Pest Control Guide: Bed Bugs (cimex-lectularius)
The adult bed bug is oval and flat. They grow to only about a quarter of an inch long. Bed bugs lack wings, so you won`t see them flying around your bedroom. Under cover of darkness, they crawl in search of blood, preferably from a human. Bed bugs use a piercing, sucking proboscis to penetrate the skin of their host. Adults are brown, but appear reddish-brown when engorged with blood.
Bed bugs are some of the most difficult pests to eliminate. They can survive for months without food and reproduce rapidly, often going unnoticed until they have already infested an area. It is important that you vacuum, wash, and dry everything you can in the affected and surrounding areas. They can take over quickly, so it’s important to start control procedures as soon as you realize you have a problem. Hiring a pest management professional is crucial in the effective control of bed bugs.
Appearance
Bed bugs are oval and flat, only growing to about a quarter of an inch long. They lack wings, so you won’t see them flying around your bedroom. Under cover of darkness, they crawl in search of blood, preferably from humans. Bed bugs use a piercing, sucking proboscis to penetrate the skin of their host. They appear reddish-brown when full of blood.
Habitat
Bed Bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment. They can be found behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery, and in furniture crevices.
Bed bugs like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes and shoes to be near a food supply. They are elusive, nocturnal creatures. They can hide behind baseboards, electrical switchplates, picture frames, even wall paper. They come out at night for a blood meal.
Bed Bugs often hide in small cracks and crevices close to people, including baseboards, upholstery, electrical switch plates, picture frames, wallpaper, bedding, clothes and furniture. Bed bugs love to travel and will live in suitcases, boxes, and shoes.
Cimex Lectularius Control & Prevention
Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation. Check your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots. Consider bringing a large plastic trashbag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays. Carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual inspections. Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.
Vacuuming suitcases after returning from vacation is a good practice to adopt as well as checking your bedsheets for blood spots. When traveling, consider bringing a large plastic trash bag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays and carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual inspections. Bed bugs are tough to eradicate, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control as soon as you notice signs of them lurking around.
Evidence of Bed Bugs
In addition to their bites, bed bugs can leave a lot of evidence of their existence. Signs include rusty-looking blood stains on your pillows, mattress, or pajamas. If you suspect an infestation, take your sheets off and check the corners and crevices of your mattresses. You may have a well established infestation if there are multiple sizes of spots or bugs.
Threats
Although bed bugs can dine on any warm-blooded animal, they primarily dine on humans. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites can become red, itchy welts. Although bed bugs can dine on any warm-blooded animal, they feed primarily on people. They do not transmit disease, but their bites can be very uncomfortable. Some tell-tale signs include: raised red welts, bites localized in a specific area, bites in a straight line, itchiness and burning.
Contact All Seasons Pest Control
If you live in Pierce, Thurston or South King counties and suspect you have bed bugs, reach out to our team. We are superior pest management professionals specializing in bed bug control. But don’t just take our word for it, check out our many customer reviews. Whether you need help eliminating bed bugs, rodents or ants, we are here for you! Contact us today and we’ll put together a plan to solve your pest issues.
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