Bed Bugs

When it comes to household pests, nothing seems to make people cringe like Bed Bugs. These tiny parasites feed on humans and pets' blood, usually when their hosts are sleeping, and an infestation needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. Here's everything you should know about Bed Bugs, signs you should keep an eye out for, and why they require professional attention.

Millions Of Years Of Existence

They may be common nowadays, but as it turns out, they're not a new issue. Researchers discovered that they have been crawling around the planet for at least 115 million years, although it's not exactly clear what they fed upon centuries ago. As far as modern humans are concerned, fossilized versions of this parasite have been found at archaeological sites from 3,500 years ago. They have been traced back to caves in the Middle East but appeared throughout human history. And get this - these pests weren't always treated as a nuisance and were sometimes used for remedies. Egyptians would drink Bed Bugs in attempts to cure snake bites, while the Romans and Greeks believed they could help with leeches.

They Can Be Everywhere

Today, they are common throughout the world and are prevalent in North America. They can be found in any dwelling, whether it's messy or clean. They arrive at a new location by physical transportation, as they'll latch on to a human's clothing or suitcase to arrive at their latest home.

Bed Bugs are found in actual beds, but they can also be found in sofas, curtains, and other soft furnishings. Their preference is usually based on where people or pets are sleeping, because they are drawn to their hosts by carbon dioxide emitted during sleep and body heat.

Signs

If you are concerned about an infestation, there are some typical signs you can look out for. You may wake up with bite marks, particularly on areas exposed during sleep, such as your feet, hands, and face, but sometimes these bite marks can take up to two weeks to develop. Other signs include reddish-brown spots on your sheet from the bugs being crushed, tiny eggshells, and blood. While the bites from these bugs tend to be harmless, it is possible to have a more severe allergic reaction to them, and Bed Bugs can also carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease. You can see them with the naked eye, but they tend to hide during the day, taking refuge in parts of your mattress, box spring, and even in the wallpaper around your bed.

Dealing With A Problem

If you do find yourself with a Bed Bug infestation, it's essential to deal with it properly and as quickly as possible. Just as these pests were transported into your home, they can be carried throughout your house. Seeking professional help is typically necessary, especially when pests are developing resistances to conventional insecticides.

Here at What's Bugging You?, we offer professional and affordable pest control services for Bed Bugs and other pests. We are happy to tackle your residential or commercial space, and we have several different options to help you get rid of your Bed Bug infestation. Please don't hesitate to reach out today, to see how we can help you solve all of your pesky problems.