What are Bed Bugs?

Bed Bugs

What does a bed bug look like? The bodies of bed bugs are small and flat with an oval shape. They have no wings. Although they have the vestiges for wings, called wing pads in adults, these do not develop fully into functional wings. Although adults are brown, their bodies become reddish after being fed. Bed bugs that are fully grown move slowly and can measure up to 4 to 5mm in length. Sometimes, homeowners mistakenly believe that bed bugs are too small for the naked eye.

What Kinds of Bed Bugs Are There?

Cimex Lectularius (Household Bed Bug)

Worldwide, the common or household bedbug ( Cimex lectularius ) can be found. These insects are able to adapt to humans and live in warm climates. Many other pests are similar to bed bugs in appearance and habits. It is usually necessary to use magnification and have experience in identifying the species.

‍

Cimex Hemipterus (Tropical Bed Bug)

What are the symptoms of Bed Bug Infestation

‍

Cimex Adjunctus (Bat Bugs)

Bat bugs (Cimex adjutus), have been seen in both tropical and temperate regions. Although they primarily feed on bats, this species can also feed on humans, particularly if their preferred food source is not available.

‍

Haematosiphon Inodora (Mexican Chicken Bug)

The Mexican chickenbug (Haematosiphon imodora), which is primarily found in North America, closely resembles the common bedroom bug. These insects prefer domestic fowl and bird species to be their hosts.

‍

‍

How can I get rid of bed bugs?

Take out infested items. Place the items in a plastic bag and then treat them. The sections below provide information on treatment options.
You can store items that are not able to be treated in a plastic bag for up to one year. This will ensure that any active bugs have died.
After each use, empty the vacuum. You can seal the bag tightly and throw it away immediately in an outdoor trash can.
If you are unable to eliminate bed bugs safely, it is best to dispose of furniture responsibly. It should be destroyed so that no one else will try to take it home. Take this example:
Remove stuffing from furniture pieces and rip covers.
Spray paint can be used to mark furniture with "Bed Bugs."
Get infested items taken to the trash collection agency as soon as you can.
If you are able to safely remove bed bugs from furniture, don't throw it away.

‍

What Alta Does To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs

Because bed bugs multiply quickly, it is important to be able to detect them early in order to prevent an infestation from growing. Our Bed Bug service protects your home and implements solutions to any bed bug problems.

Alta Pest Control is always learning about bugs. We have the most up-to-date technology and unmatched training so that we can protect your home using a bedbug treatment plan tailored to your needs. Pest Control is a science for us.

‍

Please note, the only locations we service for bed bugs are:

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

If you're needing general pest control services, please see our locations page to see if we service your area.

Bed Bug and Disease

Bed bugs can transmit diseases, but it is not known if they carry them. Some sources suggest that bed bugs are responsible for Q-fever, leprosy and oriental sores, but these cases are not well documented.

‍

Secondary infection can occur if the bites are not cleaned and disinfected properly. This could lead to swelling and bleeding. Children, the elderly and those with a suppressed immune system are more susceptible to infection. Some people who have been bitten by bedbugs have had allergic reactions, particularly if they were exposed to multiple bites.

‍

Bed bugs pose the greatest threat because of the irritation caused by bites and psychological issues that can lead to sleeplessness and stress. Because some people don't react to being bitten, bed bug bites are not usually visible for several days after they have been fed. Large wheals may appear in extreme cases. These wheals slowly shrink in size and become small, red marks.

‍

Itching from bed bug bites can lead to skin irritations, such as blister-like or swelling. Skin irritations can also be caused by other sources than bed bugs.

‍

Contact a doctor if you experience any skin reactions or bites. To get rid of bed bugs in your home, contact a professional pest control company.

‍

What is a Bed Bug's Life Cycle?

Reddish-brown, nocturnal bed bugs feed on the blood and tissues of warm-blooded animals. These wingless insects are able to hide in places such as carpets, floors, and beds thanks to their dorsoventrally flattened body.

