Bed Bug Identification And Control
For most people, bed bugs are confined to cute sayings imploring friends and loved ones to sleep well. Some people, however, have been exposed to the unfortunate reality of an actual bed bug infestation. These nocturnal pests are not only bothersome but extremely prolific. One of the first challenges in dealing with an infestation of bed bugs is realizing what you're dealing with and then taking the appropriate action. In severe cases, you'll need the help of a good exterminator.
The Bed Bug Life Cycle
Female adult bed bugs lay eggs daily, so they're quite prolific. The eggs are sticky and look like a speck of dust. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs are tiny versions of adults. As the nymphs grow, the must molt in order to grow and to mature into adults. Between molts, they have to snack on human blood. Both nymphs and adults can go between months and even a year between feedings. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases to humans according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but humans can have allergic reactions to the bite of bed bugs.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Adult bed bugs are flat, small, reddish-brown insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye. After a feeding, their bodies bloat and they're a little easier to spot. Bed bugs don't have wings so they cannot fly. They do, however, move very quickly from one place to another. Often the first indication that a homeowner has that the home is infiltrated by bed bugs is a series of small red bite marks. Often sleeping is difficult because the bugs are highly active at night when their human prey is lying still in bed.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
WebMD recommends a multi-prong approach to getting rid of bed bugs. Cleaning the bed and bedding thoroughly is the first consideration. From there, homeowners should put plastic slipcovers over both the box spring and the mattress of the affected bed. Make sure that the covers are fully sealed and that they remain on the bed for longer than a full year. Clutter, holes in walls, and raised wallpaper all give bed bugs other places to hide.
If your home is not responding to lifestyle changes to kill off your infestation, contact a professional (such as one from Arab Termite and Pest Control) for bed bug treatment today. Experts in bed bug removal can ensure that the bugs leave and don't come back.
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