Bed bugs
Why Are They a Problem?
Bed bug infestations can cause annoyances not only to humans but to household pets as well. Results of biting vary from individuals and can be evident through welts and itching on skin to no reactions at all.
Bed Bug Biology
Bed bugs are small brownish, flattened parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They’re most active in warmer weather and are strongly attracted to higher temperatures, coming out at night and hiding in crevices during the day. Bed bugs are flightless, but are extremely fast movers. Females lay their eggs in secluded areas, depositing up to five a day. The eggs are tiny, whitish and barely visible (the size of a dust speck).
How To Avoid Bed Bugs
- Avoid bringing infested items into home by careful inspection of clothing, luggage, second hand mattresses, beds and furnishings.
- Seal cracks and openings around the ground level of the building.
- A thorough inspection is necessary to locate bedbugs in order to have focused cleaning and treatment methods.
- Vacuum frequently and wash bed linens in hot water.
Recommended Treatment
Evidence of an infestation at first may be unnoticed until it becomes quite large. Signs of bed bugs can be found from spots of blood on bed sheets or mattresses, dark spots from crushed bugs, eggshells and even sweetish odours. If infestations continue to occur, use a federally registered insect control product indicated for bed bug control, and/or contact a licensed professional.