‍

An egg is the first thing that a bedbug eats. It should be grain-like and milky white. One to five eggs are laid each day by female bed bugs. They can lay up to 500 eggs in one lifetime. Eggs can be laid in single or multiple eggs and placed in tight cracks or crevices. The egg measures approximately 1mm in length, and is roughly the same size as two grains of salt. Eggs hatch within two weeks and then immature bed bugs start to feed immediately.

‍

Nymphs

The five molts that these young bed bugs (or nymphs) go through before they reach maturity are called five molts. Although they look similar to adults, nymphs are smaller and less sexually mature than adults. Young nymphs have a yellowish-white color. Adults and older nymphs, on the other hand, are reddish brown. Each nymph needs a blood meal to successfully complete the molting stage. Nymphs become adults in five weeks at room temperature.

‍

Adults

Adult bed bugs often receive weekly meals after reaching adulthood.

‍

How Long Can They Live?

A bed bug's life span is typically between four and six months. Some bed bugs can live up to one year in cool conditions with no food.

‍

Bed Bugs In Comforters

Bed bugs hide in tight places and emerge at night to seek out hosts. Bed bugs can hide behind picture frames, in boxes, cabinets, walls, and behind books and baseboards. Bed bugs also love comforters.

‍

You can control bed bugs using a comforter by placing it in your dryer at high heat. This will kill eggs, nymphs, and adults.

‍

Protect your linens once you have eliminated all bed bugs from your bedding by wrapping them in plastic bags. Make sure you seal any openings. Avoid insecticides as they are ineffective and can leave behind stains and unpleasant odors.

‍

It is extremely difficult to eradicate bed bugs on your own. For bed bug control, contact a professional pest control company.

‍

Bed Bugs In Mattress Covers

Bed bugs prefer to live in small, protected areas where they can accumulate and are not easily noticed. Mattress covers and cracks in beds are common places where bed bugs can be found. Mattress covers, comforters, cushions, and cushioned furniture may contain bed bug fecal spots, which is the dried excrement from bed bugs. The skins of mating bed bug nymphs are shed during development and can often be found within or around infested material. If you look closely, you can often see bed bugs if they are present at the source. Bed bugs love hiding places in mattress seams and mattress covers, particularly on the underside. Additionally, the mattress, mattress covers, and other parts of a bed are close to people's homes, so bed bugs don't need to expend much energy in order to find suitable blood meals.

‍

Bed bug infestations can be treated with over-the-counter products, but they are often ineffective. While vacuuming and washing at high temperatures can provide temporary relief, it is possible that bed bugs are present in the mattress and sheets. For an assessment of a possible bed bug infestation, please contact your local pest management professional.

‍

Bed Bug Infestation Facts and Information

Bed bug infestations have nothing to do about cleanliness. They can be found in high-end hotels and can travel into homes that are clean. You can reduce the risk of expensive bed bug infestations by catching them early.

‍

The House

These tips will help you keep bed bugs away from your home.

Eliminate all clutter in your home. This will make it easier to find bed bugs.
Use the highest temperature possible to dry your bed linens.
Before you bring any second-hand furniture into your home, make sure to inspect it for bed bugs.
Don't bring furniture that has been thrown away into your home. There is a reason for it being there.
Regular inspection of your home after a move in, a trip, or when guests are staying overnight.

Consider that you might have a bed bug infestation.

If you rent, tell your property manager to contact us immediately so that they can create a custom treatment. Early detection is crucial to prevent an infestation. Bed bugs can quickly multiply so it's important to get them under control as soon as possible.

Bed Bug Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, so they are generally not considered dangerous in a health sense. However, their bites can cause discomfort, itching, and sometimes an allergic reaction in some people. In addition, the presence of bed bugs can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of sleep, which can negatively impact a person's overall well-being. Bed bug infestations can also be difficult and expensive to eliminate. Therefore, while bed bugs are not necessarily dangerous, they can certainly be a nuisance and should be dealt with promptly if found in a home or other living space.

