ABOUT BED BUGS
While it may seem as though bed bugs are everywhere, the reality is that people can protect themselves from an infestation by taking a few precautions. When an infestation already is underway, it is critical for property owners to take quick action. This is because new pest infestations generally are easier to control than those that are well established.
As people travel more all over the world, bed bug infestations are on the rise. This is a preventable situation, and pest management professionals have several techniques at their disposal to eradicate these infestations. Professional bed bug control is always recommended over DIY methods as this species is remarkably resilient and adaptable. The exterminator's understanding of the bed bug's biology enables them to efficiently stop the infestation.
APPEARANCE
These pests are six-legged insects that also have a pair of antennae. Their bodies are covered with golden hairs. Adult bed bugs may measure only five or six millimeters when they have not recently fed. Even at their largest after a meal, most bed bugs will only reach 10 millimeters in length. It is this small size that helps to ensure the bed bug's survival. They are able to hide in extremely tight spots.
Before eating, the bed bug has a flat, oval body that is mainly brown. Eating transforms them into a mildly inflated shape with a red hue.
DIET
While bed bugs can survive for several months or as much as a year without a meal, they do require blood to ensure their survival and in order to reproduce. Humans appear to be the bed bug's preferred food source, although family pets also may be used in sizable infestations. Frequently, the first sign that makes people suspect a bed bug infestation is unexplained bite marks that are noticed first thing in the morning.
HABITATS
Bed bugs are mainly nocturnal pests, which means that they prefer to remain concealed during the day. Because their food source is sleeping people, these insects try to hide as close to beds as they can. Many of them will find shelter within the seams and folds of mattresses and box springs while others will use the bed frame, headboard or footboard.
Large, well-developed infestations force individual insects to hide elsewhere. This means that the infestation may spread to nightstands, lamps, lighting fixtures on walls and ceilings, remote controls, books, stuffed animals and upholstered furniture. Bed bugs also have concealed themselves within photograph frames, behind light switch plates, behind baseboards and inside wallpaper tears.
When the bed bug population in one room becomes too dense, then individuals may seek ways to infest other rooms. They may travel on the floor or use the electrical wiring in the walls and ceiling to move from room to room.
PROBLEMS WITH BED BUGS
Many people are disgusted by the idea of bed bugs feeding on their blood in the night. Feelings that their home is unclean or uninhabitable are common. Many people find themselves unable to sleep in their homes because the idea of the infestation makes them so uneasy.
It is wise for people who believe they have a bed bug infestation to refrain from sleeping in the affected bedroom until the pests have been exterminated. It further is inadvisable to remove any objects from that room as they may be infested as well. Using these items may only spread the infestation to as-yet uninfested parts of the home, and this will complicate eradication efforts.
With extreme discomfort and interrupted sleeping habits, many people become irritated and distracted, making it difficult for them to keep up with their daily activities.
BEHAVIOR
By their biology and behavior, bed bugs are survivors. They do not have to eat regularly, and cold temperatures are unlikely to kill them. Their small size makes it easy for them to hide in incredibly small places. Bed bugs even have found clever ways to infest new territory.
Unlike some other insects, bed bugs do not have wings. While they can walk, they frequently depend upon people to transport them. Luggage, furniture, clothing, purses, briefcases, buses, airplanes and automobiles are all examples of transportation options that bed bugs have used. This enables the species to expand to new locations with alarming speed.
Once in a new home, the bed bug population may thrive as long as they can obtain regular blood meals. A well-fed population means that reproduction skyrockets, with the result that what began as a small infestation can quickly get out of control.
HEALTH ISSUES
In addition to the anxiety caused by bed bugs, for which many people are treated each year, bed bug bites may cause an irritating reaction in some individuals. The most widely experienced symptom is severe itchiness, which some victims try to relieve by scratching. Unfortunately, too much scratching may break the skin, leading to a secondary infection. People suffering from such an infection may require medical treatment.
SIGNS OF A BED BUG INFESTATION
A bed bug infestation is indicated by these signs:
• Bug bites on the skin that are a darker red in the center than they are on the outside
• Bug bites that are arranged in a line across the skin
• Finding bed bugs anywhere in the house
• Returning from a hotel stay during which a bed bug infestation was discovered
• Waking up to find small spots of blood on sheets, blankets and pajamas
• Small brown spots on bedding that indicate bed bug fecal stains
PREVENTION TIPS
To help prevent bed bug problems the following steps should be taken:
• Search for bed bugs whenever staying in a hotel room
• Thoroughly inspect all secondhand clothes, shoes and furniture before bringing them into the home
• Use special care in shared laundry facilities by folding clothing at home
• Transport soiled clothing to the laundry facilities in a plastic bag, and then return them to the home in a clean plastic bag
• Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs to prevent bed bugs from hiding in them
• Identify and cover all cracks and crevices in bedrooms
• Clear out clutter to provide fewer hiding places
• Regularly clean the entire house to get rid of eggs and bed bugs
BED BUG CONTROL
There are a number of different methods and techniques for DIY bed bug removal. However, such do-it-yourself treatments rarely, if ever, prove either successful or permanent. That is why it is important to call a professional pest control company.
SafeGuard Pest Control, LLC. has been providing area homeowners and business owners with quality, long-lasting pest control extermination services for nearly 30 years. And as a licensed pest control provider, we have the products, tools, and experience to eradicate any type of bed bug infestation.
We provide clients with a 100% guarantee and follow up visits to ensure peace of mind and complete bed bug eradication.
BED BUG INSPECTION
If you suspect you may have a bed bug problem, call us. We will conduct a FREE professional inspection of your home or business within a 10-mile radius of our office, searching for all of the known tell-tale signs of a bed bug problem, in all of the areas that could harbor bed bugs and bed bug eggs.
In the event bed bugs are discovered, we will discuss our findings with you and explain the best treatment options for your situation.
