Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs – What To Look For & How To Get Rid Of Them

Bed Bug Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) have become a reality for an increasing number of Americans. Bed bugs can appear in anyone's home. Bed Bugs can be brought back home after camping, traveling, in packages, etc. or they can come in from the outdoors on their own. After bed bugs arrive, they survive by feeding on any warm blooded animal. That includes your kids, your pets, and you.

Bed bugs are small wingless insects that are nest parasites. Certain kinds inhabit bird nests and bat roosts awaiting the return of their warm-blooded hosts; others have adapted well to living in the homes of people. They readily survive for many months without feeding, so may already be in a "clean" house or apartment that has been vacant for a while. They can also wander between adjoining apartments through voids in walls and holes though which wires and pipes pass.

When bed bugs feed regularly, they live about ten months; those that don't can live more than a year without feeding. Females lay 3-8 eggs at a time with one female producing 300-500 eggs in a lifetime. The tiny eggs are laid in clusters attached to cracks or rough surfaces with a sticky film. Hatching occurs in about 12 days. Newly hatched nymphs are clear until their first blood meal. Bed bugs mature through 5 nymph stages prior to reaching adulthood.

Hatchling bed bugs are tiny with adults growing to ¼" in length. They are flat and oval shaped ranging from nearly white (just after molting) to light tan to deep brown. The host's blood may appear as a dark red or black mass within the bug's body. Bed Bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. When disturbed, bed bugs actively seek shelter in dark cracks and crevices.

The key to getting rid of a bed bug infestation is to clean, steam (if possible) and use the products listed below. Get rid of all mattresses that are severely infested. Repeat treatments again in two weeks. For severe infestations, it may take three treatments for complete control.

Click on the Bed Bug control products below for more info and ordering.