What is a Bed Bug?

Bed bugs are not just something from children’s rhymes.  They are nasty little nocturnal critters that steal blood while you slumber.  Though these nasty little insects suggest filthy living conditions, despite that is helpful their attempt to hide, even the most pristinely kept homes can have a bed bug infestation.  Considering that, many people have questions concerning bed bugs, and today we at Eagle Pest Services have answered the more commonly asked questions.

Bed Bug FAQs

Q: How do you identify bed bugs?

A: Bed bugs, formally belonging to the Cimicidae family, are oval, flat, and brown or reddish brown, but engorged after feeding. Bed bugs are fairly tiny, which are roughly the side of an apple seed by adulthood. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects.   These nasty little critters feed on warm-blooded hosts, favoring human blood.  Bed bugs are one of the most adaptable insects around which can flourish in nearly any setting.

Q: Where can bed bugs be found?

A: Bed bugs are virtually anywhere, the more places that the public traverses the increase risk of running into them.  Infested furniture in hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments along with second hand clothing or furniture places, medical facilities, and other public domains can easily stow away on your clothing or luggage, introducing the infestation into your home.

Q: What are bed bugs feeding patterns?

A: Bed bugs feed primarily on humans, but any warm blooded animal will do if humans are not close by.  When the bed bug feeds, it injects two hollow tubes into the skin. One tube injects an anti-coagulant anesthetic to keep the blood flowing and the other tube is used to suck the blood. All this takes approximately five minutes and then the bed bug retreats to its safe place.

Q: Can bed bug bites cause health problems?

A: Bed bugs have not been linked to any known health risks, and the initial bed bug bite itself is generally unfelt. After a few hours, however, the bite mark will start to swell and itch. In some cases, people may show allergic reactions, and depending on the severity depends on the symptoms that arise.

Q: Can you make bed bug bites stop itching?

A: An effective remedy is anti-itch cream.

Q: What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?

A: Red flags of a bed bug infestation include; pungent and musky odors, small red blood stains on the sheets, rusty colored spots (fecal matter), bedbug bites, shed bedbug skin, and the bedbugs themselves.

Q:  Where should I look for bed bugs in my house?

A: Small infestations typically stick close to the bed; search the headboard, frame, mattress in all the seams, bedding, and box spring. They will also hide in surrounding furniture, behind peeling paint, wooden floorboards, and anywhere that can easily conceal them. In most cases bedbugs are in small areas within 10-20 feet of where you sleep.

Q:  Is there anything I should know if I have a bed bug infestation?

A: If you suspect bedbugs, avoid bringing anything in or out as bed bugs can travel easily. Do not change sleeping arrangements; bed bugs will follow you to the new location and spread out their numbers into the next room.

Bed Bug Inspections & Treatment

If you believe your home is infested with bed bugs, contact Eagle Pest Control today and let our trained experts begin the eviction process.