Bed Bugs are parasitic insects that feast on mammalian blood, preferably human blood. They are ectoparasites and considered to be public health pests by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, unlike most public health pests, Bed Bugs are not known to transmit diseases or spread them. Their saliva can cause allergic reactions in some people and can yield itchy bites while others have no sensitivity to the saliva and no bites will be seen, making bites a poor identification characteristic.
Because Bed Bugs are cryptobiotic (they hide from the light), an infestation can go unnoticed for many months. It is important to know the habits of Bed Bugs in order to inspect properly and subsequently treat. Bed Bugs sense carbon dioxide and no movement in the wee hours of the night or morning and begin feeding. They hide in any crack or opening in and around where the host spends most of the time and more commonly where the host sleeps. They have been known to hide in mattress folds, behind picture frames, in drawers, etc. Bed Bugs can cause a sweet musty-smell due to their scent glands and leave dark staining along harborage areas from their excrement.
Most Bed Bug cases come when there has been traveling. They can hitchhike in luggage, clothes and bedding and take up residence in your home. It is important to inspect all second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home as well as inspect luggage after travel. Inspection is necessary to find out if Bed Bugs are the issue. Many times, they can be confused with other pests. Bed Bugs generally feed every 5-10 days, but can remain dormant for a number of months to a year when there is no food source.
Treatment is crucial. Exclusion techniques are also necessary when living in a multi-family home or apartment complex. Sealing cracks and crevices along baseboards and outlets can help stop potential Beg Bugs from travelling through wall voids. There is no quick fix to a Bed Bug problem, this pest requires multiple treatments and inspections to ensure there are none left since hiding is something they do best. If you suspect Bed Bugs where you live, call Safe Home today for a free inspection. We serve West Palm Beach and all of South Florida.