Bed Bugs- the 411
One of the biggest misconceptions about bed bugs is that they are attracted to filth. However, these bugs are not drawn to decay. They can thrive in any environment as long as they have access to their food source. Bed bugs are one of the worst types of infestation a person can have in their home. What makes bed bugs so repulsive is the fact that they feed on blood, including those of your loved ones. Because bed bugs live solely on blood, having them in your home is not a sign of dirtiness. You are just as likely to find them in immaculate homes and hotel rooms.
What does a bed bug look like?
Bed bugs are very small, only about the size of an apple seed. In addition to being nocturnal, bed bugs are reddish brown in color, flat and oval-shaped. Additionally, they reproduce extremely fast with each female laying up to five eggs each day. That means in a bed bug’s 300-day lifespan, a female can lay over 1,000 eggs.
Where do bed bugs live?
Bed Bugs are found in virtually every place people tend to gather, including residences, hotels, schools, offices, retail stores and even public transportation. They are also hitchhiker bugs, meaning you can pick them up and bring them with you. So, if you pick them up unknowingly at a hotel or laundromat, bus station or even a friend’s house, expect them to make it to your home. Because bed bugs are flat, they have a unique ability to hide in very small places; between the segments of your bed, behind baseboards, mattress or boxspring, cracks in the floor, and even loose wallpaper. This makes it very hard to detect them. Over time, however, they may scatter through the bedroom, moving into any crevice or protected location. They also can spread to nearby rooms or areas of your home.
Are bed bugs dangerous?
After a bed bug bites you and drinks your blood, it’ll leave a severely itchy welt that can cause allergic reactions. This is especially concerning for small children.
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
OPC Pest Services uses two methods to remove Bed Bugs- Heat Remediation and Chemical Treatment.
Heat Remediation
All insects have lethal temperature thresholds where all stages of the insect’s lifecycle are killed. Heat allows us to reach these lethal target temperatures and eliminate bed bugs throughout the home.
Chemical Treatments
Conventional bed bug treatments, known as chemical treatments, are the more traditional extermination. Different pesticide formulations are utilized in strategic areas of the home. These formulations may include liquids, aerosols and dusts. Each formulation works a little differently. One product may provide a more instant knock-down effect while another product may give a longer, residual effect.
If you discover Bed Bugs your home, call OPC Pest Services for immediate relief!
