What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are a type of nocturnal, parasitic pest that feed on the blood of mammals, and unlucky for us, humans are their favorite hosts. Bed bugs cannot jump or fly, but can crawl very effectively through homes and public places. They are found everywhere there are large amounts of people. High-end hotels, budget motels, libraries, airports, movie theaters, apartment buildings, and shopping centers are all examples of where bed bugs can be found hitchhiking their way onto a new host, and into a new home.

Adult bed bugs are about 3/16th of an inch in length and are a flat-oval shape. They are brownish-red in color, and will turn redder in color after a blood meal. Their eggs are small, only about 1mm in size and are whitish in color. Bed bug nymphs are no larger than a pinhead and both nymphs and eggs are very difficult to see with the naked eye.

bed bug on a person stomach

What are the dangers of bed bugs?

Bed bugs are not particularly dangerous as they are not known to carry or spread diseases that affect humans. Bed bug bites can cause itchy red welts to form in lines or clusters on the skin of some, but not all people. If these bites are scratched open, an infection may occur that requires medical attention.

How can I get rid of bed bugs?

The best way to eliminate a bed bug infestation from your home is to contact a professional. Bed bugs are very difficult to get rid of, and do-it-yourself treatments are not effective.

At Schendel, we use safe, effective, non-invasive methods to eliminate all bed bugs, their eggs and nymphs from your home as quickly as possible. For more information about Schendel’s bed bug heat treatment services, contact us today.

Are there ways to prevent a bed bug infestation?

Because bed bugs have made such a large comeback and are found in such a large variety of places, preventing them can be a very difficult task. However, there are some precautions that you can take to help lower your chances of them invading your home. Bed bug prevention tips include:

When traveling, inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bugs- small spots of blood or brown droppings on mattresses or linens, piles of exoskeletons that nymphs shed as they grow, or finding adults in the cracks and crevices of floors, walls, mattresses and box springs.
Keep suitcases, purses, bags, and coats up off of the floor of hotels and other public places.
If possible, try not to purchase used furniture or clothing. If it is necessary to buy used items make sure to thoroughly wash and clean the items before use.
When returning home from a trip, immediately wash all clothing in hot water and place in the dryer. Vacuum and clean all suitcases before putting them away.

Despite taking precautions, it is still very possible to find yourself with a bed bug infestation. At the first sign of bed bugs in your home, contact Schendel Pest Services.