Bed Bug Walking

          It is hard not to get grossed out anytime someone begins to talk about Bed Bugs. There are just a handful of creatures on earth that survive by feeding off another’s creatures blood, and of all those parasites, my least favorite would be the Bed Bug. Though weather can have an effect on the activity of this insect, bed bug populations do not diminish when the colder temperatures hit. No, this insect spends its entire life indoors and thanks to its nocturnal nature, most of the time; you will not even see it.

            For most people who have had an infestation of this bug, the first evidence of a problem is most likely a number of bumps or welts on the skin that appeared overnight. Similar to mosquitoes, Bed Bugs bite the skin and draw blood, which is their sustenance. Being a nocturnal insect means that most of the time, this bug is active and feeds when it is dark out. But, this does not apply to every scenario. In homes where the people work the nights and therefore sleep in the day, Bed Bugs have been recorded to become more active in the daylight because that is when taking a meal from the host is easiest. Whenever not active, this insect will group together in dark, protected areas to seclude themselves as well as provide protection. It is in these areas that the Bed Bugs will reproduce, go through the instars (insect growth) and even defecate.

            Because they prefer to be nocturnal, the best time for you to inspect the home is during the night when they will be out in search of a meal. It is recommended to begin your search near areas where people sleep, but with the ability to travel over 16 feet in just five minutes, you may even notice bugs in other areas of the home. Addition to the nighttime, hungry Bed Bugs are also more likely to move around than ones that have fed, (like an insect couch potato). Tell tale signs of a Bed Bug infestation are small reddish-brown stains on mattresses and other pieces of furniture. Tufts and seams are furniture is prime areas for them to hide out during non-moving hours, so be sure to check those areas when inspecting. Additionally, hitching a ride with a human is a great way for this bug to begin establishing populations in different parts of your home, so the sooner you discover the problem, the easier it will be to control and eliminate.

            The best Bed Bug treatments are the ones that are most thoroughly done; because they like to hide out in small, secluded places, the more invasive the treatments, the better the results. Products like Vector Ban Plus and Cimexa are excellent products designed to kill Bed Bugs quickly (and affordably)! For a good Bed Bug Guide, check out our website and watch the video as Keith properly explains areas to inspect and treat. Don’t forget, if you have any questions, just give as a call and we will help you “Do-It-Yourself!”