Bug of the Month for January: Bed Bug
Unlike a lot of pests, the bed bug is not known for carrying any infectious diseases. However, they can and do bite, leaving itchy, unsightly red bumps and can cause allergic reactions.
Bed bugs are especially annoying because they are very hard to get rid of once they have made their home in your bed. So, if you think your home is being infested by bed bugs, here’s how to tell for sure and what to do about it.
What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are brown and about ¼ inch long. They are round, and if they have fed recently, they are swollen. If not, they lie flat. They have antennas and wings, but can’t fly.
Baby bed bugs are a translucent, yellow color and very hard to spot. Bed bug eggs are all but invisible to the naked eye.
What are some bed bug behaviors?
Bed bugs feed on mammals, particularly humans. They will travel a few feet in order to feed on their host. Bed bugs mostly come out at night and will sometimes leave a rusty-brown colored spot on fabric while feeding. The female bed bug can produce 200-300 offspring in her lifetime.
Where do bed bugs live?
Where there are people, you can find bed bugs. They can live in any climate a human can.
Bed bugs love to hang around furniture, in the cracks and crevices. This includes beds (hence the name), chairs, couches, and tables. They can also be found in electrical appliances and around water pipes.
How do I spot bed bug bites, and what should I do about them?
Bed bug bites are red and are sometimes itchy. There are usually multiple bite marks, most often on one side of the body.
Some symptoms of bed bug bites are allergic skin reactions, secondary infections, and even mental health problems like anxiety and insomnia.
Most of the time, bed bug bites will go away by themselves. This can usually take one week to a month, depending on the severity and if there are any allergic reactions.
If you develop a reaction, you should seek medical help immediately.
How can I get rid of bed bugs?
Bed bugs can be incredibly difficult to get rid of. There are a variety of insecticides available that can kill them, but there are other ways to control bed bugs such as vacuuming, getting rid of things they may have infested, and getting rid of clutter in your home.
Perhaps the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs is with heat. Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures higher than 145 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time. Wash your sheets on hot and then dry with heat to keep them away from your bed. You can also use a blow dryer for five minutes or so, then vacuum them away.
If you’ve tried everything and can’t get rid of the bed bugs on your own, you should call Absolute Pest Control at (615)220-1933 or click here to schedule an appointment.
To learn more about our new steam cleaning bed bug service, click here.
Source:
http://www2.epa.gov/bedbugs