Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a frequent topic on news segments and headlines nationwide due to the fact that they’re known as one of the hardest pests to get rid of for good. Their ability to travel on bags, clothing and linens give them the capability to spread from place to place at an alarmingly rapid pace.

The bed bug is a small, wingless insect that survives exclusively off of the blood from warm-blooded humans and animals. There are two specific kinds of bedbugs that have the reputation of feeding on human blood called the Cimex hemipterus bed bug and the Cimex lectularius bed bug.

As a newborn, the bedbug is about the size of a poppy seed and can grow to be around .25 inches as an adult, however beware as they can double in size after a feeding. This pest was named after its preferred habitat, which is within the human home – more specifically beds, couches, clothing and any kind of soft furnishing. The bed bug can spread rapidly in hotels, dorms and apartments due to its ability to hitchhike from one host to another.

Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, however their bites can be painful as they leave large red welts on their victims. Humans can easily sleep through a bed bug feeding, as their saliva acts as an anesthetic, which numbs the skin and promotes blood flow. However, after a bed bug’s feeding is when you should really start to worry. Post-feeding, this insect will hide out for 5-10 days to primarily lay eggs and digest. This time period is when a bed bug infestation can get out of control and when you’ll know it’s time to contact a professional.