Bed Bugs – What Are They?

Bed Bugs are very small insects that reach up to 5mm in length and not like dust mites, can be seen with the naked eye.

Bed Bugs are very fast moving, night time (nocturnal) insects that hide and sneak onto mattresses and box spring bases during the day and become active about 1 hour before dawn. They are attracted to exhaled carbon dioxide and body heat. They feed on mammal blood that means you and your family!!

How do Bed Bugs Feed?

Bed Bugs pierce the skin with two hollow tubes. One tube injects saliva which contains an anesthetic making the area numb, while the other contains an anticoagulant making sure of uninterrupted blood flow during their feeding.

Bed Bugs often feed after 5-10 days with each feeding lasting approximately 4 minutes, after which they go back into hiding. Bed Bugs can go without food for nearly 1 year.   Beware when using a mattress that’s been in storage.

Bed Bugs and Diseases

Bed bugs don’t usually transmit disease. Some may complain of slight irritation or itching from a bite, in other cases persons may suffer from blood vessel dilation or the formation of pus filled blisters.

4 Signs of Bed Bugs

Is my mattress infested with Bed Bugs?

Look for:

• A sweet smell coming from your mattress, due to oil being discharged from the bugs.
• Blood stains on your mattress.
• Bites and sores on you.
• Skins from shedding bed bugs.

Treatment of Bed Bug Bites

How do I treat bed bug bites?

• Apply an ointment or cream on bites to sooth skin, reduce itching and protect from further infection
• Taking antihistamines if you suffer an allergic reaction to the bug bite.

How do I prevent Bed Bugs?

•  Look at replacing your conventional mattress after 8 years of use.
• Clean bed linens and pillows in very hot soapy water with bleach every 7-10 days.
• Vacuum or steam clean bed frames, top and undersides of your base and mattress.
• Remove old mattresses.
• Buy a latex mattress which is bed bug deterrent.  The protein in latex is naturally repellant to insects.
• Inspect antiques and second-hand furniture thoroughly before bringing them into your home.
• When you travel inspect your luggage and clothing for any insects or bed bugs.

Bed Bugs had become rare during the last part of the 20th century. Since 2000, a reported 400% increase in bed bugs has been reported, predominantly in North America, South America and Australia.

Due to the increase in apartment living and increased population densities, it is becoming increasingly difficult to control the migration of bed bugs.
Are Bed Bugs something to worry about?

In Chicago a lawsuit against a hotel occurred.  A client sued for millions when she woke up with more than 500 bed bug bites.