Bed bugs? What's a bed bug!!!

What are bed bugs?

When an exterminating company comes to survey your premises, they are looking for an adult bed bug that is about 1/4 of an inch in length. From above they are oval in shape but are flattened from top to bottom. Their color ranges from nearly white (just after molting) or a light tan, to a deep brown or burnt orange type of color. The host’s blood may appear as a dark red or black mass within the bug’s body. The hatchling bed bugs are about the size of a poppy seed and cast skins of these bugs are sometimes discovered.

Bed bugs are wingless insects that feed solely upon the blood of warm-blooded animals. They and their relatives have evolved as nest parasites. Certain kinds inhabit bird nests and bat roosts; others have adapted well to living in the homes of people.

Do Bed Bugs cause harm or spread pathogens (disease-causing germs)?

Bed bugs will by nature seek out a host at night. Once a person or animal is available, this insect will painlessly sip a few drops of blood. It is reported that 50% of people are sensitive or become sensitive to bed bug saliva. Additional bites over the course of days or weeks may then result in mild to intense allergic responses. As fate would have it, the skin lesions produced by the bite of a bed bug resembles those caused by many other kinds of blood-feeding insects, such as mosquitoes and fleas. So the offending insect, therefore, can’t be identified by the appearance of the bites alone. The affected person should resist the urge to scratch the bites, as this may intensify the irritation and itching, and may lead to a secondary infection. Physicians often treat patients with insect bites with antihistamines and corticosteroids to reduce allergic reactions and inflammation.

Do You Have Bed Bugs & What are the options if you do ?

Bed bug infestations have increased dramatically in the past few years. They affect all neighborhoods and the causes are related to international travel and the use of exterminating methods that do not work on these bugs. Today, bed bugs are so widespread in Australia, that its not uncommon to find them in the office place and on public transportation. If you found bed bugs, know that you’re one of the thousands. Asset Pest Management provides professional bed bug extermination, inspection and preventive services throughout South East Queensland.

After a review of your situation, we can usually identify the problem very quickly. In most cases, a bed bug problem is controllable under our professional care. We use state of the art equipment and techniques, and our licensed exterminators will inspect your home’s environment and construction to identify the problem and determine the best removal options. All the while, we will keep in mind your family’s safety throughout the process.

Signs:

The most common first signs are bed bug bites. These bites will leave rashes of different sizes and be itchy. Many doctors will not be able to immediately identify them. If you feel you get bites after waking up in the morning, it is very likely a bed bug bite.

Bed Bug Facts:

Adult Bed Bugs are about 1/4 of an inch in length, while hatchlings are about the size of a poppy seed. They are oval, flat, and reddish-brown. They have piercing mouthparts to draw blood for food. Females lay about 200 eggs which hatch in about 1 to 2 weeks. Newborn bed bugs will be ready to lay their own eggs in 4 to 8 weeks.

Bug Trails:

Bed bugs can be found often by looking for black stains or smears on beds, which are the bugs’ droppings. Sometimes an engorged bug is accidentally killed or disgorged by accidental crushing, resulting in a visible bloodstain. They hide in cracks and crevices of a room including furniture, mouldings, outlets, and carpeting. They generally stay as close to the host (you) as possible. At Positive Pest Management, we take great pride in our organization and strongly believe that our services should always exceed our customer’s expectations. Our highly competent professional staff is always eager to help you with any of your exterminating needs.

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