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Bed bugs are an ongoing problem in the pest industry with no foreseeable changes in the near future. Infestation cases are on the rise and will most likely increase with the upcoming holiday season. So as your family makes plans for traveling, relatives visiting, and students coming home from college, it’s important to know how to keep your home protected from the ultimate hitchhiker: the bed bug.
If you’ve never seen a bed bug, you may have a hard time finding or identifying one. Keep reading to find out what bed bugs look like, where to find them, what threats they pose, and how to prevent and control them.
Bed Bug Identification
Red to brown in color (red after they’ve had a blood meal), six legs, flat and oval in shape, about 1/4″ in size or smaller
Bed Bug Environment
Cracks and crevices close to a human food source – behind baseboards, in furniture, bed frames, mattresses & boxsprings, suitcases, boxes (like shoe boxes or under bed storage), behind electrical switch plates
Bed Bug Threats
Bed bugs are excellent travelers and often go unnoticed since they’re nocturnal. They typically appear at night once you’re sleeping to feed and often leave behind red, itchy welts on the skin when bitten. Although they don’t transmit diseases, bed bugs are extremely elusive and hard to get rid of once an infestation occurs and can’t be eradicated with do-it-yourself treatments.
Bed Bug Prevention
Don’t bring suitcases inside your home after traveling. Remove all clothes first, wash them, and run through a high heat dryer cycle. Bed bugs cannot withstand high temperatures so this ensures you’re killing any that may have travelled back with you from trips, relatives’ homes, school, etc. Vacuum suitcases and leave them somewhere outside your home, preferably in sealed bags or containers, until you need them again. Also, make a habit of inspecting your bed for signs. Dark (blood) spots on sheets, pillows or other bedding is the most obvious indicator of a bed bug infestation. If you’re seeing this, call an exterminator immediately that specialized in bed bug treatment and control.
Bed Bug Control
Because of the elusive nature of bed bugs and their ability to survive in extreme conditions (bed bugs can live for a year or more without eating and can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to 113 degrees Fahrenheit), they can’t be eliminated through do-it-yourself methods. If you’ve identified a bed bug infestation in your home or business, or suspect bed bug activity, call a professional pest control company. A proper inspection is needed to identify all areas of infestation. After an in-depth inspection, a treatment and control plan can be implemented, usually including multiple chemical and/or heat treatments and inspections over several weeks. As part of the treatment plan, you may be asked by your exterminator to remove or reduce clutter, install protective encasements to your mattresses and/or boxsprings, and launder bedding and/or clothing. You should also be advised not to throw out any infested furniture, clothes or other items; this can cause the spread of bed bugs to other locations. It’s also not recommended to purchase new furniture throughout the treatment process as these items will likely become infested with bed bugs.
Bed bugs are an ongoing problem in the pest industry with no foreseeable changes in the near future. Infestation cases are on the rise and will most likely increase with the upcoming holiday season. So as your family makes plans for traveling, relatives visiting, and students coming home from college, it’s important to know how to keep your home protected from the ultimate hitchhiker: the bed bug.
If you’ve never seen a bed bug, you may have a hard time finding or identifying one. Keep reading to find out what bed bugs look like, where to find them, what threats they pose, and how to prevent and control them.
Bed Bug Identification
Red to brown in color (red after they’ve had a blood meal), six legs, flat and oval in shape, about 1/4″ in size or smaller
Bed Bug Environment
Cracks and crevices close to a human food source – behind baseboards, in furniture, bed frames, mattresses & boxsprings, suitcases, boxes (like shoe boxes or under bed storage), behind electrical switch plates
Bed Bug Threats
Bed bugs are excellent travelers and often go unnoticed since they’re nocturnal. They typically appear at night once you’re sleeping to feed and often leave behind red, itchy welts on the skin when bitten. Although they don’t transmit diseases, bed bugs are extremely elusive and hard to get rid of once an infestation occurs and can’t be eradicated with do-it-yourself treatments.
