One of the most invasive infestations is bed bugs. Removing an infestation through DIY methods is next to impossible and extremely toxic to humans and pets in the home. These aggravating pests require professional treatment to gurantee 100% removal of the infestation. We wanted to put some focus on this topic to educate our customers more on what to look for and how to combat bed bugs quickly.
BASIC FACTS
Bed bugs are very small and flat insects. They are parasitic and feed on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. They are reddish brown in color and have six legs. Bed bugs are nocturnal so they typically feed during the night and can obtain a meal in about 3 minutes. Bed bugs can also survive several months without a blood meal.
COMMON MYTH
Do bed bugs ONLY infest dirty places? Having bed bugs doesn’t speak to the cleanliness of living conditions at all. They hide in places such as: seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, cracks or crevices, side tables, or any other clutter around your bed. They stay close by and ready for their night time feast. They can travel up to 100 feet in a night but they really only frequent close to where people sleep.
Female bed bugs lay about 5 eggs a day through their entire adult life. Adult bed bugs live 6-12 months and as we know, can survive long periods without feeding.
We get it, all of this sounds like something out of a horror movie. But unlike other parasitic insects, there aren’t as many health concerns with bed bugs. You may notice mild to severe allergic reactions from their bites and some secondary infections on the skin.
Some ways to determine if you could have bed bugs:
- You may notice exoskeletons left behind after bed bugs have molted.
- You can see very small reddish brown insects in the seams and folds of your mattresses or sheets or other areas surrounding where you sleep.
- Small rusted looking blood spots from their fecal matter.
The most common way to diagnose if you have an infestation is by bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or other body parts. These marks may take up to 14 days to develop so it is equally important to look for other signs. Bed bugs are experts at hiding and can be transported in luggage, on furniture, bedding, and even clothing.
Since bed bugs can’t be properly treated with DIY methods, you must rely on a pest control specialist to intervene and it typically takes multiple visits to eliminate your bed bug infestation. Here are some things you can do in preparation for extermination:
- Clean, organize, and declutter to ensure minimal hiding places.
- Caulk and seal crevices around your home and furniture. Including base boards and floors. This is also a service we offer.
- Remove all linens, stuffed animals, pillows, curtains, towels, etc. and launder them in hot water and with the highest dryer setting.
- Vacuum underneath, behind, and around all furniture. Moving furniture away from the walls.
- If you want to go the extra mile, place mattress and box spring in a sealed plastic cover and store away from home for at least 6 months to 1 year.
If you suspect that you have an infestation, give us a call today and let us help you take back control of your home.