Bed bugs are parasites that feed on humans and warm-blooded animals. They are wingless and the adults have an oval body that is typically a reddish-brown color. Young bed bugs, referred to as nymphs, often have a yellowish appearance. During their lifetime, females can potentially lay hundreds of eggs.
How Do Bed Bugs Get Inside Homes?
Bed bugs are hitchhikers that will burrow into people’s clothes, bags, and other belongings to be transported into homes or businesses. In many cases, they are brought into a home through second-hand furniture or mattresses. After arriving, they tend to travel during the night in search of a human food source that is asleep. They will pierce the skin and feed on human blood for up to 10 minutes.
A misconception exists that bed bugs are attracted to locations that are not regularly cleaned. The reality is that these pests have no such preference.
Some of the common locations where bed bugs exist include hotels, long-term care facilities, movie theaters, apartment buildings, and dormitories. They are largely nocturnal and will hide in baseboards, under mattresses, or other areas where they are unlikely to be detected.
Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?
Bed bugs are deemed as more of a nuisance than a direct threat to human health and are not known to actively spread disease. Most people do not feel the bite from a bed bug; however, they may notice redness, itchiness, and irritation of the skin after awakening. Those with allergies or other sensitivities may scratch or otherwise worsen the condition of the skin near the bites and develop an infection. Residents of infested homes commonly experience anxiety and insomnia.
Signs Of Bed Bug Intrusion
These insects have a similar appearance to apple seeds and may emit an unpleasant odor. Bed bugs also commonly leave a trail of dark spots composed of their waste. Look for small blood stains on sheets, mattresses, or other furniture.
Best Practices For Prevention
People that are traveling may encounter bed bugs when using public transportation. Upon entering a hotel room, you should closely inspect the area near the bed for any evidence of infestation. At home, reduce the amount of clutter near the bed area to limit hiding places, fill openings in walls and floors with sealant, and vacuum carpeted areas regularly. Clothing or bedding materials that are exposed to bed bugs should be machine washed and then dried on a heated setting.
Can I Eliminate Bed Bugs Myself?
Local and online retailers promote various types of DIY remedies that are sensationalized as being a quick and easy solution for eradicating bed bugs. Unfortunately, these products generally lack effectiveness and may contain noxious chemicals that could be harmful. These pests are often very resilient and are capable of scurrying into crevices to limit their exposure to these store-bought solutions.
The Comprehensive Treatment Options From Bugaboo Pest Control
- Inspection: Our seasoned professionals will conduct a thorough inspection to detect the presence of bed bugs and may deploy dogs (K9s) that have been trained for this purpose
- Insecticide: A specially-formulated insecticide is an option that involves an initial room-by-room application and subsequent treatment for two weeks
- Heat: Another highly-effective treatment option heats each room to a temperature that exceeds 130 degrees to kill bed bugs
- Follow-up: The organization offers a satisfaction guarantee to all customers.
The team of licensed pest control specialists at Bugaboo Pest Control has many years of experience in exterminating bed bugs, termites, rodents, and many other troublesome intruders in the Lakewood area. We also maintain a commitment to the safety of you and your family. Contact us today for a no-obligation estimate.
