Bed Bug Exterminators

Bed bugs are tiny but have several characteristics that make them stand out. Adult bed bugs grow to be 5 mm in size and are brown in color. Their usually flat, oval-shaped bodies can appear engorged after a blood meal, and may even have a red tint. Bed bug nymphs are much smaller, translucent in color, and difficult to see. Bed bug eggs are minuscule (the size of a pinhead) and pearly white in color.

Bed bugs are unique in that they consume only blood. They prefer human hosts but have been known to bite other animals at times. They will travel 5 to 20 feet from their hiding spot to feed on their host. Bed bugs feed every three to four days for intervals that take 3-12 minutes. Adult bed bugs have been known to survive months without a meal if necessary.

Even though they bite, bed bugs are not considered the most dangerous pests. Bed bug bites do not transmit any diseases. The biggest danger of bed bugs is the distress they can cause. A bed bug infestation certainly causes disruption to your daily life and can cause a loss of sleep and general anxiety. Bed bugs may not be as harmful as some other pest problems, but they remain to be one of the most concerning nuisance pests.

Bed bug bites are confused for other types of bug bites often. Here’s how to tell them apart:

1. Bites tend to occur in lines or zigzag patterns, not random clusters.
2. Bed bug bites leave red, itchy marks on areas of your body that are exposed at night (often your arms and legs). 
3. When you are bitten, you usually will not feel the bite itself. Bed bugs inject saliva containing an anesthetic that inhibits your ability to feel it. Symptoms start to show a few hours to a few days later.
4. Although rare, some bites can be more serious and turn into welts. With any severe symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Bed bugs usually live in groups and typically inhabit locations where people sleep or rest for extended periods of time. In addition to bedding, mattresses, and box springs, there are other areas where bed bugs tend to hide. This includes but is not limited to cracks and crevices in your walls, sofas, chairs, wooden furniture, and even power outlets!

Bed bug infestations can be unpredictable, but there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself against an infestation. 

1. Before purchasing used furniture or second-hand items, check for any signs of bed bugs or bed bug activity.
2. When traveling, do not set luggage down on the bed or furniture until you have inspected bedding, mattresses, curtains, and the headboard.
3. Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs to eliminate many hiding spots.

There are several types of bed bug treatment, but thermal remediation is considered to be one of the most effective methods. At Pest Defense Solutions, our bed bug treatment strategy focuses on exterminating bed bugs with conventional application methods as well as bed bug heat treatments. In any case, DIY bed bug treatment is never recommended and will not provide a long-term solution to your bed bug problem.