Bed bugs have been around and bugging people for thousands of years. They often get into people’s homes on luggage, overnight bags, furniture or clothing. Read on to learn more about these annoying pests and how to get rid of them.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

While bed bugs do not transmit disease, they can cause a host of other problems. These include:

• Bites often cause itching, which can lead to scratching and the possibility of a skin infection. Some people have allergic reactions to bed bug bites that may include painful swelling and, in extremely rare occasions, anaphylaxis.
• Bed bugs often cause loss of sleep. They can also destroy your peace of mind. These insects are invading your home, where you should have sanctuary.
• Bed bugs in the home can also cause you to lose your social connections. Friends and family members may stop visiting.

What do bed bugs look like?

Bed bugs are often difficult to spot because they’re small and they like to go into hiding during the daytime. The bed bug’s appearance also changes with its life stage.

• Adults are six-legged, wingless insects with an oval, somewhat flat shape. They’re about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are usually larger than ticks, which have eight legs.
• Immature bed bugs are smaller with a whitish-yellow, translucent appearance. They can usually be seen with the naked eye.
• Recently hatched bed bugs, or nymphs, are so small, they’re often hard to see with the naked eye.
• Bed bug eggs are pearly-white and so tiny, about the size of a pinhead, that they’re difficult to see with the naked eye.

What do bed bugs look like on a mattress?

Bed bugs like to hide near the piping, seams and tags on a mattress. If you suspect bed bugs, look for adult and immature bed bugs as well as bed bug exoskeletons in these areas on a mattress. Also, look for bed bug excrement, which appears as dark red or rust-colored spots about the size of a pinhead.

Where do bed bugs hide?

Bed bugs are experts at finding cracks and crevices where they can hide safely and undisturbed. In addition to hiding in the seams and piping on mattresses and bedsprings, they also hide in the crevices, cracks and corners of furniture. We’ve found them behind wallpaper, in curtain rods and even shower curtain rods. While they prefer to hide about 10 feet from where people sleep, they can travel 100 feet or more in a night.

When do bed bugs lay eggs?

They start laying eggs when they’re four to five weeks old. Because they live 12-18 months, an adult female can lay hundreds of eggs during her lifetime.

Where do bed bugs lay eggs?

They usually lay their eggs on or near a mattress, box spring or headboard, or furniture cushions.

Which bed bug spray is most effective?

While sprays do exits, professional treatments are recommended.  A-1 Able Pest Doctors offers chemical treatment, heat treatments, and a one and done fumigation treatment. If you suspect bed bugs, contact us to inspect and offer a treatment plan.