If you're finding bites on your skin when you wake up, you may immediately recognize the possibility that you have a bed bug infestation. What should you do about it? Do you plan to search your home and go after those bugs with over-the-counter bed bug control products? Before you do, you should know what you're up against and some of the ways these bugs can outsmart you. Join us today as we look at the challenges of bed bug detection, why it is essential to appropriately address bed bug problems, and why bed bugs are so hard to control. Then, we'll tell you what works to control these elusive pests and how a licensed service technician addresses bed bug infestations. Before we get started, we want to remind you that help is available if you need it. Conquistador Pest & Termite uses field-tested methods and the most advanced materials for bed bug pest control in Tucson. We apply the science of pest control systematically and continually until no bugs remain. Jump to our contact page to schedule service, or just call. We're here to help you find solutions to all your pest concerns.
Bed Bugs Are About The Size And Shape Of An Apple Seed
Imagine playing a game with your son or daughter. The game is this: they have to hide an apple seed somewhere in the house, and you have to find it. Does that sound like a fun game? One of the reasons why bed bugs are so challenging to find is that they are tiny insects. A full-grown adult bed bug is only about 4.5 millimeters long. Newly hatched bed bug nymphs are many times smaller. When a baby bed bug hatches from its egg, it is only 1 millimeter long. That isn't much more than a speck. But, while finding a speck in your house is hard, bed bugs make it even harder. Here are a few reasons why.
- Bed bugs in Tucson avoid light. They hide in dark voids, under carpets, and in cracks. When you search for them, they'll actively hide from the light as you search. They are incredibly elusive.
- Bed bugs hide in tight spaces. A bed bug is top-heavy. That's why you find dead bed bugs lying on their backs. In order to stay right-side-up, a bed bug has to cling to the surface it is on—even the floor. So, tucking itself into a tight space allows a bed bug to relax. As you search for bed bugs, you'll have to dig, probe, and poke to find them.
- Bed bugs don't always hide where you expect. If you search every dark crevice and tight space in your mattress, box spring, or bed frame and don't find bed bugs, you're not done. You need to check your nightstand, chairs, couches, desks, carpet edges, outlets, baseboards, book bags, luggage, computers, alarm clocks, and more.
It isn't easy to find an apple seed in your home. It is even harder to find an apple seed that avoids you as you search for it! On top of this, you may not find that apple seed if you don't know that it is hiding in a place you don't expect. These pests can outsmart you even if you know how to find bed bugs during the day.
The Problem With Having Bed Bugs In Your Home
How bad is it when you don't find bed bugs and you don't deal with them? Are bed bug bites dangerous? No, not typically. But it is still good not to have bed bugs in your home. Let's first look at the health concerns, then we'll look at the real threat these pests present.
- Bed bug bites are numerous. Each insect will typically bite three times. It isn't good to have numerous bites as it can lead to anemia.
- Bed bug bites can develop into open wounds when scratched. These wounds can lead to infections or sepsis if not dealt with appropriately.
- Bed bugs can cause sleepless nights, which can lead to sleep deprivation.
Routine bites and sleepless nights are bad. Infections and sepsis are worse. But the real problems with having bed bugs in your home are not related to health.
- A bed bug infestation can make friends want to avoid you. It is hard to plan birthday parties, reunions, graduation parties, and other important events when you're battling bed bugs.
- If you have kids, they may deal with bullying when other kids find out that they have bed bugs, even though these insects are not attracted to dirty homes or dirty people.
- When you have bed bugs, it is hard to get started with your day. The thought of going to work or school can feel overwhelming due to the precautions you have to take.
Bed bugs aren't just disturbing pests. There are many ways they can adversely impact your health and well-being. A bed bug infestation is a problem you will want to address with appropriate measures, and the best way to get rid of bed bugs is to hire a professional.
Why It's Impossible To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own
Even if you know how to identify bed bugs, where bed bugs hide, and how to clean bed bugs up and remove them from your home, it is likely you'll still fail to get rid of all of these pests. Before you attempt DIY bed bug control, there are a few facts you should know.
- Bed bugs are resistant to certain control materials. You need to know what works to eliminate them or you won't have any impact on the bugs in your home.
- Many of the products that promise to get rid of bed bugs simply don't work. Products like sonic devices, repellents, and topicals are wholly inadequate. Sonic devices may have some impact at first, but bed bugs will eventually get used to the annoying sound. Repellents don't drive bed bugs outside because they're not outdoor bugs. Topicals don't get deep enough to get where bed bugs hide and don't eliminate bed bug eggs.
- Natural methods have some impact but do not last long enough to provide complete protection, and they aren't powerful enough to eliminate bed bugs—at least not yet. If you want natural pest control for bed bugs, you'll need to hire a professional. If you do, keep in mind that it will cost you more and require more effort on the part of your service technician.
Bed bugs have been infesting human domiciles since we erected our first homes. They date back to the dawn of human history. If they were easy to eliminate, they would have gone extinct. A professional is aware of how bed bugs avoid treatments, and your service technician will use products and strategies to monitor bed bug activity after treatments to make sure no bugs remain in your home.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Your House
How exactly does professional bed bug control work? It is a scientific process that includes the following:
- An initial inspection to locate bed bugs and warning signs.
- A consideration of conducive conditions present in your home.
- Systematic treatment of bedding and clothing. Soapy water and the high temperature of a dryer eliminate bed bugs in all stages of development.
- Treatment of all furniture, voids, hollow areas, baseboards, carpets, outlets, and more.
- Application of mattress and box spring covers after treatment.
- The setting of monitoring devices to detect bed bug activity.
- Three return visits and subsequent inspections every two weeks are needed to make sure the treatments are successful.
- Return visits monthly after the initial three service visits if needed. These visits are to check traps and check for warning signs. Appropriate follow-ups are key to ensuring complete and satisfactory results.
If you want results-based bed bug control, contact Conquistador Pest & Termite for assistance with your bed bug infestation. Our friendly service technicians are trained and experienced professionals who know how bed bugs spread, where they hide inside your home, what materials are known to eliminate them, and what methods work best to ensure complete elimination. Don't trust anything less with these pernicious and persistent pests. If you do, you'll likely end up battling bed bugs far longer than needed.
We understand that bed bug control is a nuisance. It takes time and effort. But we walk you through the process from start to finish and make it as easy as possible. We have the experience to give you the highest level of service and provide you with bed bug control you can trust. Navigate to our contact page and tell us about your bed bug problem. We'll connect with you and guide you toward the next step in the process. Have you heard the old saying, don't let the bed bugs bite? That is our message to you. There is a solution that works to control bed bugs. It is targeted and effective. You don't have to let those bugs bite you.
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