Bed Bugs
Identifying Bed Bug Problems
The bed bug (Cimicidae) is a small, wingless insect, approximately 1/4” long and reddish brown as an adult. Nymphs can be extremely small and almost undetectable unless they have fed. Bed bug infestations feed on blood, in both the nymphal and adult stages. They are flattened and can easily hide in small cracks and crevices.
Bed Bug Habits
Bed bugs are true parasites. Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans, birds and other animal species. The bed bug is well known for feeding on humans. There are also related species that feed on bats and birds. In most bed bug infestations, the bugs will be found in the mattresses, or around the immediate vicinity of the bed. In severe bed bug infestations, they can be anywhere in the structure or home. This makes getting rid of bed bugs increasingly difficult. They are very good at hitching rides in luggage and furniture.
Bed bug bites usually occur at night, while the person is sleeping, and are usually not felt by the person bitten. Bed bug infestations have a characteristic feeding pattern, three or four in a line, especially around the head and neck areas, and on the arms. There can be a variety of reactions to bed bug bites, usually starting a day or two after the bite. After feeding, bed bugs may remain inactive for several days before feeding again. Both bed bug adults and nymphs can survive several months without feeding.
Questions To Ask About Bed Bug Problems
- Have you seen the bed bugs?
- Where?
- Have you seen evidence of them (blood spots or fecal spots on sheets)?
- How many times has someone been bitten?
- Have you been traveling?
- Where do you keep your luggage?
- Have you had visitors recently?
- Have you purchased or picked up any used furniture?
Locating Bed Bug Infestations
The inspection and communication are the most important parts of this treatment. You must determine the extent of the bed bug infestation, which may mean dismantling the bed and headboards to look for evidence of the insects. As noted, bed bugs are very small insects and capable of hiding in remote areas and are almost undetectable. Insecticides have been used to get rid of bed bugs. Adults, eggs and fecal spots on a bed frame may be hidden. Areas where bed bug problems are found will have live insects, nymphal stages, eggs, and cast skins from molting and fecal spotting.
- Inspect all areas where the customer has reported seeing the insects
- Look for blood spots on sheets, mattresses and bed frame
- Look along base boards and pull up the edges of carpeting
- Look in furniture and inspect luggage along the seams and zippers
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Home
Getting rid of bed bugs can be tricky since they can find their way into your home or business in a variety of ways. Our green bed bug control experts will assess the bed bug problem and any bed bug damage prior to using environmentally friendly pest control methods. They will then work with you to establish an effective and long-lasting bed bug control plan, providing you with peace of mind when it comes to these potential unwelcome bed bug infestations. And because Eco-Wise™ Pest Control’s methods for bed bug control are environmentally friendly and organic, there is no concern for your family and pets.
Eco-Wise™ has the knowledge, equipment, and skills to take care of all your bed bug problems and will show you how to get rid of bed bugs for good! Call today: 1-877-ECO-WISE