‍

What are the symptoms of Bed Bug Infestation

The symptoms of a bed bug infestation may vary from person to person, but some common signs to look out for include:

Bites: Bed bugs feed on blood, and their bites typically appear as small, raised, red welts that may itch or burn. These bites are often clustered in groups or lines on the skin.
Bloodstains: When bed bugs are crushed or disturbed while feeding, they may leave behind small bloodstains on sheets, pillowcases, or other bedding.
Fecal stains: Bed bugs also leave behind dark, rust-colored fecal stains on bedding, furniture, or walls.
Shed skins: As bed bugs grow and molt, they shed their skins, which may be visible in the infested area.
Musty odor: Bed bugs release a musty, sweet odor that may be noticeable in severe infestations.

‍

If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it is important to contact a pest control professional to help identify and eliminate the problem.

‍

How can you get bed bugs?

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can be easily transported from one location to another. Here are some common ways that bed bugs can be introduced into a home or other living space:

Travel: Bed bugs are often found in hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments. They can hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, or other personal items and be carried back to your home.
Used Furniture: Bed bugs can also be found in used furniture, such as couches, chairs, and mattresses. If you bring home used furniture that is infested, you can unknowingly introduce bed bugs into your living space.
Visitors: Bed bugs can be introduced by visitors to your home who may have an infestation in their own home.
Public Transportation: Bed bugs can also be found on public transportation, such as buses, trains, or airplanes, and be brought into your living space on your clothing or luggage.
Shared Laundry Facilities: Bed bugs can also be found in shared laundry facilities, such as in apartment buildings or college dormitories. They can easily hitch a ride on clothing or bedding and be brought back to your living space.

‍

To reduce the risk of introducing bed bugs into your living space, it is important to inspect any used furniture or clothing before bringing them into your home, to vacuum and inspect luggage and clothing after travel, and to take other measures to prevent bed bug infestations.

‍

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Getting rid of bed bugs can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it is possible with a combination of treatment methods. Here are some steps you can take to eliminate bed bugs:

Identify the infested areas: Inspect your living space thoroughly to identify all areas where bed bugs are present. This may include beds, mattresses, furniture, baseboards, and other crevices and cracks.
Vacuum: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to vacuum up any bed bugs, eggs, or shed skins you find. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside of your home.
Wash bedding and clothing: Wash all bedding, clothing, and linens in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting to kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Use insecticides: There are a variety of insecticides available for treating bed bug infestations. Some are available over-the-counter, while others require a professional exterminator. Follow all instructions carefully and use the products as directed.
Use heat treatment: Heat treatment is an effective method for killing bed bugs and their eggs. Professional exterminators may use specialized heating equipment to raise the temperature of the infested area to a level that kills bed bugs.
Seal cracks and crevices: Seal up any cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and furniture to prevent bed bugs from hiding and breeding in these areas.
Repeat treatments: Bed bugs are resilient and may require multiple treatments to eliminate completely. Be persistent and follow up regularly with treatments until the infestation is gone.

‍

It is recommended to hire a professional exterminator for severe bed bug infestations, as they have the experience and specialized equipment to effectively eliminate the problem.

‍

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

The best way to prevent any future pest problem is to have a recurring pest service. Specifically, one that is designed to protect your home year-round; from the inside of your home to the edge of your property! Give us a call today to get a plan specific to your home's needs!

‍

How Alta Pest Control Protects Your Home From Pests

All of our treatment plans are customized to your home and yard. We do this to ensure that you get the exact coverage you need to keep your home safe. All of our technicians and inspectors are experts in their field, so you can be sure that you are getting top-tier protection.

Get A Free Estimate

Inspection

One of our expert technicians will inspect every inch of your home and business for pest activity. Then they will create a custom plan based on their findings.

Initial Service

Once your custom plan is created, we will treat your home and yard to give you immediate relief from pests. Then, we will create a boundary around your property to prevent more pests from entering.

Follow Ups

After the initial service, we will conduct regular maintenance to ensure that your pest problems remain solved. We will also conduct free inspections for problem pests, such as termites.

Alta Guarantee

When it comes to pest control, we put our money where our mouth is. If we treat your home, and you're still seeing pests, we'll come back and retreat for free. We'll always have your back.