Bed Bugs

What to look for:

Bed bugs tend to live in clusters similar to German cockroaches. Adult bed bugs generally travel 15 to 20 feet, or less, from their harbor age sites.

Common bed bugs feed on human blood just below the surface of the skin with their piercing sucking mouth parts. Those bitten by a bed bug may develop small, white to red, hard welts at the bite site. These bites itch intensely. Bed bugs have an odor that is pronounced and in severe infestations has been described as an "obnoxious sweetness".

Bed bugs feed exclusively at night. They take approximately three to five minutes to engorge on blood. Once feeding is complete, they return to their harbor area. Feedings take place every few days and nymphs require approximately six blood meals for complete development.

Habitual harbor area sites are marked by brown or black spots of dried blood on surfaces where bugs nest. Bed bugs are found in all types of dwellings and transportation vehicles including single family homes, apartments, public housing, hotels and motels, movie theaters, buses and trains. Within these environments, harbor areas include:
> Tufts, seams, and buttons on mattresses
>Box springs
>Bed frames covers
>Couches and chairs
>Window and door moldings
>Behind wall paper and pictures
>Wall paneling
>Cracks in hardwood flooring
>Under carpet along wells
> Wall voids behind switch plates and outlets
>Luggage

Why the increase of infestation:

No one know why bed bugs are becoming more common, but is seems reasonable what one or more of the following
conditions may contribute to the infestation.

People are traveling more which increases the likelihood of transporting bed bugs from infested to uninfected areas.

The United States is experiencing a tremendous amount of travel from parts of the world where bed bug infestations
are common. Some of the travelers may bring bed bugs with them. (Just as the original North American infestations
were started).

Reduced use of residual insecticides in buildings, surface applications of broad-spectrum residual insecticides are no
longer used indoors which permits bed bug infestations were started.

Ineffective treatments. PMPs unfamiliar with bed bugs and their biology may be using inadequate treatments. As a
result, infestations survive and spread. Be sure you call a experienced professional.

What can you do to stop the spread of Bed Bugs::

Inspect any used furniture before moving into your home.

Inspect any used clothing given to you or purchased. (Recommend any of these items suitable for drying to do so at
high temperatures.

When staying in hotels, motel or with friends inspect the area such as hangers, luggage stool or dressers, headboards,
mattresses and covers for live infestation. Keep clothing in suitcase, (don't unpack) inspect before bringing back into
your home.

Call us: 385-7125 or 1-800-654-8870. We can help!