Bed Bug FAQ

While they may not be making the news lately, bed bugs are still a problem for Phoenix families.

Bed bugs creep into homes through the tiniest of cracks, on luggage brought back from an infested hotel, from your place of work, your kid’s school, or on secondhand furniture.

Their favorite meal is you (well, your blood) and they are nocturnal making a sleeping human or pet the perfect target.

Identifying signs of bed bugs and calling Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination are the keys to preventing a bed bug infestation catastrophe.

What do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are flat, oval, small, brown parasitic insects with the youngest being a pale yellow and poppy seed sized. While bed bugs might be hard for us to see, they are on the lookout for us as they want to feed on our blood.

Where do Bed Bugs Live (besides my bed)?

While bed bugs are sometimes associated with unsanitary conditions, they live anywhere there is blood. No matter how clean your home is, you can still get bed bugs.

The most common places bed bugs live are where there is a high turnover of people like hotels, airports, resorts, apartments, military barracks, cabins, churches, cruise ships, college dorms, nursing homes, office buildings, motor homes, trains, subways, bus stations, and laundromats to name a few.

Basically, anywhere.

Even the cleanest looking home, apartment, or hotel room can carry these unpleasant little creatures. Don’t be fooled by appearances.

What are Signs of Bed Bugs?

Bed bug feces is dark or rusty in color. You may see spots on your bedding, pillows, or in places where pets and their humans like to sit. It’s important to inspect your home regularly for signs of these and other pests.

How do I Identify a Bed Bug Bite?

If you wake up with skin irritation, red spots, or signs that you’ve been bitten that weren’t present at bedtime, you may have bed bugs.

How Can I Tell For Sure if I Have Bed Bugs?

It’s rare that you will see a bed bug alive as they are nocturnal. If you see what you think is a bed bug, try to save it and call Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination. We can identify your pest and treat your home as needed.

How can I Prevent Bed Bugs?

Bed bug prevention begins by inspecting your home for evidence. Regular inspection of corners and base boards, on and around beds (including pet beds), mattresses, and bedroom or closet floors for blood stains, dark or rusty spots, egg shells, or shed skins.

Other ways to prevent bed bugs in your home include:

• Never let your luggage come in direct contact with a hotel floor. Place it over a plastic bag or on a table.
• Clear the clutter so they have no place to hide.
• Avoid buying secondhand furniture.
• Use encasements for mattress and box spring.
• Install interceptor device to catch bugs while they are on the move at night.
• Wash all of your clothes in hot water after returning from a hotel stay.
• Always wash bedding in hot water.