BED BUGS

WHAT ARE BED BUGS?

Bed bugs  Cimex lectularius are small insects that reproduce quickly and consume only blood. They do not like the light, and remain out of site in lighted conditions unless disturbed. 

They always remain “close to the host”, that’s you, or a family member. Humans are a favorite food, but, a blood meal is a blood meal. They can hide in places you might not even think of. My rule of thumb is if you can slide a piece of paper under or behind an item near or on your bed, couch chair, a bed bug(s) can hide there.

Think you have Bed bugs:

Here are a few ways to check for yourself. Look for “spotting” around your bed corners, sheets, pillows, and headboard. Spotting is actually blood that has been expelled. Either by natural process or released to squeeze out to fit in a hiding spot. What looks like dead bed bugs could indeed be a skin casting. Bed bugs shed their exoskeleton which each growth session called “instar” and grow into the next stage. Typically 5 instars to become adult. Next, do you have a number of unexplained bites? It could be bed bugs, it could also be fleas, mosquitoes, or another insect bite. Of course you may not see any signs, it doesn’t mean you don’t have them. It is probably best to have a professional to check it out. The longer you wait, the worse it can get. There are products on the market that can kill some of the bugs but, rarely can it wipe them out. Bed bugs have become increasingly more resistant to pesticides, possibly from over use.

How to get rid of bed bugs?

There are many different approaches to remove, or kill bed bugs form your space. FIRST! Over the counter products are a bad idea. With the internet professional products are available, the knowledge and experience doesn’t come with the product , so PLEASE, read the label, it’s there for a reason. Safety! Often these sprays or treatments “OTC” can spread or move the bugs from one hiding spot to another area. The bed bug eggs are so small you (me) can barely see them at all. A good sign you might have them is to find a cluster of bugs on your mattress, bedding or sheets. Chances are there are some eggs there. All most microscopic white jellybeans where you can see two (2) red dots, the eyes.

BED BUG TREATMENTS;

Heat treatments are the most efficient way to kill bed bugs in one treatment. This is OUR preferred method and most successful way to get rid of them. It is not always an option and in that case other alternative options have to be explored. Chemicals have some success, and failures. Often multiple treatments may be needed. Combinations of these can lead to a higher success rate when used correctly. We also use a biological “pesticide” to gain control of populations. But, these take a little time to reach 100% mortality. Heat treatments, are ideal. We use propane to force heated air via ducting into your home, or business. This heated air is then circulated by fans to build a convection of heat, similar to an oven. Rotating fans and items in each room insures that all areas to get a average ambient temperature. Above 133*  is ideal. Bed bug proof mattress and box spring encasements are a great item to add to your home. One, if you have them, they can’t get out of the box spring or mattress. On the other hand, with encasements on, they can’t get into your mattress or box spring. You’re ahead of the game.

If you feel or know you have bed bugs, call or contact us via our contact form

If you are looking for a heat treatment, we have a prep sheet available to download. Just click the button and save the document.