ABOUT BED BUGS
Bed bugs feed entirely on blood, both animal and human. These parasites reproduce quickly and one female bed bug can spawn as much 5,000 bed bugs in as little as six months. Commonly found in hospitals, schools, homes, apartments, and hotels, bed bugs have proven to be among the most difficult pest to eradicate.
Although commonly thought that bed bugs are confined to beds, this is not the case. As masters of concealment, they hide in various places including mattress seams, mattress buttons, upholstery seams and buttons, behind molding, in outlets, and other places that keep them from sight.
APPEARANCE
Adult bed bugs are 3/16 of an inch in length (approximately the size of an apple seed) with flat, oval brown bodies. They turn a reddish brown after they are done feeding because they are filled with blood. These bugs do not have wings.
DIET
One of the most common types of bed bugs is the Cimex lectularius. This pest feeds on the blood of humans and nothing else. There are other types of bed bugs that also feed on animals. Bed bugs are capable of surviving weeks, and even months, with no meal.
PROBLEMS WITH BED BUGS
Professional exterminators consider bed bugs to be one of the most difficult pests to eradicate. This is due to the fact that they can, and do, hide most anywhere. Therefore proper identification, knowledge of their habits and hiding places, along with the administration of the appropriate treatment method are required for effective bed bug eradication.
BEHAVIOR
Bed bugs are largely nocturnal and creep from their hiding places while the host is asleep. During daylight hours, bed bugs will hide in places such as door moldings, all types of materials, box springs, clothing, etc., and will eventually move to other rooms inside the home or business as the infestation continues to grow.
HEALTH ISSUES
Unlike other pests, bed bugs are not responsible for spreading disease to humans. Their bites are the largest health concern because these bites cause mild to severe itching. Those who are allergic to bed bug bites can develop hives and other allergic reactions which may require a visit to the doctor or hospital.
SIGNS OF A BED BUG INFESTATION
The mere presence of bites does not necessarily mean a bed bug infestation. Bed bites can occur from mosquitoes, ants, spiders, etc. However, there are some clues that may indicate the presence of bed bugs. These blood-sucking pests generally bite around the ankle and foot area, which is easily accessible for them. There may be a musty odor in the room and blood stains in the bed. Excrement may be noticeable in the form of black spots. These black spots are actually blood that has been digested.
A visual inspection of the room and likely hiding spots may reveal the presence of bed bugs.
PREVENTION TIPS
Bed bugs are not only prolific breeders; they are also highly-adaptable. Even though home and business owners may be diligent in their efforts to avoid a bed bug infestation, it is not always possible. Fortunately, there are some preventative measures to be taken both at home, and while away from home.
• Use bed bug proof encasements for both mattresses and pillows to secure them from an infestation.
• Before unpacking while traveling, inspect hotel rooms thoroughly. Check the headboard, box spring, mattress, side chairs, and curtains for their presence. Do not hesitate to request a different room (or move to another hotel entirely) if an infestation is suspected.
• Always keep baggage on the rack provided in hotel rooms to avoid direct contact with dressers, chairs, the bed, etc. Personal items should be kept securely in sealed plastic bags, and clothes should not be placed inside dresser drawers.
• After buying used clothing (regardless of the source), bring the pieces inside the home in a sealed plastic bag and launder them immediately. Used furniture should be avoided if at all possible, or, have it professionally treated before placing the pieces inside the home or office.
• After traveling, keep all luggage items inside a sealed trash bag.
• Seal all luggage items in a plastic bag to prevent any possible bed bugs from spreading. Then, dry clean or launder all clothing immediately upon arriving home after traveling.
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.
