There has been a 700% increase in bed bug infestations over the past few years and showing no signs of slowing down. After a 30 year vacation from bed bugs in this country, they have once again gained a foothold in society due to increased travel, improved and more targeted treatments of other pests, and the lack of public awareness and acceptance.
Bed bugs are small, flattened insects that feed only on the blood of mammals, primarily humans. Adult bed bugs are approximately ¼ inch long with reddish brown, oval, flattened bodies. They resemble ticks or young cockroaches, and are almost identical to bat bugs in appearance, and can sometimes be mistaken for these pests, thus proper identification is critical for management strategies. The nymphs (immature bed bugs) resemble the adults but are much smaller and lighter in color and therefore more difficult to locate and identify. None of the stages of bed bugs can fly, but all can move rapidly and are proficient climbers easily navigating floors, furniture, walls and ceilings. Females can only reproduce at the adult stage, but can lay up to 5 eggs a day and up to 500 in their lifetime, which can result in rapid population growth from the smallest of infestations making early detection a key component to a successful management plan. Eggs are tiny, transparent and nearly impossible to locate with the naked eye. At this time there is no chemical treatment that destroys bed bug eggs, however heat treatment is effective at killing all stages of bed bugs including eggs.
Bed bugs are unique pests that cannot be managed through typical pest control practices. It takes a true bed bug specialist and a fully integrated approach for consistent bed bug control and management.
Bed bugs are ever unwanted in households and commercial premises. Bed bugs will infest readily and if not controlled in enough time, will continue to wreck havoc reaching high level infestation which may be complex to eliminate completely….
ReplyDeleteBedbugs! These insects invade homes and wreak havoc wherever they will intentionally attack. Effective bed bug control may seem impossible when it comes to a high level stubborn infestation, but there must be light at the end of the tunnel to eliminate these small, pesky pests.
Bed bugs are tricky bugs. When they get into a home or business, they can get into hard to reach locations, not just your beds. These insects can dwell in outlets, wall voids, electronics, behind baseboards and anywhere close to resting and sleeping human sites. They can also be deep inside upholstered furniture or under rugs unsparingly. The trick to beating these hitch hiking, tricky bugs is understanding their habits and habitats.