WIL-KIL Pest Control
Bed Bug Information

Bed Bug Information

 

Bed Bugs are Back in Big Numbers

While bed bugs haven’t been as prevalent over the past few years, they are now back in big numbers and are increasing rapidly across the country. The growing surge of bed bugs is appearing everywhere – hotels, schools, hospitals, businesses, apartments, homes and wherever people are found. Pest-control companies consider bed bugs their biggest challenge to date.  In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association, bed bug complaints have increased 50-fold over the last five years!

Why are Bed Bugs Back?

The primary reasons bed bugs are showing up in increasing numbers are:

  • Increased international travel. As more people travel across borders, bed bugs travel with them in clothing or in luggage.
  • Banned pesticides. After the banning of DDT and other related pesticides in the 1960s, exterminators had to rely on other (alternative environmentally sensitive) approaches to getting rid of the bed bugs.
  • Bed bugs are difficult to detect. Bed bugs can hide and live in or on mattresses, box springs, books, crevices, clothing, headboards, baggage, walls, nightstands and even TV remotes.
  • Bed bugs breed at a phenomenal rate, causing an infested area to be difficult to treat, which can become costly for individuals
    and businesses alike. 

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation:

  • Bites are typically on the head, neck, back, bare arms, hands and legs or other areas accessible to bed bugs
  • Bites are identified as rows of little red itchy swollen welts that may become visible unexpectedly
  • Bed bugs can create a lot of waste, which consists of dark spots (blood or feces) where they hide or feed.
  • Waste also consists of shedded skins, eggs or dead bed bugs
  • Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases or cause serious health problems    

How Do I Find Out if I Have Bed Bugs  

Let Max, the newest member of the Wil-Kil team, the bed bug dectecting canine perform an inspection. Learn more about Max and his bed bug dectecting abilities.

 

How to Prevent Bed Bugs:

  • Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation and vacuum floors regularly
  • Check your bed sheets for unusual blood spots
  • Wash all bedding regularly in hot water
  • Use a plastic cover over your mattress. Bed bugs can’t hide on the plastic cover
  • Consider bringing a large plastic trash bag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays
  • Carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual inspections.
  • Check your furniture and mattresses from time to time
  • Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is critical to seek professional pest control assistance from Wil-Kil Pest Control to address an infestation problem  

Bed Bug Information 

For more information about the biology of bed bugs click here.