Bed Bugs: Learn How to Eliminate This Growing Problem
For decades after the discovery of DDT pesticide, American households believed bed bugs were vanquished. Although DDT, the impressively effective pesticide discovered in 1939, helped rid thousands of homes of bedbugs, the efficacy did not last.
Over the last 20 years, more cases of bed bugs have popped onto the scene, with an estimated 4500% increase in worldwide infestations. This is often attributed to the increase in travel (before COVID-19) and bed bugs developing a resistance to formerly successful pesticides. A bed bug infestation is entirely treatable when caught early on, so we would like to provide some helpful FAQs on bed bugs and why they are a growing problem worldwide.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that are usually brown and get sustenance from human and animal blood. An adult bed bug is roughly the size of an apple seed, but their bodies grow larger and redder after feeding. Baby bed bugs or “nymphs” are tinier and yellowish-white or translucent.
How do I identify bed bugs?
Identifying a bed bug can be difficult because of where they hide and how small nymphs and eggs can be. Instead, we look for signs of an infestation:
Unknown skin irritation and itchiness
Bloodstains on bed sheets or pillows
Small brown or rust-colored spots on the mattress or sheets
Sudden musty smell in the home
Welts or red bumps on the skin
Other skin reactions that don’t have a clear origin
Visible egg cases or bug skins
Another way to know you have bed bugs is to see one in the bed or linens. Immediately contact a bed bug exterminator as bed bugs are commonly mistaken for other insects such as ticks, fleas, or cockroaches.
Can bed bugs bite you?
Yes, bed bugs feast on blood and bite people and pets. One of the more common signs of a bed bug infestation is small, itchy red bumps or welts appearing on the skin 24 to 48 hours after a bite. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine or applying a topical steroid cream can help aid relief.
Do bed bugs spread disease?
Unlike many other insects that can wind up in a home, bed bugs are not proven to carry any diseases or illnesses that harm people or pets. Excessively scratching bed bug bites can lead to a skin infection, though. Keep the area clean and avoid scratching the itch.
How do you get bed bugs?
Bed bugs enjoy travel. They often hitch a ride on suitcases, used furniture, and other household items. Bed bugs are commonly found in motels and can be picked up in public places where people congregate, such as public transportation, multi-unit apartment buildings, movie theaters, and more. Before canceling all of your plans, it is rare for bed bugs to hitchhike on your belongings unless they are left in an infested area for some time. People mostly get bed bugs by sleeping on infested mattresses or furniture or by leaving suitcases, purses, or luggage overnight in an infested area.
How do I get rid of pesky bed bugs?
Ways to prepare for bed bug elimination at home include:
Cleaning clutter from the areas of infestations.
Moving furniture away from walls.
Washing all clothing and sheets at the highest temperature.
Review our comprehensive bed bug preparation list for the steps to take before pest control service.
Call the professionals to get rid of bed bugs
Bed bugs, hardly a concern a few decades ago, are now blasting back into our living spaces. Bed bugs can cause a lot of headaches for homeowners or renters once an infestation occurs. Spotting the signs of bed bugs and then contacting a licensed pest control company to eradicate them is the best course of action.
Bed Bugs Arizona offers a free, in-home bed bug inspection and a one-year warranty on all bed bug services. No obligation. We specialize in apartment communities. Our fast, certified technicians provide the Pro-Treat Plus method of bed bug removal to Phoenix and surrounding cities in a 100-mile plus radius including Flagstaff, Globe, and Casa Grande. Veteran and senior discounts. Call now at (602) 962-8806.
