Bed Bugs
Don't Wait! Once you discover a BED BUG problem, start immediate preparations.
Our approach is very thorough and we have a proven history of success treating bed bugs.
What are Bed Bugs?
Description: Bed bugs are oval in shape, flat bodied, and wingless. Bed bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts, called a proboscis. The proboscis is used to penetrate the skin of their prey (a warm-blooded animal) and obtain a blood meal. When not in use, the proboscis is held closely against the underside of the body. The nymphs (immature) look and behave similarly to adult bed bugs, but are smaller and sexually immature. An adult bed bug is similar in appearance/size to an apple seed.
Habitat: The common bed bug (Cimex Iectularius L.) is often found in seams, tufts, folds, and coverings of furniture, particularly beds and sofas. In locations with large bed bug infestations, the insects may also be found in windows and doorframes, behind pictures and posters on walls, and in cracks of wall plaster. Bed bugs can be transported from one location to another in clothing, baggage, and second-hand items, including bedding and furniture.
Life Cycle: Female bed bugs can lay several hundred eggs within their lifetime. Eggs are laid either singly or in clusters in cracks or crevices were adults hide. Eggs hatch, depending on the environmental temperature, in six to 28 days. Immature bed bugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis to become adults. Incomplete metamorphosis is a type of development wherein the immature looks like a small adult and must shed its skin several times to grow to an adult size and become sexually mature. In order for nymphs to molt from one stage to another, they must obtain a blood meal. After reaching adulthood, bed bugs feed about once a week. The life span of a bed bug is usually between four to six months.
Type of Damage: Bed bugs are mainly a nuisance pest. Their excrement may, however, stain carpets, walls, and furniture.
Health Risk: Bed bug bites can produce, due to an allergic reaction, an itching or stinging welt (known as a wheal) at the site of the bite. Bed bugs normally feed during evening hours while their host is sleeping and unaware. The act of the bite may be painless and go unnoticed; however, the resulting inflammation may last for several days to more than a week. In some rare cases, individual humans may experience a severe allergic reaction to the proteins found in the saliva of the bed bug. In chronic infestations, children may be susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. It is generally accepted that bed bugs are not vectors of human disease.
Bed-Bug Treatment Overview
Preparation
Preparation is essential to ensure a thorough treatment. All bedding should be removed from mattress(es) and washed/dried thoroughly according to label. All drawers in bedroom should be emptied and clothing washed as well. Please be sure that floors are free of obstructions especially toys and pet dishes. Please pull furniture 6-12" from the wall if possible. Residents should thoroughly vacuum the seams of all affected furniture before and regularly after treatment.
Early in an infestation bed bugs are found in the seams and folds of mattresses and box springs. In more established infestations they may spread to cracks/crevices in furniture, baseboards, window and door casings, loosened wallpaper, molding, carpet edges, curtain rods, cracks in plaster, etc.
- Treatment
- A Non-Repellent, residual insecticide will be applied to all folds and seams mattresses, inside/along seams of box springs, furniture, and baseboards where infestations are active. A residual dust may be applied to electrical outlets.
- A fast-acting synergized Aerosol is also applied for a quick knockdown of adult bugs and is one of the only products shown to eliminate bedbug eggs. The fine particles allow for penetration deep into the crevices where bed bugs hide, with residual action.
- Non-Chemical monitoring devices (I.P.M.) may also be used such as Interceptor Cups or Glue traps.
* Products to be potentially applied: Phantom SC, Bedlam Plus Aerosol, Drione Dust (Voids). No one is to enter the treated area for a minimum of four hours following the treatment. Do not touch any treated surfaces until dry.
- Following the Treatment
- A slight odor may be present following application. Please open windows upon entering to encourage ventilation and replace any disabled smoke detectors.
- Residents must purchase Bed Bug proof mattress covers that zip closed for all treated mattresses. This will encase any remaining bugs and minimize your exposure to the insecticides and/or bites. Can be found online at www.protectabed.com or we will order for additional charge).
- Be sure to vacuum often, focusing on baseboards and upholstered furniture as well as mattress folds and seams. Don't forget to clean your vacuum! It can be an ideal place for bed bugs to lay their eggs. A mild bleach solution works well in canister style containers.
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