Bed Bugs Frequently Asked Questions

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny oval insects that mainly feed on the blood of humans and animals. These insects are brownish to red, and they do not have wings. Their mode of ambulation is their legs, and they can walk for quite a distance. Their prominent description is that they are excellent hitchhikers. They can stow away into a person’s luggage, clothes, and anything they can hitch a ride on. Thus making them very efficient pests because they can travel with ease. They can move quickly along floors, carpets, walls, wood frames, and towards the ceiling. 

The female can lay up to 600 eggs in a single lifetime. All they do and can do is feed, sleep, mate, and multiply as long as there is a favorable host around. 

Where do they come from?

Bed bugs were discovered in the Ancient Roman period when they infested households and spread throughout Asia and Europe. They made their way to America through ships and boats.

Where do they hide?

Their favorite refuge is cracks, crevices, drawers, shelves, and even books. They will find perfect shelters as long as they are close to their host. They have been found underneath the bed, mattresses, and carpets inside the bedroom. Their small bodies allow them to squeeze into tiny spaces. They do not make nests or form a colony like other insects. They will have an easy life if they have access to their hosts.

Do they bite?

Yes, they do. Their primary source of food is your blood. They feed on you by drawing blood from you using their long beak. They are mainly inactive during the day so the chances of spotting one when the sun is out are slim. That is why they are nocturnal feeders. They do not want you to disturb their feeding time.

Does their bite hurt?

Initially, their bite does not hurt because they inject a specific hormone on the site. The painless bite afterward becomes itchy. They feed on your blood until they are complete, then hurry home to their holes unnoticed. It takes them 4-5 days until they provide again.

Do they spread diseases?

Bed bugs have not been known to spread diseases but their bite can be very itchy. Depending on the person bitten, the edges then become small blisters and, when scratched, may cause specific allergies and infections. However, there have been reports that their bites can cause fatigue and fever.

How to treat bites?

Using creams and lotions to stop the itching may help. Antiseptics and over-the-counter medication are also helpful.

What are the signs and symptoms of an infestation?

• The first signs of an infestation are the bite marks. But you should not be confused with the other insects’ bites. Remarkably, the bed bugs’ bite forms a pattern – they may be linear or clustered. 
• Blood stains on your bed and pillows also can be identified as a bed bug infestation.
• A specific musty odor from their scent glands is very noticeable.
• Bed bug fecal material, egg shells, and even shed skins can be found around your bed or in places where they hide.
• And, of course, if you spot one or two-bed bugs, it is time for an intervention.

How do we eliminate them?

• First and foremost, you have to identify if there is a bed bug infestation. Confirm their presence by making a checklist of the signs and symptoms. By then, you can determine and prepare the steps to eliminate them. Check your surroundings, in and out of your bedroom. Especially the bed. Look for bed bug evidence inside books, bedside tables, and electrical cables. 
• Clean your bedding, linens, and all cloth material inside the bedroom. Immerse them in hot water or place them inside a heater. You can also do so if the other items can be placed inside the heater.
• Heat treatment is one of the primary control solutions to get rid of bed bugs. Bed bug heat treatment is widely used in Sacramento CA.
• Vacuum your mattress and the surrounding frame and area. Dispose appropriately of the vacuum cleaner bag outside your house.
• Check and clean your bed frame and fix cracks and crevices with glue. 
• Declutter and throw away garbage

How do you get infested?

Bed bugs can come from a variety of sources. Always check around your area and neighbors to see if they also have bed bug problems. Bringing in things and objects, especially second-hand items, can be a suitable bedbug mode of transport. They can hitchhike rides in clothes, bags, furniture, and other animate objects. They easily travel from one room to another, especially in hotels and apartments. Always remember to clean your things before entering your home after crossing. Inspect the furniture you bring in, especially sofas and pillows.

Once they arrive in their new surroundings, their first task is to find a hiding place and a favorable host. Their primary purpose in life is to feed and multiply. It won’t take much time before they have increased their numbers.

Should you use pesticides?

Unless the pesticides are rated that reviews and companies back up their effectiveness, yes. They may not be effective because bed bugs have already acquired immunity against specific chemicals. Just remember to wear safety equipment while using these chemicals. Remember to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions on the pesticide’s literature print. US EPA Registration numbers control bed bug home treatment using pesticides on their brands.

Do you need a professional exterminator?

Hiring a pest control company also needs consideration. Always make sure that they have extensive experience when dealing with bedbugs. Not only having expertise, check the background of the company if it is registered and has a license to back up their claims

The key things to remember when eliminating bed bugs are time, consistency, and persistence. It may be time-consuming and exhausting, not to mention costly. To save time and effort, always remember that bed bugs are more convenient than a health hazard. Proper techniques to control and vigilance can keep you free from these bloodsucker infestations.