What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that are parasites. They feed on the blood of warm blooded mammals. They are small insects reaching no more than 3 mm in length. Bed bugs have a reddish brown appearance and resemble ticks. They are often mistaken for carpet beetles.
How do you identify them?
Bed bugs are easily identified by what they leave behind. Look for blood stains and feces on sheets and bedding. You can also recognize the marks that they leave on their hosts. Look for little red welts where they bite you.
How do professionals identify them?
Professionals can identify bed bugs by setting traps or by using an insect smelling dog. Traps use carbon dioxide and heat to lure them in. Dogs can be trained to detect bed bugs and can detect them in just seconds.
How are bed bugs treated?
Chemical means are one of the least effective ways to treat bed bugs because of the resistance that they have built over the years. The best way to treat them is with heat. Heat generators are used to heat a home to a temperature of above 113 degrees. In a few hours, this heat can kill juvenile and adult bed bugs as well as eggs.
How do you avoid getting bed bugs?
Bed bugs are spread when they travel from contaminated areas. They easily travel in clothing, suitcases, boxes, and a variety of other different means. Use caution when traveling and think about what you could be bringing home.
