A recent article from Fox News suggests bed bug infestation rates are rising dramatically in many areas of the country, especially in the southwest. The study highlights a 28.7% increase in Phoenix alone and cites similar figures for other cities throughout the southwestern United States.
Not only are infestation rates increasing, but more people are getting bit by these nasty little creatures than you might believe. A reason many Gilbert pest control services are seeing an increase in bed bug business.
Despite popular belief, bed bug infestations are a problem in Arizona. Bed bugs are not well known to the general public, a reason we want to help you understand how to identify bed bugs, what you need to know if you believe in having an infestation, and how to prevent them from showing up in your home.
How To Identify Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny insects feeding exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. The bugs are flat, dark brown, and oval in shape. They vary in sizes from 1/4 to 1/2 inches long. They are most active at night, sucking blood from sleeping humans. Although bed bugs do not transmit disease, the bites can cause skin irritation and discomfort and, in extreme cases, can be deadly.
Bed bugs cannot fly or jump, and they do not leave droppings, but when they climb from hiding places, they leave behind dried feces and stains. In addition, bed bug bites leave behind small, red, itchy bumps. Bed bugs are attracted to scents and chemical cues, including:
1. The carbon dioxide some people breathe out
2. The human body’s chemicals, including lactic acid
3. Human skin
4. The carbon dioxide and smell of feces and urine
5. Odors characteristic of areas inhabited by people.
Bed bugs are most often transported from place to place by human luggage or clothing.
What You Need To Know If You Have An Infestation
Bed bugs are not native to Arizona. Instead, they hitchhiked in on travelers and are spread by human travelers. Infestations are likely to occur in any home, apartment, hotel or condominium where travelers have spent time.
The insects feed on blood so if you find small red marks on your body you may have an infestation. Sometimes their bites can cause an allergic reaction. It is important to lift up the mattress and check in hiding places for trails of their feces or droppings.
Because bed bugs are not known to spread disease, an infestation is not an immediate threat to public health. However, bed bug bites can cause an allergic reaction and should be avoided. Not to mention they can be very difficult to get rid of therefore, it is important to call a professional. Here at Arizona Termite and Pest Solutions, we have years of experience in eliminating bed bugs.
Steps To Prevent An Infestation
Bedbugs have been in the news lately, but you may be surprised to learn they’ve been around for a long time. Bedbugs have been an annoyance to travelers for centuries.
Bed bugs can be cleaned and killed with chemicals, steam, or vacuums. However, new bedbugs will continue to infest the area until the problem is entirely resolved. That is why it is very important to call a professional pest service like Arizona Termite and Pest Solutions to completely eliminate the bed bug problem.
Here are some tips to help prevent getting bed bugs
- Seal any cracks or openings around pipes, wires, or cables.
- Store clothes in sealed plastic containers.
- Use luggage with zippers instead of those without.
- Thoroughly vacuum clothing and furniture.
- Use mattress and box spring encasements, which trap bed bugs inside.
- Use mattress and box spring covers.
Besides using these tips, it’s also advisable to seek pest control services to ensure you keep bed bugs at bay all the time. However, if you think you may have a bed bug infestation we are happy to help at Arizona Termite and Pest Solutions.
