This page will show you what bed bugs look like and how to find them. 888-269-6210 - Rating: 5.0 Stars -- 11004 Bedbug reviews
Overview: Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be a huge problem in homes and contrary to their name, they do not only hide in beds. They are small, oval shaped bugs that feed on human and animal blood. They have a short lifespan, but they mate a lot during their lifetime, so infestations can be major.
Although more severe reactions can happen, a bed bug bite is not super harmful to humans. Getting rid of bed bugs is a complicated process, so it is important to take the time to use the prevention tips listed below. You can also take a look at our Bed Bug Tips page that has some "Do's and Don't's" for you to consider. But if there are signs of an infestation, call Bed Bugs Inc. immediately, so a trained professional can handle the issue for you.
Bed Bug Appearance and Life-cycle:
Adult bed bugs are small, flat, and oval shaped. They are brownish in color, but after feeding their bodies will swell up and become a reddish color.
The eggs are like grain with a milky white color. Females lay 1-5 eggs a day and can lay up to 500 in their lifetime. The eggs can be alone or put in groups in cracks and crevices. It takes 2 weeks for them to hatch.
The nymphs are smaller than adults and yellow/white in color. They must go through 5 molting stages before reaching adulthood. To complete each stage, the nymph must feed. In normal conditions, it takes 5 weeks for a nymph to become an adult.
Bed Bug Habitat and Behavior:
Bed bugs initially hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames and head boards, because it gives them easy access to their food source at night. But they will also hide behind base boards, under wallpaper, and in clutter around the bed. Their flat bodies make it easy to hide.
They are more common in places where people frequently come and go, like hotels, dorms and apartments. They can enter the home by hitchhiking in purses and luggage.
They do not nest, but they do live in groups. Although they cannot fly, they move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings.
Bed Bug Bites Identification:
Not everyone is allergic to bed bug bites, but for those who are they produce a red, itchy bump as seen in this picture.
Bite marks don't always appear the same day they happen and in some cases may not appear for one or two days after the bite occurs.
Usually bed bug bites appear in a short line or small cluster. Occasionally they may appear by themselves with no other bites around them.
If you aren't sure if you have bed bug bites consult a qualified medical professional to help you identify the bite mark. Then call the professionals at Bed Bugs Inc. to help you get rid of those nasty little pests.
Bed Bug Prevention:
If your home does become infested, there are a few things you can do to help get rid of them, but keep in mind it won’t completely rid your home of bed bugs. It is best to call a professional for treatment.
You should clean bed sheets and curtains in hot water setting and the highest dryer setting and put non-washable items in the dryer on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
You should also encase your mattress and box springs with tightly woven, zippered cover to prevent the bugs from entering or escaping. Because bed bugs can survive up to a year without feeding, the cover should be on the bed at least that long.
The best thing for you to do, however, is to call your trusted and certified exterminators at Bed Bugs Inc. They will get rid of your bed bugs quickly and efficiently!