Bed Bugs

Cimex lectularius

bed bugs

Appearance

Bed bugs can be found in all 50 States. They are mahogany to rusty bron in color, but turn red after a blood meal. They have six legs , flat and oval in shape. Bed bugs get their name because they like to live and feed in beds.

Habits

Bed bugs like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply. They are elusive, nocturnal creatures. They can hide behind baseboards, electrical switchplates, picture frames, even wall paper. They come out at night for a blood meal.

Habitat

Bed bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment. They can be found behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery, and in furniture crevices.

Threats

Although bed bugs can dine on any warm-blooded animal, they primarily dine on humans. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites can become red, itchy welts.

Prevention

Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation. Check your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots. Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.
 

Bed Bugs Related FAQ

Has there really been a resurgence in bed bugs in the U.S. and how do you know?

There HAS been an increase in bedbug infestations. Our fellow pest control companies who received 1 or 2 bedbug calls a year are now reporting 1 to 2 each week. That’s 50 times more calls.

Where have you been finding the bed bugs?

These pests are not limited to any one specific type of dwelling. Pest control companies have been reporting the infestations in multi-family housing, apartments, hotels and even hospitals.

What states have been affected?

Pest control companies have reported bed bug activity on a national scale. Bed bugs are being found from the East to the West Coast; and everywhere in between.

Why are bed bugs so hard to treat?

Bedbegs should NOT be equated with filth or sanitation problems — in hotels or in homes, for that matter. Bed bugs are VERY elusive, transient and nocturnal pests. They are often found in other areas besides the bed. And they are hardy. They can live for a year or more without eating and can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to almost 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Bed bugs CAN be controlled with vigilance and constant inspection and treatment by professional pest control companies.

Are bed bugs hard to control?

No. They simply require the expertise and constant attention of a pest control professional.

What can a consumer do to protect themselves from bedbug infestations?

To prevent bedbug infestations, consumers need to be vigilant in assessing their surroundings. When returning from a trip, check your luggage and clothing. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control professional. This is not a pest that can be controlled with do-it-yourself measures.

Are bed bugs just in beds?

Bed bugs are not just in beds. They can be in chair cushions, sofas, behind electrical outlets, cracks and crevices around baseboards, or even behind picture frames. In other words, they can be live pretty much anywhere

How does one control bed bugs?

Any effective bed bug control strategy should start with a careful, thorough inspection by a pest control professional of all known and suspected spots where the bugs may be harboring. This is not a pest that can be controlled effectively with do-it-yourself measures. As they are discovered, the pest control professional will develop a treatment and control strategy with the customer depending on the extent of the infestation

Contact us for an Evaluation & Estimate at (281) 698-0229