Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are hitchhiking pests that feed only on the blood of people and animals. They are difficult pests to avoid, as they have the potential to find their way into any home or business. Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 of an inch long and have broad, flat, oval-shaped bodies. Depending on when they have had their most recent meal, bed bugs are either reddish-brown or a deep, purplish-red color. Bed bugs feed in a way that is painless for their hosts, in order to prevent them from waking. Their saliva acts as an anticoagulant, and prevents the blood from clotting. Those allergic to their saliva will develop a raised, red itchy rash around the bite sites.

Bed bugs are mostly nocturnal – hiding during the day in dark cracks and crevices, and coming out at night to feed on their host’s blood. The presence of bed bugs in any home will lead to stress-filled days and sleepless nights. Bed bugs like to hide out in places where there are people, since we are their favorite hosts to feed from. In addition to our homes, bed bugs have the potential to be present in hotels, movie theaters, hospitals, schools, dormitories, libraries, shopping centers, airports, or any other public place. When inside our homes, some of their preferred hiding spots such as the seams of mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, baseboards, wall trim, and behind loose wallpaper and light switches.

Bed bug prevention tips: When traveling, always inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before bringing luggage and other personal belongings into it. Wash and dry all clothing taken on a trip immediately after bringing the items home, using the highest heat setting the fabrics can handle. Limit hiding spots in your home by placing protective bed bug covers on all mattresses and box springs, and picking up excessive clutter. Vacuum your home’s floors, upholstered furniture, and mattresses and box springs. When spending time in public places, keep your bags, coats and other personal belongings off the ground and away from other people’s belongings. Contact us today to set up a professional bed bug control plan.