Many of us first become aware of bed bugs as children, with the popular nighttime saying, “sleep tight, don’t let the beg bugs bite.” Most nights the bed bugs didn’t bite — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a real threat. Millions of infestations happen every year, and the rate seems to be growing. They reproduce quickly, and ceaselessly, and they can hitch a ride home with you from nearly anywhere with you none the wiser.
Bed bugs are a serious pest with public health risks, and as such, many areas have enacted legislation that requires treatment that adheres to strict protocols. Due to the difficulty of eradication, and lack of effectiveness for most DIY treatments, most infestations need to be professionally handled.
The good news is that an infestation is easy to spot; but the bad news is that most people find out because they’ve got bites. Bed bugs feed on human blood and settle no more than a few feet away from their meal, making beds their primary location.
Bed bugs can be found in virtually any environment that humans inhabit. They have spread to all continents, countries, states, and cities across the globe. Since they mostly live indoors, there are no strong seasonal trends, or geographic, weather-based population changes.
In order to feed on human blood, bed bugs need to bite. The bites often happen during sleep, and are painless. Most appear on the lower back, arms, or legs, in a small cluster, connected by a line. In rare cases, allergic reactions can occur.
While bed bug infestations can be successfully treated with DIY resources, professional treatment is significantly faster and more likely to be effective. The downside is cost, and the potential embarrassment of having treatment procedures carried out in your home.
In some areas, there may be legal requirements that impact treatment methodologies, protocol, and responsibility.
While a description of bed bugs can be helpful, we all know that a picture is worth a thousand words. […]
How can you find bed bugs during the day? This can be a challenge! Bed bugs generally come out at […]
If you’re in the midst of an infestation of bugs in your bed, you might wonder, does bleach kill bed […]
You might have heard anecdotes about people using baking soda to kill bed bugs. Is there any truth to these […]
The idea of having bed bugs might make you downright itchy, and for good reason. First, they’re squirmy and creepy, […]
Can bed bugs jump? Well, they can certainly give you the heebie-jeebies. The idea of having bugs in your bed […]
When faced with the problem of bed bugs, it’s natural to look around your home to figure out what you […]
If you have bed bugs, it’s natural to worry about how long the bites will last. It’s overwhelming, but you’re […]
It’s hard to give a number on DIY treatments, but let’s give it a shot. Let’s take a look at […]
First, we should begin by saying that it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get rid of bed bugs by […]