Bed Bug Control

Overview:
We have all heard the phrase, “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!” Until the past few decades, there was very little that could be done to help us heed this warning. In fact, prior to World War II, bed bugs were a fairly common staple in the average American household. It wasn’t until the late 1940’s that modern pest control products were introduced, helping to exterminate and control the spread of these parasitic insects. However, in recent decades, there has been a spike in bed bug infestations in the United States due to increased intercontinental travel. Business travelers, tourists and other jetsetters often times bring home more than just the standard airport duty-free shop souvenirs- they’re bringing bed bugs!

What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that preferentially feed on the blood of humans. Their nickname is derived from their most commonly chosen habitat, mattresses (and often times boxsprings as well.) Once introduced, bed bugs enter affected areas through even the smallest of cracks, mattress seams, baseboards, trim or furniture near the bed. The first colonists generally undetectable due to their size- no more than the size of a letter on a penny. They feed once at each of the five stages of their growth, then feed continually to continue to reproduce. They emerge at night, coming out of the mattress or other affected area and travel up to 20 feet to obtain their food from a human host. Even if the mattress is in a room with occupant, they can travel through any small crack in walls or doorframes to search the next room for their meal. Humans unknowingly make the problem worse when they travel or move the furniture and bedding, as the bed bugs will then be transferred to a new area, creating a new site of infestation. Many high-end luggage items are made of an easily penetrable leather, making travelers an easy transporter and target for bed bugs.

What are the signs I have bed bugs?
It’s easy- BITEMARKS. The bite will begin as a painless and almost unnoticeable feeding. The feeding process typically takes about 5-10 minutes and usually occurs at night. The result- a red, swollen, itchy raised bump. This resulting wound may take up to 1-2 weeks to appear after the bite occurs. As each adult bed bug can lay approximately 5 eggs per day, it is inevitable that the number of bites will increase exponentially. Many insects are associated with unsanitary conditions. This is incorrect in the case of bed bugs, though unsanitary conditions can aggravate the problem. However, because of this assumption, there has been much study into the effects of bed bug bites. It may be small consolation to know that, while these bites are itchy and irritating to the human host, they are not considered dangerous. Bed bugs carry up to 28 known disease pathogens, none of which have shown to be dangerous to humans.

How can I prevent an infestation?
Simple. First, determine by thorough inspection that you do not have a live infestation. Contacting a pest control company for an inspection is the most thorough method to accomplish this. Or, Click here to read how to do a home inspection of your own. If you suspect infestation, you may choose to try your own inspection before calling a licensed professional. If it has been conclusively determined that you do not have a live infestation of bed bugs, use the following tips to help stay your home stay unaffected:

• Inspect your home more than once! Doing so on a regular basis will also help with early detection.
• Be sure to wash all bedding in water that is heated to at least 120 degrees.
• Vacuum your floors and mattresses regularly as part of your normal cleaning regimen. Covering your mattress with a plastic cover is also a good idea.
• Purchasing used furniture is an enormously risky situation in terms of contaminants. Be sure to thoroughly inspect any used furniture purchases prior to bringing it into your house.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?
Once it is concluded by a pest control professional that there is live bed bug activity in your home, you do have options! Recommendations to correct the problem will vary based on the company. Contact a licensed, bonded and insured pest control company to review your options for treatment. Visit the Contact Us page for information on how to contact a representative for more details.