Bed Bug Prevention
Don’t bring suitcases inside your home after traveling. Remove all clothes first, wash them, and run through a high heat dryer cycle. Bed bugs cannot withstand high temperatures so this ensures you’re killing any that may have travelled back with you from trips, relatives’ homes, school, etc. Vacuum suitcases and leave them somewhere outside your home, preferably in sealed bags or containers, until you need them again. Also, make a habit of inspecting your bed for signs. Dark (blood) spots on sheets, pillows or other bedding is the most obvious indicator of a bed bug infestation. If you’re seeing this, call an exterminator immediately that specialized in bed bug treatment and control.
Bed Bug Control
Because of the elusive nature of bed bugs and their ability to survive in extreme conditions (bed bugs can live for a year or more without eating and can withstand a wide range of temperatures from nearly freezing to 113 degrees Fahrenheit), they can’t be eliminated through do-it-yourself methods. If you’ve identified a bed bug infestation in your home or business, or suspect bed bug activity, call a professional pest control company. A proper inspection is needed to identify all areas of infestation. After an in-depth inspection, a treatment and control plan can be implemented, usually including multiple chemical and/or heat treatments and inspections over several weeks. As part of the treatment plan, you may be asked by your exterminator to remove or reduce clutter, install protective encasements to your mattresses and/or boxsprings, and launder bedding and/or clothing. You should also be advised not to throw out any infested furniture, clothes or other items; this can cause the spread of bed bugs to other locations. It’s also not recommended to purchase new furniture throughout the treatment process as these items will likely become infested with bed bugs.
We talk a lot about how NOT to get bed bugs. By now you know to take precautions when traveling – ask hotels before booking if they’ve had a history with bed bugs, check for signs of bed bugs after check in (around mattress edges most common), and don’t leave luggage or clothing sitting on beds that aren’t your own. You also know it’s not a great idea to bring your luggage into your home right after a trip. Instead, leave in your garage and wash all the clothing before bringing inside, if possible. Store suitcases in an outdoor closet if available. Even if you’ve done all of the above, bed bugs are great travelers and CAN find their way into your home – maybe in that second-hand piece of furniture you recently purchased, from overnight house guests’ luggage, or even your kids returning home from college with a few extra “friends”. Bed bugs are made to survive in the most extreme conditions, making it hard to get rid of them once they’re in your home.
Finding and identifying bed bugs doesn’t have to be hard, though. Typically they like to live only a few feet away from their food source – any living person or pet in your home. So most likely you’ll find them in and around your bed. So how will you know when you have bed bugs? The most obvious sign is bites. You may see them on your skin or experience itchiness. Or you may not feel or see bites at all. In this case, bed bug infestations can worsen since you don’t know they’re there until it’s too late. To avoid this, check for bed bugs often. When changing bedding, check for signs – dark spots (fecal matter) on mattresses, box springs, pillows, on bed skirts, and headboards. You may also see bed bugs if you’re heavily infested, in any of their life stages – from eggs to nymphs to adults. In the adult stage, bed bugs are relatively flat, small, round, and a reddish brown color (this coloring is darker after a feeding). You can see the different life stages of bed bugs in the photo below.
So now what? While it may be hard to stomach, continue sleeping in your bed until the bed bugs have been eliminated. Moving to other areas of your home, such as a guest bedroom or the sofa, could cause the bed bugs to travel with you and infest other areas. If you want to change your bedding, wash everything in hot water. Bed Bugs can’t survive in extremely hot conditions so this will kill any hiding out in pillows, comforters, etc. While some exterminators may suggest otherwise, it’s usually best to leave everything else as is until you’ve had a professional inspection. Again, you don’t want the bed bugs to migrate to other areas of the house.
Next, call a pest control company that specializes in bed bug treatments. There are several methods of treatment available and an experienced exterminator will know which solution is best for your situation. This will also ensure you’ve correctly identified bed bugs. In the meantime, while waiting for your inspection, resist the urge to throw beds, bedding and furniture out. This will only worsen the infestation, since they could be in areas of your home you’re unaware of, therefore will infest any new items your purchase. And you also risk spreading the pests to others, by leaving infested furniture untreated.
