How do bed bugs get in your house? Where do bed bugs hide during the day?
Bed bugs have been a plague on mankind on since the beginning of time. They are awful little pests that tend to make homes and businesses suffer from their presence with their blood pilfering ways. In the United States after WWII, bed bugs were nearly eradicated, and something that was only known for the small reference in children’s rhymes. But in recent decades and the ease of world traveling, bed bugs are making a comeback, and until you face an infestation, you may know little about them. With that in mind, we at Dave’s Pest Control have listed the most frequently asked questions in an effort to help you better understand bed bugs and their mischievous ways.
Q: What are bed bugs?
A: Bed bugs, formally belonging to the Cimicidae family are tiny. When full grown they are no bigger than apple seed, brown or reddish brown after feeding. They are flat unless engorged after a feast. They are oval in shape and nocturnal insects that feed on warm-blooded hosts, favoring human blood. Bed bugs prefer feeding on humans, but most warm-blooded animals will suffice. Bed bugs have been known to easily adapt to their surroundings and environment and because of that, they are found nearly everywhere in the world where humans dwell. Q:
Q: Where do bed bugs come from?
A: As previously mentioned, bed bugs can come from anywhere. They can transition from place to place through usual connection with people. Common infestations occur through contacts with infested furniture in hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments. They are often passed on from second hand clothing or furniture. Apartment complexes often have bed bug problems because they can get from apartment to apartment with ease.
Q: What are the feeding habits of bed bugs?
A: Bed bugs are nocturnal and come out while you slumber to feed and usually only feed for approximately five minutes before it returns to its safe place. Feeding primarily on humans, bed bugs inject two hollow tubes into the skin. With the first tube, the bed bug injects an anti-coagulant anesthetic to keep the blood flowing and with the other tube it sucks your blood.
Q: Are bed bug bites a health concern?
A: The initial bed bug bite is not noticeable, but hours later, you may notice some signs. The bite usually appears to be a flat welt or slightly raised, it is a red bump that can be very itchy in most cases. The good news, bed bug bites are not threatening, but just an itchy nuisance. In some cases, the bed bug’s bite can cause skin irritation, rashes, or an allergic reaction from the 1st tube’s injection.
Q: What can I do to stop the itching?
A: Anti-itch cream is frequently effective.
Q: Are there any signs that I have a bed bug infestation?
A: Bed bug signs are; pungent, musky odors, small red blood stains on the sheets, rusty colored spots (fecal matter), bed bug bites, shed bed bug skin, or the bed bugs themselves.
Q: Where are bed bugs hiding in my house?
A: Check your bed, mattress and the corners of bed nets and seams, bed bug frames, head boards, bedding, and box spring if their numbers are small, they will often stick close to the host for convenience. As their population grows, they will also hide in surrounding furniture, behind peeling paint, wooden floorboards. In most cases bed bugs are in small, concentrated areas within 10-20 feet of where you sleep.
Q: What do I need to know if I have bed bugs?
A: If you suspect bed bugs in your room, avoid bringing anything in the contaminated room because the bed bugs can easily attach themselves to other objects. Do not to start sleeping in a different bed, sofa or with another family member or friend, as it makes it possible for the bed bugs to follow you to the new location and spread out their numbers into the next room.
Bed Bug Inspections & Control
If you suspect you have bed bugs, contact Dave’s Pest Control today. We will complete a thorough bed bug inspection and formulate an effective bed bug treatment plan!