Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) existed throughout history until World War II, when chemicals for combating them, such as fumigation with sulfur or cyanide and aerosol formulas containing D.D.T., became increasingly popular. During the 1980s and 1990s, environmental concerns prohibited using many harsh insecticides, and bed bugs reemerged as a common pest.
Young bed bugs (nymphs) initially emerge from eggs appearing colorless and measuring roughly 1/16 of an inch. After consuming a blood meal, the engorged body of a young bed bug will darken. Adult bed bugs usually measure approximately 1/4 of an inch and have a flat, oval-shaped body.
Do bed bugs have wings? Despite having small “wing pads” referred to as vestiges, bed bugs are wingless creatures with six legs that they use for crawling toward humans—typically as they sleep.
Do you recognize signs that indicate a possible bed bug infestation? Pensacola pest control experts understand how to get rid of bed bugs completely and the best ways to prevent these creatures from reentering your home in the future.
Too many property owners try do-it-yourself, store-bought treatment options that typically demonstrate ineffectiveness against anything more than a minor bed bug intrusion. Weeks or months later, many of these individuals find themselves still coping with bed bugs as new bugs emerge from eggs and continue expanding their presence.
How To Tell If You Are Dealing With A Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs in Pensacola usually lie hidden during the daytime within carpeting, clothing, bedding materials, and baseboard crevices and emerge after dark. Experts suggest that bed bugs will detect the body heat and carbon dioxide that humans emit and promptly move toward a sleeping victim. Bed bugs use a specialized mouthpart for piercing the skin and extracting a blood meal.
Among the most common signs that indicate the presence of bed bugs include:
- Bite victims may notice itchy, red patches of skin that often resemble bites from mosquitoes or other pests.
- Look for small red blood stains or dark-colored smears of their excrement on sheets and pillowcases.
- Mattress seams and bed frames may contain tiny white eggs or cracked egg shells.
- A musty odor will often develop in rooms with a significant number of bed bugs.
Can you see bed bugs on mattress covers or pillows? Seeing a live bed bug is much less likely than seeing the remnants of their presence, such as blood spots, fecal stains, or molted skin.
Are you wondering how to determine if you have bed bugs? A bed bug usually will hide during the day; therefore, contacting a licensed pest control company regarding a thorough inspection of the premises is the best way of responding when you suspect a problem with these pests.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bugs primarily live indoors near humans. Bed bugs will struggle for survival in natural, outdoor environments based on susceptibility to extreme temperatures, predators, and difficulty securing food sources.
Females often generate five to seven eggs each week and more than 200 over their lifespan.
Can bed bugs travel on dogs? Yes. Bed bugs will bite dogs and other animals. Unlike fleas, ticks, or lice, bed bugs typically feed on a human or animal for only a few minutes before retreating to a hiding spot.
Don't Bring Bed Bugs Into Your Home
Bed bugs are commonly transported among different locations unknowingly with bedding materials, clothes baskets, suitcases, or other belongings. Bed bugs act as hitchhikers that people often encounter in hotel rooms or when using forms of public transit such as trains or buses.
The Best Way To Keep Bed Bugs Out Of Your Home
The pest control experts with EnSec Pest & Lawn use various treatment options for safely expelling bed bug infestations. Contact our office today for a professional inspection.