Bed Bugs Are Back!

Bed bugs have unfortunately made a resurgence in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and the surrounding areas. These pests are skilled at hiding in belongings and easily spread to homes and businesses.

Bed bugs are prolific breeders. A small infestation can quickly explode into a much larger problem. To prevent this from happening, it’s crucial to address the issue as soon as possible. By contacting a professional pest control company early on, you can ensure a faster and more effective elimination process.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are parasitic insects that feed on blood, primarily from humans. They are commonly known as bed bugs due to their preference for residing in and around bedding. They are wingless, reddish-brown insects that are about the size of an apple seed. They are known for their ability to hide in small cracks and crevices, making them difficult to detect and eliminate.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

Appearance: Bed bugs are oval-shaped, flat, and reddish-brown in color. They are about 4-5 mm long and can swell and become more reddish after feeding.
Similar Pests: Bed bugs can be confused with bat bugs, booklice, and carpet beetles, but their size, shape, and feeding habits are distinguishing factors.

Activity and Seasonality

Active Seasons: Bed bugs are active year-round but are often more noticeable in warmer months when they reproduce more rapidly.
Lifecycle: Bed bugs go through incomplete metamorphosis, including egg, nymph, and adult stages. The lifecycle from egg to adult can take 4-5 weeks under favorable conditions.

Where to Find Bed Bugs in or Around Your House

Common Habitats: Bed bugs are typically found in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. They can also hide in furniture, behind wallpaper, and in cracks in walls and floors.
Specific Hiding Spots: Look for bed bugs in mattress seams, furniture joints, electrical outlets, and behind picture frames.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Immediate Action: As soon as bed bugs are spotted, start by thoroughly cleaning bedding, clothing, and infested areas with hot water and high heat.
Professional Treatments: Pest control services offer heat treatments, chemical treatments, and integrated pest management plans to eliminate bed bugs effectively.
DIY Methods: Use bed bug-proof mattress encasements, vacuum frequently, and use diatomaceous earth around bed bug hiding spots as a preventive measure.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

Preventive Measures: Inspect second-hand furniture and hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home.
Home Maintenance: Regularly wash and heat-treat bedding and clothing, and reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots.
Long-term Strategies: Implementing regular inspections and maintaining cleanliness can help prevent future infestations.

Conclusion

Bed bugs are persistent pests that require diligent efforts to detect, eliminate, and prevent. Maintaining a clean environment and being vigilant about potential infestations are key to keeping bed bugs at bay.

If you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, contact us today for a free consultation and effective treatment plan. Pest Control Consultants are here to help you reclaim your home from bed bugs

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