One of the oldest species of insects to prey upon man is the Cimes
lectularious otherwise known as the bed bug. Bed bugs likely got the name
from their habit of occupying beds, sofas, and other items used for
sleeping. This practice is the result of being an ectoparasite of primary
humans, coupled with the fact that bed bugs are nocturnal. This situation
provides the shelter that bed bugs seek during the day, but also enables
them to conveniently feed upon unsuspecting humans while they sleep.
Although the bed bug has existed here long before colonial times, they
were once made nearly extinct through the use of effective pesticides which
also proved beneficial against mosquitoes and lice. Indeed, many of
today's generation have seen a bed bug.
However, due to an array of health issues, many pesticides were banned in
the U.S. during the 1970's and 1980's, including DDT and Chlordane, even
though these pests were quite common around many parts of the world,
such as Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
At the same time, international travel was becoming increasingly
accessible and affordable. Hence, the bed bug not only managed to survive,
but has been returning in number with a vengeance since the 1980's.
Magnified Close-Ups
Adult bed bugs are about 3/16th of an inch (4-5 mm) in size. They are oval
and flat in shape which enables them to easily hide in cracks and crevices.
They are rust-brown in color and turn reddish-brown after feeding.
Bed bugs typically thrive in close proximity to each other and as a result,
these “communes” often omit a sweet but obnoxious “buggy” odor.
Additionally, blood spotting on mattresses, sofas, and other furnishings are
an indication of a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs are among the “blood feeder” groups of insects. Humans are the
preferred host of bed bugs.
Bed bugs have been found to be infected with as many as 25 different
disease organisms, however there is no conclusive evidence that they have
the ability to actually transmit disease to humans.
Although bed bug bites are painless, most people (80%) have an allergic
reaction to the saliva that these insects inject while feeding. This routinely
results in mild swelling of the affected area, while red patches and severe
swelling beyond the immediate bite area can occur in sensitive individuals.
Since bed bugs thrive in hotels, airports, theaters, dormitories and other
public places, it is important to inspect clothing and luggage for fecal spots
and other signs of bed bugs prior to returning home. The same should be
done before accepting used clothing, furniture, and bedding apparel.
Additionally, sealing cracks and small openings to prevent bats, birds, and
rodents from gaining entry into the home can ensure against bed bug
infestation since these serve as alternative hosts in the absence of humans.
Finally, routine vacuuming of mattresses and all-around good
housekeeping practices can help safeguard against bed bugs.
Effective bed bug treatment begins with a thorough inspection of the
premises. That’s because bed bugs have the ability to exist under
mattresses, bed frames, and other household furniture, as well as
floorboards, molding, drapery, behind loose wallpaper, and a myriad of
cracks and crevices within the home.
Once all infested areas have been identified, an approved insecticide
possessing residual properties similar to those used in cockroach treatment
should be applied.
Lastly, a return service involving a follow up inspection and possible
treatment is not uncommon when bed bug eradication involves public
domains or heavy residential infestations.
The fact is, effective bed bug treatment can be complicated and is almost
always labor intensive. For these reasons consulting an experienced
professional to eliminate a bed bug infestation is strongly recommended.
Experts concur:
Source: University of Kentucky
Source: Medicine.Net
Source: University of Florida
“It is not advisable for homeowners to attempt to treat for bed bugs. Most of the necessary insecticides are
not only for sale to and use by professional pest-management companies. If homeowners try to control
these bugs with over-the-counter products, the bed bugs likely will become dispersed, resulting in a more
difficult treatment at a later date.”
Source: Medicine.Net
Source: University of Kentucky
Sofa Infestation
Bed Bug Spotting
(Box Spring Fabric)
Carpet Infestation
Mattress Seams
Source: Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bed Bug Colony Before & After Feeding
Hotel Bed Infestation
Discarded Mattresses
Home
Pest Control
Termite Control
Bed Bug Control
Wildlife Control
Learning Center
Prevention Products
In-Home Consultation
Commercial Service
Our Guarantee
Our Customers
About Us
Contact Us
lectularious otherwise known as the bed bug. Bed bugs likely got the name
from their habit of occupying beds, sofas, and other items used for
sleeping. This practice is the result of being an ectoparasite of primary
humans, coupled with the fact that bed bugs are nocturnal. This situation
provides the shelter that bed bugs seek during the day, but also enables
them to conveniently feed upon unsuspecting humans while they sleep.
