Get Rid of Bed Bugs today!
Bed Bug Information
Once thought to be a thing of the past, bed bugs have made a resurgence, infecting even the nicest homes, apartments, dormitories, and hotels. These pests are carried from one place to another on clothing, luggage, furniture, and boxes, and will set up residence in a new location quickly. They have also been found in movie theaters, stores, and other public venues.
The exact cause of their increased presence is not known. However, researchers at institutions such as the University of Kentucky and the University of California have recognized that new bed bug populations are highly resistant to common pesticides. According to the Centers for Disease Control, this phenomenon paired with our upwardly mobile society and decreased local/state pest prevention programs are all contributing factors.
Bed bugs feed primarily on human blood and are capable of living for long periods of time without eating. Once an infestation occurs, it can be extremely difficult to rid a home of bed bugs. These parasites can also be mistaken for wood ticks, spider beetles, woodlice, or carpet beetles, making them hard identify and treat appropriately.
Arrow Termite Treatment Method
Aprehend® is composed of Beauveria bassiana fungal spores applied in a proprietary and patented formulation.
Aprehend® is sprayed strategically in narrow bands where bed bugs are known to walk.
Direct spray contact is not necessary. Bed bugs of all life stages, sex, or feeding status are killed within four to ten days following short-term contact with a treated surface.
The fungal spores germinate within 20 hours of contact and then penetrate the cuticle of the bed bug and colonize inside, resulting in death.
additional bed bug information
Physical Characteristics:
- Size: Adult bed bugs are typically 4-5 mm (about the size of an apple seed) in length.
- Color: They are usually reddish-brown to brown, but their color can become darker and redder after feeding.
- Body Shape: Bed bugs have a flat, oval-shaped body, which allows them to hide in cracks and crevices easily.
- Behavior and Habits:
Nocturnal: Bed bugs are primarily active at night and prefer to feed on their hosts while they are sleeping.- Feeding: They feed by piercing the skin with their specialized mouthparts, withdrawing blood. Bed bug bites can result in itchy welts on the skin.
- Hiding Places: Bed bugs are adept at hiding and tend to live near sleeping areas. They can be found in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and other furniture, as well as in electrical outlets, wall voids, and behind wallpaper.
- Reproduction: Female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs during their lifetime. The eggs are tiny, white, and hard to see without magnification. After hatching, bed bug nymphs go through several molts before reaching adulthood.
- Survival: Bed bugs can survive for several months without feeding, making them resilient pests. However, they prefer to feed regularly when hosts are available.
- Movement: Bed bugs can crawl relatively quickly but do not jump or fly. They are primarily spread from place to place by hitching rides on luggage, clothing, and personal belongings.
Signs of Bed Bug Infestations:
- Bites: Bed bug bites may appear as itchy, red welts on the skin, often in a linear or clustered pattern.
- Blood Stains: After feeding, bed bugs may leave behind small bloodstains on sheets, pillowcases, or clothing.
- Fecal Stains: Dark, rust-colored fecal stains on bedding, mattresses, or nearby surfaces are a common sign of bed bug activity.
- Molted Skins: Bed bug nymphs shed their skins as they grow, leaving behind translucent exoskeletons.
Pest Control Measures for Bed Bugs:
Bed bug infestations can be challenging to manage, and professional pest control is often necessary. Here are some steps and measures commonly used for bed bug control:
- Professional Inspection: If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional for a thorough inspection. They can confirm the infestation's extent and identify hiding spots.
- Chemical Treatments: Pest control professionals may use insecticides that are specifically formulated for bed bugs. These treatments are typically applied to infested areas and hiding spots.
- Heat Treatments: Heat treatments involve raising the temperature in infested areas to levels that are lethal to bed bugs. This approach can be effective for treating mattresses, furniture, and entire rooms.
- Vacuuming: Vacuuming can help remove live bed bugs and their eggs from infested areas. Be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and dispose of the vacuum bag properly.
- Steam Treatment: Steam can kill bed bugs and their eggs. Professionals use steam machines to treat areas like seams of mattresses and cracks and crevices.
- Mattress and Encasements: Special mattress and box spring encasements can trap bed bugs and prevent them from escaping or infesting these items further.
- Cleaning and Decluttering: Reducing clutter and maintaining a clean environment can make it easier to detect and treat bed bugs. Wash and dry bedding, clothing, and linens at high temperatures to kill any bed bugs present.
- Monitoring: After treatment, monitoring for any signs of bed bug activity is crucial to ensure the infestation has been successfully eradicated.
- Prevention: Take preventive measures to avoid future infestations, such as inspecting used furniture, regularly checking for signs of bed bugs, and being cautious when traveling.
In collaboration with Armor Termite, effective bed bug control is achievable through their professional expertise, safe treatment methods, and commitment to ensuring your home remains bed bug-free.