Bed Bug Control

Adult bed bugs are 3/16-inchs long and rusty -red or mahogany in color . It is flat and thin when unfed but becomes more elongated , plump and red when full of blood. four-segmented antennae are attached to the head between the prominent compound eyes . the three segmented beak ,or probosics,is located beneath the head and passes back between the front legs . the bed bug is incapable of flight. As the female bed bug lays her eggs ,she uses a clear substance to attach them in cracks and on rough surfaces. under ideal conditions,eggs hatch in about seven days and the nymphs molt five times., takeing a blood meal between each molt . developmental time from eggs to adults is about 21 Days . the adult can live almost one year . The bed bug hides in crack and crevices during the day ,preferring to rest on wood and paper surfaces instead of stone and plaster . It leaves these harborage areas at night to feed on its host ,which humans birds and family pets . The blood meal requires three to ten minutes and usually goes unnoticed by the victim , after feeding ,the bite site may become inflamed and itch severely in sensitive people . At PESTFREE we use only the highest grade chemicals and when treating for bed bugs it is very important that all our technicans are fully trained in the latest methods of treatment.

Protecting Your Home and Family from Bedbugs

Bed bugs are becoming a significant problem in this country and around the world.

They are easily spread and can be difficult to treat resulting in a rapid growth in the number of bed bug outbreaks.

The key to eradicating bed bugs is being familiar with the signs and dealing with the problem promptly with a professional pest control service. While there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation, Pestfree pest control recommends professional service if you discover them in your home.

The Impact of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and other mammals.

Despite their blood-feeding nature, bed bugs have not been shown to transmit any diseases. However, the fear of bed bug infestations and their bites can lead to emotional distress.

Bed bug bites do not hurt; bites may result in an itchy welt which causes discomfort and can lead to secondary infection of the bite wound due to scratching.

Treating the bites soothes the irritation, but it can still be very distressing when there are multiple bites which sometimes occur with bed bugs.

Identifying Bed Bugs

Adult bedbugs are 5mm long. Before feeding they are a flattened oval shape and light brown, but become rounder and darker Adult bed bugs are approximately 5 mm long. Before feeding they are a flattened oval shape and light brown, but become rounder and darker after feeding.

Bed bugs do not have wings, but can crawl relatively fast.

A bed bug can complete its development from an egg to and adult in as little as 1 month. A single female can potentially produce 200-500 eggs in her lifetime.

Adult bed bugs can survive approximately 1 year without feeding; immature bed bugs (nymphs) can go 3-4 months without feeding.

Bed bugs are nocturnal, lured from their hiding spots at night by the warmth of our bodies and carbon dioxide in our breath as we sleep.

They are typically found in bedrooms, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day. However, they can also be found in other places, such as the living room, where people tend to spend large amounts of time.

The most common shelters for bed bugs are in the seams of mattresses, in crevices in the bed frame, behind furniture surrounding the bed (especially the headboard) or where the wall meets the floor.

A more established infestation is associated with dark or black staining of the mattress from bed bug excrement.

Some reports suggest that an established bed bug infestation will also be associated with an unpleasant odor.

Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites are unlikely to wake the victim. They can occur anywhere on the body but are often close to blood vessels near the skin.

A single bed bug may bite more than once around the same area. However, bites in different parts of the body may indicate being bitten by several bed bugs.

Symptoms of bed bug bites vary between individuals. Early in a bed bug infestation, the victim may not yet be sensitized to the bites and therefore may not develop itchy welts.

However, small droplets of blood on the sheets may indicate the presence of bed bugs.

Sources of Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bugs usually enter a property carried on clothing, luggage or furniture.

The most common source of bed bugs is to stay at a hotel with an infestation. Bed bugs or their eggs get into clothing or suitcases and are then transported home.

It is important to check for signs of bed bugs prior to staying in your hotel room. If there are any signs of bed bugs when staying at a hotel, particularly being bitten when sleeping or seeing blood spots on sheets, take great care in bringing your personal belongings home. If you suspect bed bugs, hotel staff should be immediately notified.

Consult with hotel management to assess the risk – it may be necessary to launder, fumigate or treat clothes to ensure they are safe. We advise either placing belongings in the freezer or laundering in hot, soapy water and drying in high heat. When moving belongings that may be infested, you should place them in a large garbage bag to lessen the chance of spreading bed bugs throughout your home.

You should also inspect all furniture and mattresses that are brought into your home.

Take Care Not to Spread Bed Bugs

If your home has a bed bug infestation, please do not risk spreading it by taking clothes, suitcases or furniture to hotels or the homes of your friends and families.

Bed bugs can also migrate to adjoining rooms through wall or floor cavities. If your home has bed bugs and you live in an apartment or condominium, please be considerate to your neighbors and act promptly.

Treating Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bugs are an objectionable pest and one of the most difficult to eradicate.

Practicing good sanitation, regular cleaning, reducing clutter and the use of “do-it-yourself” insecticide products may help to reduce bed bug numbers. However professional treatment is necessary to eliminate the infestation.

PESTFREE technicians are skilled, extensively trained and experienced professionals – they are state certified, licensed pest control technicians. They understand the habits of pest species and use that knowledge to choose the proper control methods and materials and to develop an effective control program. They also have respect for you, your home, your family and your time.