What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that measure about a quarter of an inch in length. Their bodies are brownish-red in color and appear flat. Bed bugs have long antennae and a sharp beak that's used to painlessly extract blood from their victims. While the initial bite is painless, the after effects may include red bumps or welts that itch, burn or swell. Fortunately, bed bugs cannot transmit harmful diseases to humans the way various other pests can.

Bed bugs survive by feeding on people and animals. They can survive anywhere there's a warm blooded host. They cannot fly, and tend to live close to the area where their food is. Most active at night, they frequently feed on sleeping humans and live in mattresses. However, they can also be found in upholstered furniture and even inside of walls.

Bed bugs weren't very prevalent in our society after World War II, due in part to extensive DDT use. However, DDT was soon outlawed after it was found to be hazardous. This, along with an increase in international travel, has led to a reoccurance of bed bug infestations in the United States.

Bed bug infestation can be recognized not only by the bites on your skin, but the appearance of dark spotting on your mattress or furniture. These spots are actually dried bug waste, and may be accompanied by tiny spots of blood. Also present will be eggs and eggshells, although they are too small to see.

Bed bugs can spread quickly from room to room, so it's crucial to treat the problem right away. Vacuum or steam clean all areas of your home, especially where bed bugs are suspected. Remove all infested items and call a professional exterminator. Although it may cost you, a professional is the way to go because they have access to methods that the general public does not. The price will depend on the company you choose, the level of infestation and the methods utilized to get rid of it.

Today's pesticides used by exterminators are effective and often environmentally-friendly. Talk to your pest control professional about ways to get rid of bed bugs that don't involve harmful chemicals. There are ways to get rid of these pests without causing harm to children, pets, or the environment.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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