When it comes to common household pests we at Official Pest Prevention agree that none can be as irritating and troublesome than the common bed bug.
Year-round they are a pest that will test your mental strength through constant irritation. That is why we have compiled a list of the 31 most common questions asked about these nuisance bugs, and a quickfire round of answers to accompany them. Bed Bugs Are Common In Hotel Rooms.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are a type of nocturnal insect that feeds on human blood.
What do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs take on a flat oval-shaped figure with 6 legs. They have a reddish-brown tinge that is further exasperated if they are full of human blood from a recent feeding.
How Big Are Bed Bugs?
The common bed bug can range from 1 to 7mm in length.
Do Bed Bug Sprays Work?
Bed bug sprays and aerosol bug bombs are moderately effective at best, however, without proper application, they will not reach their intended target. That is why hiring a professional exterminator company to strategically apply these products will garner better results.
How Do You Get Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs can enter your residence through a variety of ways:
Travel from close by infested areas, especially in apartment complexes.
Hitch a ride generally in upholstered furniture, luggage, and clothes.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bugs are most commonly found in mattress seams and bedsprings.
What Are the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?
There are a few sure signs of a bed bug infestation:
- Crushed bed bugs on bed sheets that leave a rusty stain
- Bed bug excrement which is ting dark spots on the same sheets
- Tiny eggshells and yellow nymphs that shed as they grow
- Live bed bugs
- Musty smell from the sweat glands
- Bed bug bites (however they look similar to many other insect bites)
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
Calling a professional bed bug exterminator is your best bet as they will tackle the problem strategically. You can also try and limit the problem yourself by the following:
- Keep your clothes in a Ziploc bag to prevent them from spreading
- Wash sheets, clothes, and upholstery frequently
- Purchase a small handheld vacuum device and frequently use it on clothes, upholstery, and bed linen
- Purchase mattress and box spring protective covers to limit the bugs from hiding in the seams.
- Cover up any cracks in the wall (no matter how small)
How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites?
Using anti-itch and anti-septic creams can help. Skin irritations if left untreated can become infected, be sure to consult with a doctor if the problem consists.
Can You See Bed Bugs?
Yes, you can, however, they are incredibly small and will predominantly come out at night time when visibility is at its lowest.
How Big Are Bed Bugs?
The common bed bug is 1-7mm in length.
What Kills Bed Bugs?
Pesticides and insect aerosols can kill bed bugs if applied directly to them. Extremely cold temperatures can kill them as well however it is not a sure method, so we would advise putting linens and clothes in the freezer.
Do Bed Bug Bites Itch?
Bed bug bites can be extremely itchy which can lead to infection.
Do Bed Bugs Fly?
Bed bugs are wingless and do not have the ability to fly. Unlike fleas, they don’t have the ability to jump at great heights/lengths.
Are Bed Bugs Fast?
Bed bugs are not extremely quick crawlers and would be comparative to your average ant. But they are small enough that sudden movements can make a human lose sight of them, especially in the dark.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs?
Preventing bed bugs from entering your home is difficult if you visit places of high human traffic including movie theatres, retail dressing rooms, and hotels. Limiting the time your clothes, purse, luggage, and other garments are susceptible to a bed bug invasion is preferable but not always possible. Wash your clothes immediately when returning from places like these.
Are Bed Bugs a Hygiene Problem?
No, having a bed bug infestation does not result from poor hygiene necessarily but not frequently washing clothes and bedsheets do play a part. Bed bugs are after one thing and that is human blood, they couldn’t care less how clean your place is. But having a clean and clutter-free place will make it easier to spot the signs of an infestation.
Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Bed Bugs?
Enough alcohol can pretty much kill anything although we wouldn’t advise on wasting your best rum on these nuisance pests. But rubbing alcohol can dissolve an insect’s cells. It will also dry out bed bug eggs, killing the infestation at the source. It is not foolproof as the natural insect repellant will keep bugs away and warn them of possible dangers.
How Long Do Bed Bugs Live?
Depending on a variety of circumstances bed bugs can live for years if left untreated. Waiting for them to die and let the problem resolve itself is not an option as their colony will grow and continue to reproduce. That is why it is vital to hire an experienced exterminator who will eradicate the problem thoroughly.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs will hide in small cracks in the wall, inside old furniture, the small crevices in a mattress and box spring, and piles of clothes to name a few examples.
Do Bed Bugs Have Wings?
As already mentioned no, bed bugs do not have wings.
How do Bed Bugs Spread?
Bed bugs will crawl from one host to another and infect other areas. Common hosts include upholstered furniture, bed linens, clothes, and luggage.
What Attracts a Bed Bug?
The only attraction for bed bugs is their main food source; human blood.
What Do Baby Bed Bugs Look Like?
Baby bed bugs or nymphs are smaller than 1mm and start off with a yellow to light tan color. They will darken and grow as they get older.
Can Bed Bugs Jump?
No, bed bugs do not have the jumping ability like a flea. They crawl.
Can Bed Bugs Live in Your Hair?
This is unlikely as they do not have claws that are designed to navigate their way through human hair.
What do Bed Bugs Eat?
Bed bugs consume human blood.
What Temperature Kills Bed Bugs?
There are heat treatments method that can kill bed bugs, but it is not a one size fits all. Temperatures exceeding 117 degrees will generally do the trick. Washing clothes in warm soapy water is effective and for the ‘dry-clean only’ items, putting them in the dryer at high heat will also rid you of these little critters.
Do Bed Bugs Bite Dogs?
Similar to human hair, bed bugs are not designed to navigate through animal fur which is generally thicker. They are also only interested in human blood, unlike ticks and fleas.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive Without Food?
Depending on a number of factors including age and average temperature a bed bug can last between 20 days to 400 without any food.
Do Bed Bugs Carry Diseases?
Bed bugs are not known to carry any diseases. An infection from a bed bug bite is down to scratching the irritation and leaving a wound open.
Bed Bug Exterminator in Sacramento, CA
We hope you found this quick-fire guide helpful in some of the most common questions we come across about bed bugs helpful. We highly advise having a professional exterminator tackle these nuisance insects so that you can have peace of mind in your home. Call us today on (877) 711 2847 and we will inspect your home!
Official Pest Prevention is equipped to handle any infestations you may have. Whether you live in a commercial area or a residential one, if you say hello to us, you’ll be saying goodbye to those pesky bugs.
If you have any questions at all about our highly-rated services, then please feel free to contact us. We’re always eager to help out.
Official Pest Prevention is a family-owned, licensed pest control company celebrating 20 years serving over 100,000 satisfied customers in five area codes throughout Northern and Central California. Starting with a few contacts, and only four full-time employees, our small company has grown into an organization that today employs over 100 people, maintains a fleet of 75 vehicles, and has serviced over 100,000 Northern California households. This tremendous growth has come from loyal customers, who have recommended our work to their friends, family, and neighbors.
We are a full-service pest control company. Whatever your pest problem, we have a solution. Our goal is to make your property pest-free. Guaranteed. Contact us online or by phone (877) 711 2847 – for immediate assistance. Same-day bookings and flexible payment plans available – because pest invasions wait for no one.
