Bed Bugs are tiny, non-flying insects with flat oval bodies and six legs. They live for about 10 months, molting several times during that period. Their bites look similar to mosquito bites and cause itchy red bumps that spread from one part of the body to another – often leading to hives.
Bedbugs can be found almost everywhere – in homes, apartments, hotels, dormitories, schools and hospitals; they even invade public transportation vehicles, movie theaters and other gathering places where people congregate.
Bed bugs not only feed on humans, but they will also feed on various other animals such as cats and dogs. Since bed bugs are highly nocturnal, they can hide during the day and move to nearby locations at night to feed.
Pests on these insects are highly resistant to many pesticides, but there are a few methods of control most professionals employ. These include inspection, removal and pesticide application.
First, the pest control company inspects the infested area thoroughly to assess its level of infestation. They check beds, mattresses and box springs for signs such as fecal marks, eggs, sloughing skin or other evidence of bed bugs. They may also want to remove furniture and other items which can impede treatment progress.
After that, the company uses a professional insecticide to eliminate bed bugs. Most of these products come in liquid, aerosol or dust form for convenience.
Typically, the company sprays areas where bed bugs are known or suspected of being present, such as mattress seams and folds, chair and sofa cushions, upholstered furniture. Additionally, it reaches cracks, crevices and other hiding places where bed bugs might hide.
Once the company has conducted an initial inspection and treatment, it typically follows up with follow-up treatments at least once every month for several months to monitor for re-infestation.
To prevent bedbugs from spreading, make sure all mattresses and box springs are covered in an effective mattress cover or pad. These covers can be purchased at either a hardware store or home improvement center and will help shield against the spread of bed bugs from one infected area to another.
Examine any clothes or other clothing that may have been worn in an infested area for signs of bed bugs or other pests. These should be carefully washed, dried, sealed in plastic bags or left to air-dry for several hours.
Combatting bedbugs begins with a thorough cleaning, vacuuming and treating of mattresses and box springs. Doing this will eliminate potential hiding places for bedbugs, making it easier to detect and eliminate them.
Keep luggage off beds and floors in hotel rooms, and hang up clothes before taking them home. Additionally, using a luggage rack at the hotel or motel can help prevent leaving your suitcase lying around on the floor or top of the bed.
If you need to get rid of bed bugs and are in the Phoenix, AZ area contact Atomic Pest Control for help.
