Bed bugs, once only recalled in children’s rhymes, have returned to reclaim their status. Before WWII bedbugs were considered an epidemic, infestation was everywhere and their numbers only grew. But following the conclusion of the war, scientists developed a very effective insecticide that nearly obliterated their existence in the U.S. But in recent decades; the convenience of world traveling and the now resistance bedbugs have to the original solution, bedbugs are making a comeback. A-Tex Pest Management not only knows how bed bugs operate, but we have proven methods that effectively terminate the bed bugs invading your home or business. But we have been asked questions concerning bedbugs and at this time we have taken the opportunity to answer a handful of the more common, frequently asked questions.
Bed Bug Infestation FAQ
Q: What do bed bugs look like?
A: Formally belonging to the Cimicidae family, bedbugs are small (by adulthood they are no bigger than apple seed), brown or reddish brown after feeding, flat (after a recent meal they do look engorged), and oval shaped. Bedbugs are nocturnal insects that consume the blood of warm-blooded hosts for sustenance, but they are more partial to human blood. Being one of the most adaptable insects around, bedbugs can conform to their surroundings and environment with ease.
Q: Where do bed bugs come from, how do they come in my house?
A: Bedbugs are found nearly everywhere in the world, since they do favor people, they are concentrated in developed areas. Most common infestations occur through contact with infested furniture located in hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments. After a night’s stay, the bedbugs can easily slip into luggage or even the folds of your clothing. Additionally, bedbugs are often passed on from 2nd hand clothing or furniture. Lodging establishments and apartment complexes often have bedbugs because they can get from apartment to apartment easily and the reproduce quickly.
Q: What are the general feeding habits of bed bugs?
A: As mentioned before, they prefer human hosts, but will steal blood from any warm blooded host. Bedbugs inject two hollow tubes into the skin when they bite. The one of the tubes injects an anti-coagulant anesthetic in order to allow blood flow and with the other tube bedbugs suck the blood. The duration of their meal usually only lasts for 5 minutes, and since they are nocturnal, bedbugs will emerge at dusk.
Q: Is a bite from a bed bug a health risk?
A: A bedbug’s bite is not noticeable, but depending how sensitive your skin and if you have any allergies to their anti-coagulant anesthetic injection, effects of their bite appear within minutes or even hours later. The bite mark can be a red, flat welt or even raised, which is very itchy to most people. Skin irritation, rashes, or an allergic reaction are usually the worst of the health concerns, as they are not linked to any known diseases.
Q: What can I do for the itching?
A: Anti-itch cream is the most effective.
Q: Are there any obvious signs of bedbugs?
A: Some red flags of bedbug infestations include; musky odors, small red blood stains on the sheets, rusty colored spots (fecal matter), bedbug bites in alignment on exposed skin, shed bedbug skin, or the bedbugs themselves.
Q: Where should I look for bed bugs in my home?
A: bedbugs are versatile and can be anywhere in your home, they stick close to the source of food. Start by checking your entire bed; mattress, bed frames, head boards, bedding, and box spring. Look in the surrounding furniture; behind peeling paint or wallpaper, wooden floorboards, outlets picture frames, electronics, etc. Bedbugs are usually found in places 10-20 feet of where you sleep. But as their number grow, the further out they will spread looking for additional meal sources.
Q: Anything I should know if I have bed bugs?
A: If you suspect bedbugs in your room, avoid bringing anything in or out of the contaminated space to avoid spreading them. Do not to start sleeping in a different bed, sofa or with another family member or friend; bedbugs will only follow. Finally contact a professional for effective and thorough removal.
Bed Bug Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
A-Tex Pest Management has extensive training concerning bed bugs and out experts are more than qualified to inspect the home or business, find all the bed bugs and viable eggs, and ensure they are all exterminated. Call us today to get started on the process.