Bed Bugs Southeast MI
What To Do If You Find Any Bed Bugs
Because Bed Bug service is extensive, it is important to positively identify them before any attemps at elimination are performed. If possible, collect all specimens for identification. Specimens should be collected in a jar or zip lock bag and sent to a knowledgable expert for positive identification. Because Bed Bugs are resistant to most products, it is important to contact a professional to find out the necessary prep work and strategy to eliminate the problem. It is not always necessary to throw out furniture.
If you are staying in a hotel, apartment or condo complex and you see even one Bed Bug, notify management immediately!
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, oval shaped insects that are approximately 5-7 mm long. They are white, almost clear in color after they hatch and before they feed. Then they become a shiny reddish brown to dark brown color after feeding. Bed Bugs are ofter carried into the home via person or objects such as previously owned furniture, clothing or in luggage from a recent trip. Adult Bed Bugs typically live 6-7 months but can live up to 1.5 years if in the right conditions. They can lay up to 10 eggs per day and development from egg to adult normally takes 35-50 days (5 stages-each requiring a blood meal) depending on temperature and conditions.
Where Do You find Bed Bugs?
The most common areas to find Bed Bugs are places relating to the bed (mattress, box spring, head/foot boards and bed frames) and the immediate areas surrounding. Over time they multiply and can spread to couches, loveseats, elctrical plates, window/door casings, gaps in drywall, partitions or any small crevice they can find. Hiding places are evident when black or brown fecal spots are found on surfaces where the bugs hide or rest.
How Do Bed Bugs Feed?
Bed Bugs feed mostly at night while people are asleep but can attack during the day in subdued light. When the bugs bite, they pierce the skin with an elongated beak, inject saliva into the skin and withdraw the blood. The fluid often causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Welts commonly develop adn itch. Still, 30% of the victims show no reaction to bites and the very young and over 65 show less sensitivity. If feeding is undisturbed, bed bug becomes engorged with blood in 3 to 15 minutes depending on the size. It then crawls to its hiding place where it remains for several days digesting its meal.
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