Although the bed bug has existed here long before colonial times, they
were once made nearly extinct through the use of effective pesticides which
also proved beneficial against mosquitoes and lice. Indeed, many of
today's generation have seen a bed bug.
However, due to an array of health issues, many pesticides were banned in
the U.S. during the 1970's and 1980's, including DDT and Chlordane, even
though these pests were quite common around many parts of the world,
such as Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
At the same time, international travel was becoming increasingly
accessible and affordable. Hence, the bed bug not only managed to survive,
but has been returning in number with a vengeance since the 1980's.
Magnified Close-Ups
Adult bed bugs are about 3/16th of an inch (4-5 mm) in size. They are oval
and flat in shape which enables them to easily hide in cracks and crevices.
They are rust-brown in color and turn reddish-brown after feeding.
Bed bugs typically thrive in close proximity to each other and as a result,
these “communes” often omit a sweet but obnoxious “buggy” odor.
Additionally, blood spotting on mattresses, sofas, and other furnishings are
an indication of a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs are among the “blood feeder” groups of insects. Humans are the
preferred host of bed bugs.
Bed bugs have been found to be infected with as many as 25 different
disease organisms, however there is no conclusive evidence that they have
the ability to actually transmit disease to humans.
Although bed bug bites are painless, most people (80%) have an allergic
reaction to the saliva that these insects inject while feeding. This routinely
results in mild swelling of the affected area, while red patches and severe
swelling beyond the immediate bite area can occur in sensitive individuals.
Since bed bugs thrive in hotels, airports, theaters, dormitories and other
public places, it is important to inspect clothing and luggage for fecal spots
and other signs of bed bugs prior to returning home. The same should be
done before accepting used clothing, furniture, and bedding apparel.
Additionally, sealing cracks and small openings to prevent bats, birds, and
rodents from gaining entry into the home can ensure against bed bug
infestation since these serve as alternative hosts in the absence of humans.
Finally, routine vacuuming of mattresses and all-around good
housekeeping practices can help safeguard against bed bugs.
Effective bed bug treatment begins with a thorough inspection of the
premises. That’s because bed bugs have the ability to exist under
mattresses, bed frames, and other household furniture, as well as
floorboards, molding, drapery, behind loose wallpaper, and a myriad of
cracks and crevices within the home.
Once all infested areas have been identified, an approved insecticide
possessing residual properties similar to those used in cockroach treatment
should be applied.
Lastly, a return service involving a follow up inspection and possible
treatment is not uncommon when bed bug eradication involves public
domains or heavy residential infestations.
The fact is, effective bed bug treatment can be complicated and is almost
always labor intensive. For these reasons consulting an experienced
professional to eliminate a bed bug infestation is strongly recommended.
Experts concur:
Source: University of Kentucky
Source: Medicine.Net
Source: University of Florida
“It is not advisable for homeowners to attempt to treat for bed bugs. Most of the necessary insecticides are
not only for sale to and use by professional pest-management companies. If homeowners try to control
these bugs with over-the-counter products, the bed bugs likely will become dispersed, resulting in a more
difficult treatment at a later date.”
Source: Medicine.Net
Source: University of Kentucky
Sofa Infestation
Bed Bug Spotting
(Box Spring Fabric)
Carpet Infestation
Mattress Seams
Source: Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bed Bug Colony Before & After Feeding
Hotel Bed Infestation
Discarded Mattresses
Home
Pest Control
Termite Control
Bed Bug Control
Wildlife Control
Learning Center
Prevention Products
In-Home Consultation
Commercial Service
Our Guarantee
Our Customers
About Us
Contact Us
