What are Bed Bugs?

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals, typically during the night. They are oval-shaped, flat, and wingless, making them excellent at hiding in tight spaces. Adults are brown but turn reddish after feeding. Though small, bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, growing up to 4–5 mm in length. They are not a sign of uncleanliness and can infest even the cleanest homes. Bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers, often entering homes through luggage, used furniture, or clothing.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Identifying Bed Bugs and Their Hiding Spots

Bed bugs are most active at night and prefer to hide in areas close to their hosts during the day. Common bed bug hiding places include mattress seams, box springs, headboards, cracks in furniture, and baseboards. They may also be found behind picture frames or inside electrical outlets. Their ability to squeeze into tiny spaces makes them difficult to detect without close inspection.

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The Life Cycle of Bed Bugs

A bed bug’s life begins as an egg, which is grain-like and white. Females lay 1–5 eggs daily, depositing them in cracks, crevices, or seams. The eggs hatch in about 6–10 days, releasing nymphs that immediately seek a blood meal to grow.

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Nymphs go through five stages of molting before reaching adulthood, a process that takes approximately 4–6 weeks under ideal conditions. Adult bed bugs feed weekly and can live for several months, even up to a year, if food is scarce.

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Recognizing an Infestation

Early detection is key to preventing a widespread infestation. Signs of bed bugs include:

Red, itchy bites on exposed skin, often in clusters or lines.
Small, dark stains (fecal spots) on bedding or furniture.
Shed skins left behind as nymphs grow.
Live bugs hiding in cracks, crevices, or fabric seams.

Inspect areas around the bed and other furniture closely if you suspect their presence.

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Myths About Bed Bugs

There are several misconceptions about bed bugs. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not too small to see; adults are visible to the naked eye. Another myth is that they only infest dirty homes. In reality, bed bugs are attracted to warmth and blood, not dirt, and can be found in even the most well-kept homes. While their bites can cause irritation and allergic reactions, there is no conclusive evidence that bed bugs spread diseases.

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Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Eliminating bed bugs is a challenging task that often requires professional intervention. Start by washing and drying all infested bedding and clothing on the highest heat setting. Vacuum furniture, carpets, and crevices thoroughly, and seal the vacuum bag before disposing of it in an outdoor trash bin.

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Using protective covers on mattresses and box springs can trap bed bugs and prevent new infestations. However, these steps alone may not be enough for severe cases. Professional pest control ensures complete eradication with targeted treatments tailored to your specific needs.

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Preventing Bed Bugs

Preventing bed bug infestations involves a combination of vigilance and proactive measures. Inspect second-hand furniture and clothing before bringing them into your home. After traveling, wash and dry clothes and bedding immediately, and check your luggage for signs of pests. Decluttering your home can also help reduce potential hiding spots.

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How Alta Pest Control Can Help

At Alta Pest Control, we offer specialized bed bug treatments designed to eliminate infestations and prevent their return. Our process begins with a thorough inspection to identify the severity of the problem. We then implement a customized treatment plan using environmentally friendly products that are child- and pet-friendly.

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We proudly serve the following locations for bed bugs:

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Bed bug infestations can be stressful, but with our proven methods and expertise, you can regain your peace of mind. Contact us today for professional bed bug control and a bed bug-free home.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.