The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) has dedicated the week of June 7 to June 13 as Bed Bug Awareness Week. With summer travel plans approaching or under way, it’s the perfect time to brush up on bed bug detection and prevention tips.
So what are bed bugs? As you probably know and as the name suggests, bed bugs are commonly found in beds and in other pieces of furniture such as sofas and chairs. Because they’re so small (about the size of a pencil eraser) and flat, they’re good at hiding in the cracks and crevices of bed frames, mattresses, box springs, headboards, and nearby furniture. They’re most active at night, coming out of their hiding spots to find a food source…your blood. They will bite you while sleeping, piercing the skin and feeding for up to 10 minutes. The effects can produce itching and small red bumps or welts, similar to mosquito bites.
Because not everyone will have a reaction to bed bug bites, it important to check for signs of bed bugs periodically. Dark spots on sheets or mattresses, especially under the trim of the mattress edge, are usually a good indication of an infestation. They can also leave behind an unusual odor or skin casts (bed bug exoskeletons).
The most common bed bug infestation occurs after traveling. If staying in a hotel or rented home while vacationing this summer, be sure to check bedrooms for signs of bed bugs. If you suspect an infestation, ask for other accommodations. Bed bugs travel easily in your luggage and clothes, so it’s a best practice to avoid putting your suitcase on the bed or unpacking your clothes into dressers…even if no bed bug infestation is found.
Sometimes you can take all the precautions possible and still bring bed bugs back home with you. If you suspect an infestation, call an exterminator that specializes in bed bug control. They will be able to identify any areas infested and provide you with a treatment plan, to eliminate current bed bugs and prevent future infestations.
While the holidays are filled with fun, family, and traveling, one not-so-fun side effect can be hard to get rid of: Bed Bugs. Bed bugs are active all year but most likely to travel into your home after a trip. Here are 10 ways you can prevent bed bugs now and throughout the year. If you already have bed bugs, call a pest control company. They’re difficult to get rid of and usually requires professional treatment for fast, effective results.
1. Inspect
Inspect your hotel room or rental for signs of bed bugs before bringing your luggage in. It’s more and more common for hotels to have issues with bed bugs – even expensive and familiar ones – so it’s important to check every room. Bed bugs can be found in any type of furniture (usually cracks & crevices), not just beds. Check sofa cushions, chairs, behind headboards, and around mattress corners (pull back the sheets). Look for evidence of bed bugs, usually distinguished by very small, dark-colored stains. Another indication of bed bugs is skin shells that have been shed during their growth phases.
2. Move
If bed bug evidence is found, request a different room (preferably not next door to the infested room) or change your accommodations.
3. Unpack
Bed bugs often go unnoticed because of their small size and nocturnal behavior. So even if you inspect your room and don’t find anything, be cautious when unpacking clothes. Don’t leave luggage lying on any furniture – bed, tables, sofas, chairs – and use the luggage racks (after inspecting!) usually provided by most hotels.
4. Contain
After you’ve returned home, do not bring luggage into your home. Seal in plastic bags or containers and store for a few weeks somewhere outside of your home – garage, outdoor storage closet, etc. You can take further precautions by steaming or vacuuming your bags before storing them.
5. Wash
Clothes should be washed in hot water before bringing them back into your home.
It’s possible to take all of these precautions and still bring bed bugs into your home. If you’re experiencing bed bug bites or seeing evidence of bed bugs, contact a professional bed bug control company to access the situation. An exterminator can determine the best treatment plan and provide you with recommendations to prevent future infestations.
Northwest Exterminating shares back-to-school tips to prevent a bed bug infestation
Summer vacation is almost over and before we know it schools and universities will be back in session. While shopping for school supplies and a new wardrobe might take precedence over bed bug prevention, Northwest Exterminating, a pest control management company, encourages parents and students to also spend some time brushing up on bed bug prevention tips.
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and thrive in heavily populated places. This makes classrooms and dorms the perfect settings for bed bugs to take up residence.
