APC Pest Library Bed Bugs
Bed Bugs Facts & Treatment Options
Bed bugs are small parasites and 15 species are native to North America. They feed on blood and are often found in groups. The name “Bed Bug” is derived from a preferred hiding place for these pests: in mattresses, bedding, and other sleep areas. While bed bugs are not exclusively nocturnal, they are most commonly active at night, and hide during the day. They can multiply extremely fast.
What You Can Do
Treatment Options for Bed Bugs
Reduce clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs. Vacuum frequently to remove any successful hitchhikers. Be vigilant when using shared laundry facilities. Regularly wash and heat-dry your bed sheets, blankets, bedspreads and any clothing that touches the floor. This reduces the number of bed bugs. Bed bugs and their eggs can hide in laundry containers/hampers. Remember to clean them when you do the laundry.
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Affordable Pest Control Bed Bugs Treatment
Affordable Pest Control specifically treats for these types of pests and will work with you to make sure you and your family are protected. We recommend chemical treatments or thermal (heat) remediation to treat a bed bug infestation.
Thermal remediation is often the preferred treatment for smaller homes and apartment buildings because it requires less prep and is a chemical-free alternative. Chemical treatment may be required for larger homes or properties that are experiencing a bed bug infestation. It requires more preparation, but may be necessary in particular situations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bed bugs can be brought into your home or business through a variety of ways, including:
- Travel: Bed bugs can be easily transported in luggage or clothing when traveling, especially if you stay in hotels or other accommodations where bed bugs may be present.
- Secondhand furniture: Bed bugs can also be introduced into your home or business through secondhand furniture or other items that have been infested.
- Visitors: Visitors to your home or business who have been in contact with bed bugs can also bring them in on their clothing or belongings.
- Public spaces: Bed bugs can be found in public spaces such as movie theaters, public transportation, and other high-traffic areas.
- Neighbors: Bed bugs can also be spread through shared walls or other common areas in multi-unit dwellings.
Once bed bugs are introduced into your home or business, they can quickly spread and infest multiple areas. It’s important to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of bed bug infestations, such as inspecting secondhand furniture before bringing it into your home or business and regularly inspecting for signs of bed bugs. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service as soon as possible to eliminate the infestation and prevent further spread.
Bed bug bites can be similar in appearance to other insect bites, so it can be difficult to identify them based on bites alone. However, there are some common signs of bed bug bites that can help identify them:
- Red, itchy welts: Bed bug bites often appear as red, itchy welts on the skin. They can be small and round or large and raised.
- Linear or clustered pattern: Bed bug bites often appear in a linear or clustered pattern, as the bugs tend to bite multiple times in one area.
- Bites on exposed skin: Bed bugs are often attracted to exposed skin, so bites may be more common on areas such as the face, neck, arms, and hands.
- Bites in bed: Bed bug bites often occur while you’re sleeping, so if you wake up with itchy welts, it’s possible that bed bugs are present in your home.
It’s important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, so you may not see any physical signs of bites even if you are being bitten. If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home or business, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service to inspect and treat the area.