Bed Bugs
Appearance
Bed bugs are wingless and their bodies are oval-shaped, flat, small in size (about 4-5 mm), and brown (though they do have a reddish tint if they have fed). While adult bed bugs develop vestiges for wings, they are not functional. It is a common misconception that bed bugs cannot be seen with the naked eye because of their size but this is untrue. However, nymphs, which are newly hatched bed bugs, can be difficult to detect. They are about the as big as the heads of pins and their coloring ranges from white to tan until after they have fed. Further developed nymphs tend to be the of the shape and size of apple seeds.Effect
Bed bugs do not spread disease, but their bites can become red, itchy welts. Typically, bites will appear on more exposed body parts, such as the arms, legs, hands, face, neck, and shoulders. The bites tend to be located in a centralized location and can form zigzag patters or a line. The bites are flat or raised and small. They might become red, blistered, itchy, or inflamed but those conditions don’t occur immediately after being bitten. Bite sizes can vary based on several factors. When they bite, bed bugs release an anti-coagulant through their saliva. Size bites will vary based on a person’s level of sensitivity to the anti-coagulant.
The Benefits of Bed Bug Heat Treatments
Bed bugs have a thermal death point, and when exposed to temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period, the entire population of bed bugs at all life stages (including eggs) are eliminated.
Bed bugs: A common problem
It was also reported that bed bug infestations are on the rise in America and it doesn’t matter if it is a condo, apartment, or a mansion – bed bugs will take any opportunity to invade.
Infestation
Bedbugs invade new areas after being carried there by clothing, luggage, furniture, and bedding. Bed Bugs do not discriminate between clean and dirty homes. The most at-risk places are often crowded areas with high turnover occupancy like hotels, dormitories, apartments, and homeless shelters. Bed bugs can spread like wildfire, infesting homes and business with ease. When they aren’t feeding, bed bugs like to hideout in small cracks and crevices. They can be found just about anywhere, but they prefer bed covers, mattresses, sheets, wardrobes, and sofas.
Prevention
- Don’t take mattresses or padded furniture that has been left at the curb or on the street
- Check your bed sheets for blood spots
- Keep your suitcases covered in plastic and off the floor when you travel
- When you travel, take a small flashlight to help you look for bed bugs
- When you return from a trip, wash all of your clothes – even those that have not been worn – in hot water to ensure that any bed bugs that may have made it that far are not placed into your drawers/closet.
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Treatment
Applying high heat is the most effective method to terminate a bed bug infestation than using chemical applications. The use of chemicals on a bed bug infestation requires multiple applications. Whereas, bed bugs simply cannot survive at extreme temperatures making heat a better treatment option.
Hire a Professional
Bed bugs are hard to see, so if you think you have bed bugs, call a pest management professional. Bed bug infestations can be a real nuisance to deal with. To take care of an infestations, it’s important to know what these pests look like, how to identify bites, and what potential risks are associated with bites. Thankfully, getting rid of bed bugs is as easy as calling a Sigma Pest Control technician. If you find that you have a bed bug infestation, be sure to call a Sigma Pest Control technician for efficient, professional, and effective pest control services.
