BED BUGS

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that have been a persistent problem in New York State and many other parts of the world. These small, blood-feeding insects can cause significant distress to humans, both physically and emotionally. On this webpage, we will educate you on various aspects of bed bugs, including their identification, potential risks to human health, causes of infestations, common harborage areas, methods of eradication, and preventive measures to avoid future infestations.

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are flat, oval-shaped insects that are about the size of an apple seed. They are typically reddish-brown in color, although they can appear darker after feeding on blood. Bed bugs are wingless and unable to fly or jump, but they are skilled at crawling and can easily move from one location to another. Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal creatures that feed on the blood of humans and animals, usually while they are asleep.

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause a range of health risks and psychological impacts. Bed bug bites can result in skin irritation, redness, itching, and swelling. In some cases, they can also cause allergic reactions, leading to more severe symptoms such as blisters, hives, or even anaphylaxis in rare cases. Additionally, bed bug infestations can cause psychological distress, including anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances, as the affected individuals may experience significant discomfort and sleep deprivation.

Why Do I Have a Bed Bug Infestation?

Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to hitchhike and spread rapidly. Infestations can occur in various ways, including:

Travel: Bed bugs can easily travel on luggage, clothing, or personal belongings, making hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities common sites for bed bug infestations. When travelers stay in infested accommodations or bring infested belongings back home, it can lead to the introduction of bed bugs into a new environment.
Used Furniture or Clothing: Bed bugs can also be introduced into homes through used furniture, clothing, or other second-hand items. Purchasing or acquiring used items without proper inspection can lead to the introduction of bed bugs into a home or other settings.
Shared Living Spaces: Bed bugs can move between units in multi-unit buildings, such as apartments or dormitories, through shared walls, pipes, or electrical conduits. If one unit is infested, bed bugs can easily migrate to adjacent units and cause a widespread infestation.

Where Will I Find Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are known to harbor in various areas, particularly those that provide them with access to human blood for feeding. Common harborage areas for bed bugs include:

Beds and Bedding: Bed bugs are usually found near sleeping areas, such as mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. They can also hide in crevices of bedding, sheets, and pillowcases.
Furniture: Bed bugs can also infest other furniture, such as sofas, chairs, and recliners, especially if they are used for extended periods of time or have crevices or gaps where bed bugs can hide.
Luggage and Personal Belongings: Bed bugs can easily hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings, allowing them to spread to new locations.

How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Eradicating bed bugs can be a challenging process that often requires a combination of professional pest control methods and diligent efforts on the part of the affected individuals. Here are some common steps to follow when attempting to get rid of bed bugs:

Identify the Infested Areas: Thoroughly inspect all areas where bed bugs are suspected to be harboring, such as beds, bedding, furniture, walls, and floors. Look for live bugs, molted skins, fecal stains, and eggs, which are signs of a bed bug infestation.
Vacuuming: Vacuum all infested areas and adjacent areas, including cracks, crevices, and seams of mattresses, furniture, baseboards, and carpets. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture any bed bugs or eggs that may be missed.
Launder and Dry Clothing and Bedding: Wash all clothing, bedding, and other washable items that may have come into contact with bed bugs in hot water (120°F or higher) and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Steam Treatment: Steam treatment can be effective in killing bed bugs and their eggs on surfaces that cannot be laundered, such as mattresses, box springs, and furniture. Use a steamer with a temperature of at least 160°F to treat infested areas thoroughly.
Mattress Encasements: Consider using bed bug-proof mattress encasements to trap any remaining bed bugs and prevent them from infesting the mattress further.
Professional Pest Control Services: If the infestation is severe or persistent, the only solution may be to hire a professional pest control company that has experience in dealing with bed bugs. We can provide specialized treatments, such as heat treatment or fumigation, to eliminate bed bugs more effectively.

How Can I Prevent Bed Bug Infestations in the Future?

Preventing bed bug infestations is challenging, but there are several measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of infestation:

Inspect Used Furniture and Clothing: When acquiring used furniture, clothing, or other items, thoroughly inspect them for any signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home. Look for live bugs, molted skins, fecal stains, and eggs, which are signs of a bed bug infestation. If any signs of bed bugs are found, do not bring the items into your home.
Be Cautious While Traveling: When staying in hotels, motels, or other lodging facilities, inspect the room for signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, molted skins, or fecal stains. Avoid placing luggage or personal belongings on beds or upholstered furniture, and use luggage racks or other elevated surfaces instead. Upon returning from a trip, carefully inspect your luggage and belongings before bringing them into your home.
Seal Cracks and Crevices: Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture to minimize hiding places for bed bugs. Pay close attention to areas around baseboards, electrical outlets, and pipes. Use caulk or sealant to close any gaps or openings that may serve as entry points for bed bugs.
Regularly Launder and Dry Bedding: Wash and dry bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers, on high heat regularly to kill any potential bed bugs or eggs. Avoid leaving dirty laundry on the floor or in piles, as bed bugs can hide in clothing and linens.
Vacuum Regularly: Regularly vacuum your home, paying special attention to areas where bed bugs are known to hide, such as mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and furniture. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture any bed bugs or eggs that may be missed. Remember to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister in a sealed plastic bag outside of your home to prevent bed bugs from re-infesting.
Use Bed Bug-Proof Mattress Encasements: Consider using bed bug-proof mattress encasements to trap any potential bed bugs and prevent them from infesting the mattress further. These encasements create a barrier that bed bugs cannot penetrate, reducing their hiding places and making it easier to detect and eliminate them.
Be Wary of Second-hand Items: Avoid bringing in second-hand items, especially furniture, without thoroughly inspecting them for signs of bed bugs. If you do acquire second-hand items, treat them with caution and take preventive measures, such as steam treatment or insecticide application, to eliminate any potential bed bugs.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about bed bug infestations and their prevention strategies. Learn to identify the signs of bed bugs and understand their behavior and habits. Stay updated on our blog, where local bed bug outbreaks will be shared and take appropriate precautions.

Bed bugs are a persistent and challenging pest to control. However, with proactive measures and diligence, it is possible to prevent bed bug infestations in your home. Regular inspections, cleanliness, sealing cracks and crevices, and using bed bug-proof mattress encasements are some effective preventive measures. But despite the best preventative actions, occasionally infestations are unavoidable. Contact Professional Pest Control Services to resolve any outbreaks you may experience, guaranteed.

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