Bed Bugs in Massachussets - Yankee Pest Control
Bed bugs are small blood-sucking insects that feed on humans & other warm-blooded animals. When a bed bug bites it injects an anti-blood clotting chemical into the skin. While bed bugs are not know to transmit any pathogens or diseases, their bites usually result in swollen red, itchy welts.
What are my options?
1. CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT- Products are applied to the affected area to eliminate the bed bugs.
2. HEAT TREATMENT – Elevated temperatures are used to eliminate the bed bugs.
Both options are very different. Although both methods work, it is important to know that even after the problem is solved; it is possible for your structure to become re-infested. Whatever method you choose, it wise to be proactive and hire a trained pest control company to re-evaluate you structure from time to time.
- See a comparison between Conventional and Heat Treatments for bed bugs (PDF)
- Download our Bed Bug Conventional Treatment Prep List (PDF)
- Learn more about our Affiliation with NESDCA and our Bed Bug Sniffing Dog
Biology and Behavior
- Bed bugs are elusive, nocturnal creatures that feed exclusively on blood
- Bed bugs are very resilient and may live up to several moths without a blood meal
- Bed bugs are not caused by poor sanitation or social status
- Bed bugs are not limited to the bed or the bedroom but instead will disperse throughout a dwelling. They will crawl considerable distances to obtain a blood meal
- Bed bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to where humans rest and sleep. They can be found behind baseboard, upholstery, and in furniture crevices. Other places include; wall hangings such as picture frames, night stands, furniture, floorboard cracks, behind loose wallpaper, light switches, door and window frames, conduits, etc. In heavy infestations, bed bugs may be found in wall voids, attics, and other enclosed places. Bed bugs like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes, hand bags and computer bags.
- Beg bugs can be introduced into a structure via used furniture or in the belongings of someone who has been in contact with bed bugs
Bites
- Beg bug bites have not demonstrated to be effective transmitters of disease.
- Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites and some have delayed reactions to the bites. Bite symptoms often appear in rows. Bed bug bites symptoms typically appear as read, itchy welts but can vary from one individual to the next.
Avoiding Infestations
- Acquiring used or second hand furniture and/or bedding are among the most likely ways to introduce bed bugs. Be aware that this is a huge risk when thinking about purchasing used furniture or bedding.
- Travelling is another way to infest your home with bed bugs. Most lodging sites work hard to prevent bed bugs, however something as simple as the previous guest leaving some bugs in your room can present problems. Never use the dresser drawers to store your belongings. Always check the bed, head board and abutting areas for evidence of bed bugs. Keep your belongings inside your closed suitcase. Always assume you picked up bed bugs when you travel. Remember your clothes dryer is your best friend. We suggest that you place all your belongings that you travelled with and that can sustain the heat into your dryer for at least twenty minutes. Everything else, including your suitcases must be inspected for the presence of bed bugs before you bring them into your home. There are simple over the counter pesticides that may help you with this. Remember, always read, understand and follow the label instructions of all pesticides....Bed bugs are a souvenir that you do not want.
How you know if you have bed bugs
- A physical sample of an actual bug or egg
- Bite symptoms are a good indicator but cannot be diagnosed with 100% certainty. Medical professionals cannot give a positive diagnosis simply by examining bites.
- The most effective inspections are conducted by a qualified pest management professional working with a properly trained canine.
- You may see evidence of a bed bug infestation without actually seeing any bugs. Besides the characteristic obnoxiously sweet odor, the other primary clues to an infestation will be the presence of small red to reddish-brown fecal spots.
- You may elect to use mechanical devices such as climb ups, night watches and dry ice.
How difficult is it to get rid of bed bugs
- Reduction of bed bug populations are generally not difficult. However, it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible to eliminate every last bug in some situations. If even one adult female survives, the environment may become re-infested.
- Sleeping in a different room or vacating the structure is not a solution and can make the problem more difficult to eliminate. As mentioned before, bed bugs like to travel and will not limit themselves to one area in your home or business. Over time, and in the right conditions, they will infest your entire residence.
The bottom line is that bed bug work requires a highly trained professional. It takes hard work, lots of effort and cooperation from everyone involved.
Facts
- Scientific Name – Climex Lectularious
- Bed bugs are sometimes called “red coats,” “chinches” or “mahogany flats.” The adult bed bug is a wingless insect that is flattened from the top to bottom.
- The female lays about 500 eggs, usually at the rate of three to five a day, in cracks and crevices. Newly hatched bugs begin feeding immediately.
Thank you for visiting Yankee Pest Control. We offer both residential pest and commercial pest exterminator services, along with our exclusive bed bug heat treatment. We also offer IPM plans from our state certified exterminators and planners. Read more about us, our NESDCA bed bug sniffing dog, and our service areas.
