What are bed bugs?

Bed bug infestations have been on the rise in recent years. While there have been many news stories about hotels, subways and other places throughout the country being hit with bed bugs, you will also find them right here in Arizona. It’s important for homeowners to know as much about these bugs as possible, including how to deal with them. 

How Do Bed Bugs Enter Your Home?

Bed bugs have many ways of getting into your home. They don’t fly, but they’re able to sneak into homes on clothing, furniture, luggage and other materials. Keep in mind that you can end up with these bugs in your home after traveling or being in a public place that has an infestation. These pests infest libraries, movie theaters, office buildings, and other public places. 

How Do Bed Bugs Feed?

Bed bugs remain hidden during the day, then come out of their hiding spots at night to feed on human blood. They feed by inserting piercing mouthparts into the skin. While this might sound painful, most people don’t feel anything while these bugs are feeding. Males and females both require a diet of blood for growth and development. Although younger ones need to feed more often, adults can go months without feeding.

Do Bed Bugs Harm People?

Bed bug bites can cause reactions in people who are sensitive or allergic. These reactions usually include redness and itching at the bite sites. Dealing with bed bug bites can also cause people to lose sleep, which can lead to other problems, such as daytime sleepiness. Although researchers have found that these bugs might play a role in transmitting Chagas disease, they aren’t known to spread any infectious diseases directly to people. 

How Do Bed Bugs Reproduce?

Female bugs are able to lay up to 250 eggs during their lifetime. After a male and female bed bug mate, the female lays eggs in small cracks and other areas where they’ll be safe. Bed bug eggs only take about 10 days to hatch. Once they’ve hatched, the bed bug nymphs begin looking for food in order to molt or grow to the next stage of development. 

How Do You Know if You Have Bed Bugs?

Finding bed bug bites on your body is one of the most common ways to tell if you have these pests in your home. You might also see them on your mattress or bed frame, although you can also find them almost anywhere in your home. Look for bugs that are brownish and have an oval shape. You might also find spots on your bed linens from those feeding or leaving excrement behind.

How Can You Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Getting rid of bed bugs in your Arizona home is best left to the professionals at Budget Brothers. We use heat to eliminate infestations. Chemicals can work too, although bed bugs have been building up a resistance to some chemical pest control products. Heat is a better option for eliminating these pests from your home. 

What Are the Advantages of Using Heat for Bed Bug Treatment?

Using heat to get rid of bed bugs is a safer method of pest control. Incorrectly using chemicals can cause damage to your property or lead to health issues. Heat offers an effective and healthier way to eliminate these bugs since they cannot survive hot temperatures.

If you think you have bed bugs in your home, contact Budget Brothers Termite and Pest for a complete inspection or treatment.