Bed Bugs
The bed bug (Cimicidae) is a small, wingless insect, approximately 1/4” long and reddish brown as an adult. Nymphs can be extremely small and almost undetectable unless they have fed. Bed bugs are blood feeders, in both the nymphal and adult stages. They are flattened and can easily hide in small cracks and crevices.
Bed Bug Habits
Bed bugs are true parasites. They feed on the blood of humans, birds and other animal species. The bed bug is well known for feeding on humans.There are also related species that feed on bats and birds. In most infestations, the bugs will be found in the mattresses, or around the immediate vicinity of the bed. In severe infestations, they can be anywhere in the structure or home. They are very good at hitching rides in luggage and furniture.
Bites usually occur at night, while the person is sleeping, and are usually not felt by the person bitten. They have a characteristic feeding pattern, three or four in a line, especially around the head and neck areas, and on the arms. There can be a variety of reactions to the bites, usually starting a day or two after the bite. After feeding, bed bugs may remain inactive for several days before feeding again. Both bed bug adults and nymphs can survive several months without feeding.
Questions To Ask About Bed Bugs
- Have you seen the bed bugs?
- Where?
- Have you seen evidence of them (blood spots or fecal spots on sheets)?
- How many times has someone been bitten?
- Have you been traveling?
- Where do you keep your luggage?
- Have you had visitors recently?
- Have you purchased or picked up any used furniture?
Bed Bug Inspection Tips
The inspection and communication are the most important parts of this treatment. You must determine the extent of the infestation, which may mean dismantling the bed and head boards to look for evidence of the insects. As noted, bed bugs are very small insects and capable of hiding in remote areas and are almost undetectable. Insecticides have been used to flush insects out. Adults, eggs and fecal spots on a bed frame may be hidden. Areas where bed bugs are found will have live insects, nymphal stages, eggs, cast skins from molting and fecal spotting.
- Inspect all areas where the customer has reported seeing the insects
- Look for blood spots on sheets, mattresses and bed frame
- Look along base boards and pull up the edges of carpeting
- Look in furniture and inspect luggage along the seams and zippers
