Bed Bugs
About
What are bed bugs?
Found living in every state in the U.S. and throughout most of the world, bed bugs are formidable pests that can take over any home or business. Bed bugs do not discriminate and will hitchhike their way into a mansion, apartment, or anywhere in-between. Bed bugs are oval-shaped bugs with mahogany-brown bodies. Adults grow to about 1/4 of an inch in length. They have elongated, piercing mouthparts (proboscis) that they use to feed on their hosts. After feeding, the bed bug’s appearance changes; its body swells and increases in size. They also turn a more purplish-red color.
As members of the Cimex lectularius L. family, all bed bugs feed on the blood of birds or mammals, with human blood being their favorite source of food. Bed bugs are nocturnal and are most active right before dawn. These insects detect the body heat and carbon dioxide that we produce while breathing to find their sleeping hosts.
Are bed bugs dangerous?
In most cases, bed bugs are nuisance pests, not dangerous pests. However, no one wants these biting insects in their home, and their presence tends to disrupt sleep. Bed bugs can acquire and spread human pathogens during the feeding process, but as of now, this is not a big concern. A more significant issue is that many are allergic to a protein found in bed bug saliva. Once bitten, a person that is allergic develops red welts that are itchy and uncomfortable. Excessive itching, especially in the case of children, may lead to secondary infections.
Why do I have a bed bug problem?
The most common reason that bed bugs are in your house is that you, or someone visiting your home, came into contact with them in a public place. The bed bugs then crawled onto your clothing or belongings and hitchhiked their way into your house. Other ways that bed bugs move from location to location is through walls and floors, using wires and pipes as a highway, or inside of used furniture, mattresses, and upholstered furniture.
Where will I find bed bugs?
Bed bugs hide during the day in dark, secluded areas. Inside homes, bed bugs hide in the following locations:
- In the seams of mattresses and box springs
- In upholstered furniture
- In cracks in walls and wooden furniture
- Behind wood trim or wall hangings
- Inside wall voids
- Behind outlets
- Inside keyboards and electronics
Since we are the bed bug’s primary food source, they live wherever we live or visit. Homes, office buildings, schools, libraries, shopping centers, movie theaters, airports, bus stations are all examples of where bed bugs successfully live.
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
The best way to live pest-free is to partner with the Houston pest professionals at GreenForce Pest Solutions. Our family wants to keep your family and home safe from bed bugs and other pests. Our guaranteed services provide our home and business owners with fast, effective pest elimination. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we are committed to solving your pest problems in the Houston, Texas region.
How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, keep your property free of bed bugs using the following prevention tips:
- Reduce hiding spots in your home by placing bed bug proof covers over mattresses and box springs.
- Avoid buying used mattresses, box springs, furniture, and even electronics.
- When spending time in public places, traveling, or while at work or school, always keep personal belongings away from other people’s things.
- Keep personal belongings up off of the ground in any public place.
- Regularly vacuum your home and wash bedding on a high heat cycle.
Newly purchased clothing should immediately be washed and dried on the highest heat setting the fabrics can handle.
If you are looking for exceptional bed bug control for your home or business, reach out to the friendly, local pest control experts at GreenForce Pest Solutions today!