels to five-star resorts to buses. It doesn’t matter how clean a place is, either. They are most commonly found where people sleep and usually not more than eight feet from these areas.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of specific mammals, some of which require certain blood to produce eggs. Warm blood is preferable, but they are known to seek food wherever they can. These insects are not just on your bed and are active at night.

What do bed bug bites look like?

You may not know if you have a bed bug bite because you don’t always feel it. Some people have no reaction to bed bug bites at all. If you are allergic, you may see bites more easily and have a worse reaction than normal. Typically, marks appear one to a few days after the initial bite and look like flea or mosquito bites.

The bites will be swollen and red and they may also itch. They can appear in a straight line or be randomly placed along different areas of the body. Symptoms include insomnia, skin problems, and anxiety. Severe symptoms include enlarged bites and even anaphylaxis in the worst cases.

What’s the best way to check for bed bugs?

The easiest way to check for bed bugs is to use a flashlight and flat object. Start by looking for them in the areas where they are most commonly found. You can use a credit card to scrape crevices where your finger cannot reach and the flashlight to see everything clearly. Check the entire bed, drapes, carpeting, wallpaper, drawers, and any other wood or fabric items where you commonly are. Don’t just check for bugs. Also look for eggs, molted skin, and feces.

Even if you don’t find much, if you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, call us immediately to control them. We can also develop a monitoring and protection plan for your home or office to help prevent future infestations.

How serious are bed bugs?

It is a serious situation if you have a bed bug infestation. They aren’t known to spread disease, but they can be an extreme annoyance and are easily spread. Health risks vary due to the nature of each person’s reaction, but secondary infections from severe skin problems can occur.

How do bed bugs spread?

These insects are known for being able to survive for long periods, even without eating. They hide in the crevices of clothing, luggage, and other fabric items as people travel. Backpacs, purses, and winter coats are favorite articles for bed bugs to hitch a ride on. You can get bed bugs simply by sitting or sleeping in an infested area.

How do you treat a bed bug infestation?

The best treatment for bed bugs is to have a professional perform the service. For serious infestations, more than one treatment may be needed. You will need to remove all bedding into a sealed bag, then wash it with hot water and dry the bedding. Use a vacuum on your bed and other areas to remove all bugs, eggs, moltings, and feces that remain. A high-pressure steamer can be used to get to the deeper areas of your mattress, carpeting, and furniture. You can use a similar process for all other fabric items. This includes clothing that may be affected and even toys and books.

Pest management professionals will inspect your home when you call for bed bug treatments. They can locate areas of infestation and recommend a treatment plan. A combination of formulations (dusts, liquids, aerosols), can be used to treat bed bugs. Prevention methods can also be discussed for protection after an infestation has been eliminated.

When should you get treatment?

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