PRIVATE  EYE  PEST  CONTROL

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

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1)  SEEING THE BUGS:  Adult bed bugs are about the shape and size of an apple seed.  Females are longer and more slender than Males.

2)  CASE SKINS:  As the bugs grow, they shed their skins, discovery of which can indicate their presence.

3)  DEFECATION (fecal droppings):  After feeding, bed bugs return to their harborage to hide where they defecate black to brown stains on porous surfaces or black to brown mounds on nonporous surfaces.  For easy reference it can appear as if someone shook black pepper in areas of bed bug activity.

4)  BITES, RASH or other DERMAL IRRITATION may indicate bed bug activity, but further signs will need to be found since other sources can cause red welts on the skin (seasonal allergies, detergent, etc.).  Keep in mind as well an infestation can go undetected seen as a minority of people do not show any reaction to the bed bug bite.  That is why good living habits (changing linens consistently, etc.) and a routine check of your bed can help thwart an infestation before it can be established.

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How did this happen?

 

You can pick up bed bugs almost anywhere - hotels, public transportation, airports and gyms for starters.  Places of consistent rest often have the greater risk for infestation (hence the catchy name, Bed Bugs!).  Today with travel being more readily available and affordable the transport and migration of bed bugs is on the increase.  They’re great at hiding and have been known to catch on to luggage, personal belongings or even you!  Once indoors, they can be very difficult to control without the help of an experienced Pest Control Technician.  You can reduce your chances of a costly bed bug infestation by catching them early.

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    Tips

 

• Remove all clutter from your home, which makes finding bed bugs easier

• Wash and dry your bed linens on the hottest temperature permitted.  Don't fill the dryer past half capacity

• Closely inspect any second-hand furniture or other items before bringing them into your home

• Inspect your home after moving, trips, service calls or overnight guests

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What else do I need to know?

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• Reproduction - Females can deposit one to five eggs a day, and may lay 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime.  Under normal room temperatures and with an adequate food supply, bed bugs can live for more than 300 days.  A fully developed bed bug in the adult stage can live up to a year without a blood meal and maintain a slowed down metabolism while waiting for a host.

• Bed Bugs and Disease - It is possible that bed bugs can carry diseases, however, to date there have been no known documented cases of their transmit

• Protocol and Responsibility - Preparation sheets are available and are the protocol used in getting ready for your bed bug service.  Completion of all steps are important to ensure proper and adequate coverage so the product application can be at its most effective.  Communication and monitoring is key as well.  Now that you know you have bed bugs you will be armed with a wealth of knowledge to make the coming weeks easier as we work together towards complete control up to elimination!

• Life Cycle Chart and other pictures for a Visual Guide to identification: