ABOUT BED BUGS
Shock and revulsion are typical reactions whenever a Warminster home or business owner learns that they have a bed bug infestation. They wonder how this problem could have occurred. Their house is clean, and no one they know has reported having a bed bug infestation.
The reality is that these pest control issues are far more common than most people realize. This is an effect of people traveling far more than they used to. Coupled with this is the fact that many people are unclear about how such infestations are spread. This means that they are unwary, and it increases the chances that they will introduce an infestation into their home.
Of course, bed bug infestations are not confined to homes. They happen in a wide variety of businesses, including hotels. They may affect ordinary business offices, warehouses, retail stores and industrial sites.
With the bed bug problem being so widespread, it is critical for the public to be able to identify the signs of an infestation so that they can take immediate steps to address the problem. With the assistance of pest management professionals, it is possible to stop a bed bug infestation in its tracks.
APPEARANCE
Bed bugs are insects, which means that they have six legs and one pair of antenna. Under magnification, it is possible to see that the bed bug's flat, oval-shaped body is decorated with tiny golden hairs.
When they have not had a meal for a long while, the bed bug is flat and may measure a maximum of five or six millimeters in length. After feeding, their shape is rounder, and their size may increase to as much as 10 millimeters.
Feeding also changes the bed bug's color. Before a meal, this insect may appear brown. After a meal, they will be a much redder hue.
DIET
Bed bugs feed on the blood of a host. Frequently, this host is a person, although a dog or cat also may suffice. It is possible for bed bugs to survive for months without a meal, but when a host is available, they will regularly feed.
HABITATS
Because of their relatively flat bodies and diminutive size, bed bugs are prone to hiding in small places. Their preferred locations are as close to the host as possible. Consequently, the majority of a bed bug infestation may be found in the mattress, box spring, bed frame, headboard or footboard.
However, when infestations are particularly successful, there is not enough room in these areas to house the entire population. This forces some pests to branch out to lamps, nightstands, light switch plates, electrical outlet covers, holes in wallpaper, the back side of photographs or artwork and remote controls. Light fixtures may provide likely hiding places, and the electrical wiring in these fixtures may provide bed bugs with an opportunity to migrate to other bedrooms.
PROBLEMS WITH BED BUGS
People are repulsed by the mere idea of a tiny creature that emerges under cover of darkness to feed on their blood. Suspecting that an infestation is underway may be enough to ruin anyone's sleep. With feelings of revulsion, it is difficult or impossible to even relax.
Clearly, this takes a mental and physical toll. Property owners also may experience disruption to their lifestyle and plans as they take steps to try to contain the infestation. It may be necessary to call off or reschedule social events that were going to be held in the infested space.
Additionally, most people simply have a strong dislike to having itchy, annoying bed bug bites. Prompt pest management treatments can alleviate all of these problems.
BEHAVIOR
Bed bugs spend the daylight hours concealed in tiny cracks and crevices, typically located as close to a person's bed as possible. This proximity makes it easy for bed bugs to emerge at night to obtain a blood meal from their host.
Because bed bugs are so small, they are able to get into spaces that have openings that are about the same width as a credit card. While they try to hide on the mattress, box spring or bed frame, they may be forced to branch out to nightstands, lamps and other nearby objects as the infestation grows larger.
Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide, heat and moisture that people emit when they are asleep. This means that these pests have an unerring instinct for finding their next meal. When food is plentiful, bed bugs reproduce with incredible speed, turning a small incursion into a massive infestation.
HEALTH ISSUES
Most people experience only a mild reaction to bed bug bites. In fact, some individuals find that these small wounds do not even itch. Other people are not so fortunate.
These individuals may experience an allergic reaction that ranges from moderate to severe symptoms. These symptoms may include persistent itchiness, red patches on the skin and problems with respiration. Medicated creams and oral antihistamines may help to alleviate these symptoms.
Occasionally, a person will have a severe reaction to bed bug bites. In addition to itchy hives and a rash, these individuals also may suffer extreme difficulty with breathing. Immediate medical attention may be required to stop the reaction.
SIGNS OF A BED BUG INFESTATION
People in Warminster may have a bed bug problem if they spot the following signs and symptoms:
• Discovering dark spots on bed sheets, which may be bed bug excrement
• Small spots of blood on sheets and pillows, indicating crushed bed bugs
• Waking up with insect bites
• Finding the yellow skins that are shed by nymphs as they grow
• Seeing bed bugs in any room
PREVENTION TIPS
Anyone can reduce the chances of a bed bug infestation by taking some simple prevention steps, including:
• Inspect hotel rooms for bed bugs, asking for a different room if an infestation is discovered
• Check all secondhand furniture, clothing and luggage for bed bugs
• Place mattresses and box springs in protective casings
• Eliminate clutter, especially in bedrooms, to minimize the number of hiding spots
• Regularly vacuum floors and wash curtains to get rid of eggs and bed bugs
• Use care in shared laundry facilities
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.
If you suspect you may have a bed bug problem, call us. We will conduct a FREE professional inspection of your Warminster 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.
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.
