Bed Bugs

What Is A Bed Bug? 

Bed bugs are also known as cimex lectularius and are ectoparasites, which means that they strictly feed on blood. Combine this with the fact that they commonly take up residence in the mattress or around their hosts, and it is easy to understand why they are referred to as bed bugs. Their small size and innate ability to hide make them even more difficult to eliminate. They are usually extremely small only measuring in at about 3/16 of an inch. They are also flat with a somewhat broadly oval body shape. Unfortunately, knowing their body shape isn’t enough. It’s just the beginning. When dealing with a parasite like bed bugs, there are tons of other things that one must be aware of. To start, you need to understand why they are invading your home or building.

Why Do I Have Bed Bugs?

If you are asking yourself this question, likely, it’s already too late for containment. The best thing you can do now is hope that you can clear up the problem. Of course, you’ll be able to with the assistance of a pest management professional, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be expensive or a time-consuming journey. That being said, you’ll still need to understand why bed bugs are in the home if you want to prevent future infestations. It might even be necessary to eliminate the problem now.

First, bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, meaning they can hitch onto luggage, clothing, or any other belongings and ride them into the home. This is why a lot of infestations today are being linked to domestic and international travel. This can be particularly bad for hotels, motels, and apartment buildings where the turnover rate for occupants is extremely high and constant. Sometimes bed bug infestations can also be inadvertent. This usually happens when someone inadvertently brings an infected piece of furniture or clothing into the home. 

This should make you think twice about buying used. What makes matters even worse for people that live in apartments or condos is, these critters can travel between units. After being brought in and being introduced into any space they can venture of and reproduce in neighboring buildings. They usually travel through voids in the walls or holes where wires and pipes protrude. You’d be surprised at some of the small spaces they can stuff their bodies through. All in all, a bed bug infestation might not even be the result of something you’ve done wrong. Maybe you’re neighbor brought in an infected piece of furniture and you are now paying the consequences.

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous To My Family?

Bed bugs possess the unique ability to fee on any warm-blooded animal, but they have a distinct taste for human blood. Given this, they are not known to transmit diseases. While they may not pose a physical threat to people in infected homes, they do pose a mental threat. Bed bug bites can become red, itchy welts, but they won’t likely turn into anything more than an itch, similar to that of a mosquito bite. That being said, these insects can have an adverse negative mental effect on some individuals. Some individuals grow so scared and paranoid or sleeping in a room infested with bed bugs that they can’t sleep for days after the infestation has been cleared up.

For some, sleeping in an infected room is never the same again. Whatever the situation is, there is no denying that bed bugs can be a problem. Not only mentally, but they can wreak havoc on your structure.

Getting Rid Of Bud Bugs

Bed bugs are extremely elusive. Combine this with thee quick wits, and it makes them one of the worst insects in the world to eradicate. They can be easily overlooked because of their small size. This is why a lot of Louisville pest management professionals are now using dogs for detection. Dogs that have been specifically trained to sniff out the insect. This allows for more accurate and quicker detection. Also, because of the resiliency and elusive nature, many pest management professionals started offering follow-up treatments with their services. This just allows them to ensure that they have eliminated your issue.

Here’s what you need to know about the bed bug treatments available today.

Manual Services:

• This involves immediate treatment for selected areas within a structure or home
• Some treatments will require extensive preparation by the residents
• Some treatments today can be accomplished without the utilization of hazardous chemicals

Heat Treatment Services:

• Heat has proven extremely effective over the years and is an excellent option in cluttered areas. This is because heat penetrates behind walls and into other areas of a structure where steam or chemicals cannot reach
• With this treatment, less extensive preparation is required by the residents. In addition to this, residents can return to the home or structure after treatment
• This particular treatment is completely chemical-free

Fumigation Services:

• This is a treatment option best for large infestation spread throughout multiple structures (Apartment complexes or condos)
• While there is little that the resident has to do to prepare for treatment, they are usually required to evacuate the premises from nearly 2 to 3 days
• Heavy chemicals are used during the process (Sukfuryl Fluoride)

Is DIY Treatment Available?

If you look on the Internet, you’ll see that there are tons of DIY bed bug treatments available. And, you might even experience some success with the various treatments available. However, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll eliminate your problem with DIY solutions. Bed bugs are complex creatures and their eradication is even more complex. This is because it just takes the survival of a single bug. A single bug can sneak off, survive, get back into the building via a familiar route, and reproduce. If this happens, you’ll be looking at a full-blown infestation again in no time at all.

This is why it is always best to just deal with a pest management professional. These professionals have extensive knowledge and experience when dealing with such situations. They’ll not only know the most effective ways to proceed, but they’ll know the most cost-effective for you.

Are Treatments Safe?

There was a time when chemicals were the only solution for dealing with bed bugs. As you can see, that is no longer the case. There are now all kinds of treatments available for dealing with bed bugs. Treatments like heat and steam can be extremely effective and just as safe. Most of the time, you only have to worry about sensitive items or furniture in the home. As long as these items are removed and the home is evacuated, you’ll have nothing to worry about. A lot of Louisville pest management professionals utilize natural products and baits when dealing with bed bugs today.

How Much Will Treatment Cost?

Unfortunately, it can be hard to give an upfront price on bed bug treatment. This is because there are so many different options available. What makes the entire situation even more troubling is, not every solution is suitable in every situation. Heat treatment might be a suitable solution for you, whereas it’s not applicable for your neighbor. In addition to all this, each provider is different. Some will charge more for these services.

Prevention Of Bed Bugs

The best way to deal with bed bugs is by preventing them from entering the premises in the first place. However, this is much harder than it might seem. It takes knowledge along with an innate understanding of the critter to prevent future infestations. You have to know likely hiding spots as well as what features are drawing the critter to the premises.

When Will Help Arrive?

Most Louisville pest management professionals stay busy all year round. However, they are also pretty diligent and dedicated when it comes to dealing with the residents. This is why you can expect most professionals to show up at least 24 to 48 hours after making initial contact.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.