Bed Bug Identification & Prevention

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs, otherwise known as Cimex lectularius (Linnaeus), are small, oval, or shield-shaped insects that require the blood of a warm-blooded host to survive. Their reddish-brown bodies and six legs can identify these parasitic pests; after consuming a blood meal, their abdomens swell and turns a deep shade of red. Female bed bugs can lay upwards of seven white and almost see-through eggs per day, which become bed bug nymphs when hatched. These nymphs undergo five stages of development before becoming adults. During this time, they will feed, molt, and provide a decent amount of frustration to the residents of the home they have infested.

close up of a bed bug crawling on someones skin

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Unlike many other blood-feeding pests, bed bugs do not transmit harmful diseases. In fact, besides their bites, bed bugs pose no real threat to humans or pets at all. These pests are mostly nuisance pests, as they can disturb your sleep with their non-painful but sometimes irritating bites and are just rather unpleasant to have around.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

Bed bugs are hitchhiking pests by nature and will most commonly find their way into your property with the help of people. They do this by hiding on or inside objects such as clothing, furniture, luggage, suitcases, and more. As these items travel from place to place and from home to home, bed bugs will search for a permanent place to stay. This usually ends up being a bed or other place of sleep where they can easily access blood meals regularly. If you have bed bugs in your home or business, chances are you or one of your friends or family brought them inside unknowingly or more than likely brought something they were hiding inside into your home.

Where are bed bugs commonly found?

Bed bugs often infest sleeping areas when they are not hitchhiking to find a new home. More specifically, bed bugs will hide in the cracks and crevices of homes during the day and will emerge at night to feed on their sleeping hosts. Bed bugs hide inside the folds of beds, in piles of dirty laundry, on or inside furniture, or along the seams of mattresses and box springs.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

If you have found bed bugs within your home, your best option is to turn to the professionals here at Accurate Termite & Pest Solutions. Our treatment methods work quickly and efficiently to eliminate bed bugs in every stage of their development, leaving you with a bed bug-free home and a good night's sleep. To get started, reach out to us today!

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

Other than investing in bed bug protection, the best way to keep bed bugs out of your home is to remain vigilant about checking items before bringing them inside:

  • After arriving home from a trip, wash and dry all your clothing in a high-heat setting to eliminate bed bugs hitching a ride on your clothing.

  • Check used furniture for bed bugs before bringing it inside, or avoid buying secondhand furniture altogether.

  • Share the information you've learned about bed bugs with your friends and family so they can learn how to prevent them as well!

For additional information or to learn more about our bed bug control options, contact the pest professionals at Accurate Termite & Pest Solutions!

 

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