Why are bed bugs such a huge problem in Langhorne and neighboring cities? Most people probably thought that bed bugs were virtually eradicated, at least in the United States.
That perception was only partially true. DDT was developed after World War II. It was widely used to kill all sorts of pests, including bed bugs. Unfortunately, DDT use came with many unintended consequences, which means that it is no longer used for pest control.
Despite its drawbacks, DDT did come close to eradicating bed bugs. However, a perfect storm of factors is contributing to the re-emergence of this troublesome species.
These factors include how mobile people are these days. It is easier than ever to cross the country or the globe, and people are doing so on a regular basis. This may take them to places in which bed bug populations never really died out. With their defenses down, people may not be aware of the signs that should tell them that bed bugs are in close proximity.
Not knowing the signs of bed bug infestations can cause anyone to bring a population of these pests to their home or office. Once begun, these infestations are notoriously difficult to treat, especially with the products that are available to consumers.
Accordingly, exterminator intervention is essential wherever bed bugs are present. Whether in the home, office, school, hotel or elsewhere, pest management professionals have what it takes to put an end to bed bug infestations of all sizes.
WHAT DO BED BUGS LOOK LIKE?
Bed bugs are tiny and mostly flat. These characteristics make it easy for these pests to hide in all sorts of minuscule cracks and crevices. Thus, an infestation may exist for some time before people are aware of it.
Bed bugs generally are approximately three-sixteenths of an inch in length and brown in color. After a meal, the bed bug assumes a more rounded shape and may take on a redder color. Without wings or the ability to jump, the bed bug must rely on walking to get anywhere it wants to go. If necessary, it can move with startling speed.
When an infestation is underway, people also may see small, white-colored eggs. These typically are well-hidden in dark, concealed spots, which enables the infestation to continue. The control methods used by exterminators are designed to reach even the most carefully hidden bed bug eggs.
WHAT DO BED BUGS EAT?
Bed bugs only eat blood, which is usually obtained from a mammal. While people may be the bed bug's favorite food source, these pests will feed on dogs, cats, rodents and many other animals when necessary.
Capable of surviving for months without a meal, bed bugs easily survive without regular contact with people or animals. As soon as a host becomes available again, the bed bugs will begin feeding.
WHERE DO BED BUGS LIVE?
Bed bugs are able to fit into spaces that are no larger than the width of a credit card. This makes them adept at concealment, making it easier for them to survive and reproduce in great numbers.
Also complicating bed bug control in Langhorne is the fact that bed bugs do not congregate in one area or build a nest in which the whole colony lives. Instead, they may spread out across every corner of a room or even over several rooms.
During the day, bed bugs stay hidden as close to people's beds as they can. Mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards and foot boards are the most common places to discover bed bugs hiding. Large infestations will cause the pests to venture farther away from their food source. Bedside tables, lamps, remote controls, books, alarm clocks and other items that are usually found in bedrooms all may be concealing bed bugs.
These pests even hide behind pictures that hang on the wall as well as the covers for light switches and electrical outlets. When they infest an overhead lamp, they may use the wiring to travel above the ceiling and across to other rooms.
Bed bugs are found anywhere that people typically are found. Mass transit vehicles, movie theaters, warehouses, schools, stores, residences and almost anywhere else is vulnerable to an infestation.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BED BUGS
Structural damage is not associated with bed bug infestations. Still, the pests stain night clothes, sheets, comforters and mattresses with blood or their excrement. It is not always easy to get these stains out of textiles once they appear, and this can represent an economic loss. Even if the stains can be removed, some people simply prefer replacing items that they know were contacted by bed bugs.
Having bed bugs can cause tremendous upset in homes and businesses. Most people feel at least a little uneasy when they know that these blood-sucking pests are present. Some people are so unsettled or anxious that they find they are unable to sleep or even relax. Until the problem is resolved, they feel like they are living on the edge.
ARE BED BUGS AGGRESSIVE?
Bed bugs are one of the only pests that is guaranteed to bite each time it finds a person. Based on this criterion, they are absolutely aggressive pests.
DO BED BUGS CARRY DISEASE?
Itchy bed bug bites may turn red and become puffy, but they generally do not cause illness. The one exception may occur if people scratch the bite too much as this can lead to infection.
HOW TO DETECT BED BUGS
Signs of a bed bug problem include:
• Stains appearing on pajamas, sheets, pillow cases and comforters • Shed bed bug skins or discarded egg shells found indoors • Long-standing infestations may be accompanied by a musty smell • Itchy red bites frequently are discovered upon awakening
HOW TO PREVENT BED BUGS
To help protect against bed bug issues the following steps should be taken:
• Place box springs and mattresses in bed-bug proof covers • Eliminate clutter to get rid of hiding spots • Install door sweeps in businesses and multi-family housing units • Look for and cover or seal gaps and cracks in bedrooms to eliminate places to hide • Inspect secondhand clothing and furniture for signs of bed bugs before moving them • After checking into a hotel, inspect the room for signs of bed bug activity
PROVEN BED BUG CONTROL EFFECTIVENESS
Although technological advances have been made in the fight against bed bugs, conventional bed bug extermination methods still prove to be among the most effective in eradicating infestations for several key reasons.
Firstly, the conventional bed bug method utilizes a crack and crevice treatment process designed to eradicate bed bugs in places most other treatment methods are not able to penetrate.
Secondly, the standard method for bed bug extermination employs the use of materials that not only kill existing bed bugs, but offer residual protection against future infestations.
AFFORDABLE BED BUG ERADICATION
Professional bed bug control is typically the only reliable, guaranteed method for ending an infestation. Studies indicate that this species is largely immune to many of the pest control treatments that are available to the public. In most cases, do-it-yourself products ultimately prove to be a time-consuming and hopeless task.
Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc. is a certified pest control company that has been providing homes and businesses with bed bug extermination for nearly 30 years.
As a certified exterminator we have access to all of the professional-grade products that are currently available for residential and commercial use. That is why we can offer our 100% assurance guarantee. It provides for follow-up treatments as needed to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Speak with a certified bed bug control professional who can answer all of your questions.