A study conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky found that bed bug infestations are on the rise in many different types of dwellings, including school and college settings. According to the survey, 47 percent of respondents had treated for bed bugs in college dorms in 2013, while 41 percent had reported bed bug infestations in schools and daycare centers.
NPMA experts recommend the following tips for students in grades K-12 to avoid bringing bed bugs home:
Parents should regularly inspect their children’s belongings for hitchhiking bed bugs
If the school has reported an infestation, consider housing all related items in a sealed plastic bin
Wash and dry cloth items returning from school in hot temperatures
Ask school administrators whether they have bed bug detection and elimination plans
NPMA also advises college students to take steps to protect against bed bugs, including:
Fully inspect suitcases prior to re-packing for a return to school, especially after any summer trips
Before putting sheets on the dormitory bed, inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, and box springs for telltale stains or spots
Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in sofas and chairs
Inspect any “secondhand” furniture for bed bugs before bringing it into dormitory rooms or off-campus housing
For more information on bed bugs, please visit our Bed Bug Control page.
Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite: The 411 on BedBugs
It’s not just a nursery rhyme anymore, it’s a way of life. Bedbugs are a real concern for people, especially those that travel, but those that stay close to home aren’t exempt from the threat of bedbugs. Luckily, bedbugs are more of a nuisance than a health hazard. Although not a health risk, it is imperative that you call a licensed pest professional if you think you have a bedbug infestation.
What Do Bedbugs Look Like?
Bedbugs are small, flat, wingless insects with 6 legs. Like mosquitoes, bedbugs feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are brown in color and turn a reddish brown after a feeding. Read more on how to ID a bedbug HERE.
Where Do Bedbugs Come From?
Bedbugs are great hitchhikers. They can catch a ride on luggage, purses, clothing, pets, boxes, and other belongings that are taken from place to place. That is why bedbugs are often found in hotels, apartments, dorm rooms, places where people often come and go. Bedbugs are a world-wide issue. At one time, they were most common in developing countries but due to increased international travel, they are an issue in the US and other developed countries.
What Do Bedbugs Eat?
As stated earlier, bed bugs feed on blood from humans and animals. They typically feed at night. After they feed, they become engorged and fall off of their host. It only takes them about 3 minutes to complete their meal. They can go weeks without feeding.
What Does a Bedbug Bite Feel Like?
Bedbugs inject a numbing agent in the body when feeding. In most cases, you won’t know if you are being bitten by a bedbug.
What Does a Bedbug Bite Look Like?
Bedbugs bites are itchy, red bumps, usually left in a straight line, on the skin. Bites are usually found on the upper body.
How to Treat A Bedbug Infestation?
It’s simple. Hire a licensed pest professional if you think you have a bedbug infestation. They can be very difficult to treat. In the mean time, inspect all mattresses and bedding, especially when traveling. Avoid putting your luggage on the floor or bed, instead use a luggage rack. When returning home, wash and dry clothing on the highest heat level. Make sure to check the cracks and crevices of any luggage before storing.
So long are the days of only having to worry that your kids may get head lice in school…you can now add bed bugs to that list. You’ve heard about the risk of bed bugs when returning back to college but now bed bugs are popping up in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Bed bugs are making their way into schools through back packs. And while they can’t be transferred from person to person, they can be transferred from back pack to back pack.
The good news is that bed bugs are NOT a sanitation issue and they do not carry diseases. Bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home but they are very difficult to get rid of.
If you are notified that there may be a chance that your child’s back pack has been infested do not panic…there are things you can do to ensure that they are not brought into your home.
Do not bring the back pack, or other items brought from school, inside your home.
Immediately wash and dry your child’s clothing.
Empty out the back pack and run it in the dryer on high heat for 45 minutes to kill any bugs.
Check your child’s skin for bites. If you notice bites, call a professional exterminator. A professional can inspect your home for bed bugs. If you do have bed bugs in your home they will be able to treat in an effective and efficient manner.
For more information on bed bugs visit the Georgia Department of Public Heath: http://www.health.state.ga.us/epi/zvbd/infest/index.asp
