ABOUT BED BUGS
With the number of bed bug infestations rising, it is critical for property owners to act quickly when such an infestation is suspected. Swift action ensures a smaller bed bug population that is easier to eradicate. This translates to homes and businesses that can more quickly be returned to hygienic conditions.
Several factors contribute to the rise in bed bug infestations. Firstly, world travel has greatly increased and enabled people to travel to places around the globe. This increased travel has caused a greater risk of exposure to bed bugs. The resilient, opportunistic bed bug may be transported to a new place by clinging to luggage or clothing.
Secondly, some of the pesticides that once were used to treat bed bug infestations with great efficacy were banned. This has contributed to the greater frequency of infestations. Fortunately, there are several types of specialized products with proven eradication capabilities available to licensed exterminators that are used along with industry-proven methods for combating bed bugs. With their assistance, it is possible to stop a bed bug infestation with a high degree of success.
APPEARANCE
A bed bug infestation may be difficult to detect because this pest is so small. An unfed adult may be five or six millimeters in length. After a meal, their size may increase to 10 millimeters. Their flat, oval-shaped bodies inflate with feeding, and their coloring will transform from brown to a redder hue. Bed bugs are typical insects with six legs and a pair of antennae. Close observation reveals microscopic golden hairs covering the bed bug.
DIET
Bed bugs require blood meals, though they can go without a meal for several months. The species feeds at night when their human host is sleeping. Many people only become aware of an infestation when they awaken with bite marks on their face, neck or limbs. An animal host, such as the family dog, may be substituted when a human host is unavailable.
HABITATS
Their small size makes bed bugs good at hiding. This is an essential part of their survival mechanism. The species prefers to have a potential meal in close proximity. Accordingly, they conceal themselves somewhere in the vicinity of a bed. The seams and fabric folds in a mattress or box spring make excellent hiding places. Likewise, the frame of the bed, including the headboard and footboard, may be used.
In larger infestations, the bed bugs may look for places of concealment beyond the bed. These may include a nightstand, dresser, chair or other furniture. Bed bugs also have been discovered hiding behind the plates on light switches and electrical outlets. Lamps, remote controls, ceiling light fixtures and hanging art all may provide hiding spots. Other likely places to find bed bugs include within tears in wallpaper, behind door or window frames or behind molding.
PROBLEMS WITH BED BUGS
A bed bug infestation can be a source of enormous frustration, inconvenience and unease. Once such a problem is suspected, it is vital for the property owner to take steps to contain it. This may mean not being able to remove any items from the infested room and trying to enter that room as little as possible. This presents an obvious inconvenience in the daytime.
Peace of mind suffers from a bed bug infestation as well. Many people find it excessively disturbing to have been providing blood meals to a parasitic insect. This can make it virtually impossible to relax or enjoy quality time in the home.
BEHAVIOR
Bed bugs are nocturnal because nighttime represents their best opportunity to obtain a blood meal. Because they are so tiny, they are able to conceal themselves throughout the day. Frequently, they are found in places that are the approximate width of a credit card. This means that an infestation may not be noticed for some days or weeks, with people often attributing the small red marks with which they awaken to a different pest.
However, when a bed bug population is regularly feeding, their reproductive activity goes into overdrive. This enables them to rapidly expand their numbers, and detection by their victims closely follows.
Because they are not equipped with wings, bed bugs frequently rely on people to provide them with transportation. They arrive in new locations after being carried there by unsuspecting people. Clothing, luggage and automobiles all may be used to inadvertently spread bed bug infestations to new places.
Bed bugs are marvelously well adapted to survive. While cold temperatures may make them lethargic and less apt to seek frequent meals, bed bugs generally survive such conditions. The species thrives especially well at temperatures of between 70 and 80 degrees. However, extreme heat is lethal to bed bugs, and this is one method that exterminators frequently employ to eradicate an infestation.
HEALTH ISSUES
Research confirms that bed bugs do not transmit illnesses to people. Nevertheless, some people do experience irritation in connection with bed bug bites. Bed bug bites may be identified by being a darker red in the middle than they are on the perimeter. Moreover, such bites frequently are clustered on the skin or form a line. While some people have no reaction to these bites, others may experience itchy sensations.
Occasionally, this itchiness is quite severe. Excessive scratching may cause the skin to break, making it vulnerable to infection. Medical care may be necessary to stop an allergic reaction or to address a secondary infection.
SIGNS OF A BED BUG INFESTATION
Signs of a bed bug presence include:
• Lines or clusters of red marks on the skin in the morning
• Spots of blood found on pajamas, bed sheets and blankets
• Small brownish fecal stains on bedding
• Discovering a bed bug on a piece of clothing or a bag
• Finding a bed bug in the vicinity of a bed
PREVENTION TIPS
To help prevent bed bug issues the following precautions should be taken:
• Dust and vacuum regularly to remove bed bugs and eggs
• Eliminate clutter from bedrooms
• Seal up cracks and crevices in bedrooms
• Cover mattresses and box springs with protective covers
• Inspect hotel rooms for bed bugs
• Examine clothing, luggage and secondhand furniture before bringing them home
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 home and business owners with professional bed bug extermination for nearly 30 years. Call us today.. 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
Bed bugs have been found in all 50 states. According to a recent 2015 poll, 99.6 percent of pest control companies polled reported treating bed bugs found apartments, homes, hotels/motels, and popular spots.
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.
