Bed Bugs

What is a Bed Bug?

Bed bugs are very small parasitic insects that are rising in number, making a strong comeback after nearly 50 years of limited activity in the United States. Adult bed bugs have a distinct reddish-brown color and flat, oval-shaped bodies about 1/4 inch in length. In a protected area, an adult female will lay up to five eggs in one day. The eggs are small, approximately 1mm in size and whitish in color, making them nearly invisible to the untrained eye. Bed Bug eggs are slightly sticky when first laid which allows them to adhere to surfaces to remain safe until hatching. Once hatched, Bed Bug nymphs are no larger than a pinhead, closely resembling the adults, but smaller and lighter in color until they reach maturity. The nymphs mature rapidly, shedding their exoskeleton as they grow larger after each feeding. Bed Bugs feed exclusively on blood, preferring human blood, but will also feed on other warm-blooded animals if necessary. Signs of a Bed Bug infestation are:

• Small spots of blood on mattresses and linens
• Tiny brown droppings
• Exoskeletons, or “cast skins” shed by growing nymphs
• Tiny white eggs and egg casings

Why do I have them?

Bed Bugs are very efficient hitchhikers, capable of travelling great distances with an unsuspecting host. The affordability and prevalence of mass transit and international travel is a major contributing factor to the increase in Bed Bug infestations. Travel to countries with less rigorous standards of hygiene and limited pest control practices has become more common and more detrimental as Bed Bugs have been found in airplane seats, cabs, and hotel beds. They commonly travel in luggage, backpacks, and even in clothing. Once the Bed Bug has hitched a ride, its destination could be anywhere, including health care facilities, public transportation, and private homes.

Are they dangerous?

Bed Bugs are not known to carry or transmit diseases to humans, but their bites can cause skin irritation. Though many people have no reaction to Bed Bug bites, some experience small red welts that often appear in a line or cluster and may be itchy or painful. Serious health problems can occur if the bites become infected, at which point a medical professional should be consulted.

How do I get rid of Bed Bugs?

Bed Bugs are very difficult to get rid of once an area of a home has been infested. They are nocturnal feeders rarely seen during the day, and their flat bodies make it easy for them to hide in cracks and crevices in mattresses, linens, behind baseboards, and inside furniture. At American Pest we use tried and trusted methods to rid you of your Bed Bug problems. We begin by scheduling a thorough and detailed inspection of your property to ascertain the extent of infestation. Armed with this information, our pest control team will customize a program to your specific needs, treating not only the infested rooms and furniture, but surrounding areas as well.

Can I do it myself?

Do-It-Yourself methods of Bed Bug removal are not often successful due to the naturally elusive and nocturnal nature of the pest. An experienced eye and training are essential to fully understand and eradicate the pests, using tried and trusted techniques. At American Pest we employ 5 full-time entomologists and a highly trained staff of pest control experts, ready to assist whenever you need us.

How soon can you get here?

At American Pest, we strive to help you in the shortest time possible, causing you the least inconvenience, while eradicating your bug problems in the most cost effective manner. We make every effort to be with you the same or very next day.

Is the treatment safe

Every product used by American Pest has first been tested and registered by the EPA for pest control use. We then apply these products following a strict set of guidelines to ensure the safety of humans and pets while eradicating the problem.

How can I prevent this in the future?

Bed Bugs are very difficult to prevent, given their ability to enter the home in a number of different ways. The best thing to do is remain vigilant. Watch for the tell-tale signs of Bed Bugs and call in American Pest as soon as you spot them to reduce the risk of major infestation.