Termite & Pest Control  Company

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TACKLING BED BUG INFESTATIONS

Many pest control companies have reported a drastic increase in bed bug calls in the last few years, and Dodson Pest Control is no exception. Due to the ease of travel, bed bugs have become a more prevalent problem now than ever before. Bed bugs are considered the hardest pest to eliminate and are difficult to spot.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BED BUGS?

Bed bugs are flat, wingless and oval-shaped. The adults are mahogany in color when unfed but change to a rust brown/red color when filled with blood, and resemble an apple seed. Bed bugs have six legs, some short golden body hair, and two antennae.

Typically, the first sign of a bed bug infestation is the appearance of small brownish or reddish dots on bed linens and mattresses. These are bed bug fecal spots. Eggs and molt skins may also be visible. Bed bugs feed on any exposed bare skin, and their bites often result in reddish, itchy welts. However, there are many people who do not react at all to their bites.

WHAT CAUSES BED BUGS?

Bed bugs hitch rides in luggage, boxes, shoes, backpacks, purses and other mobile objects. Once they find a way into your home, their hiding places include bed frames, mattresses, box springs, furniture crevices, electrical outlets, the areas behind wallpaper and picture frames and other locations that gives them access to their hosts.

WHAT DO BED BUG BITES LOOK LIKE?

Bed bugs bites can occur anywhere on the skin. Typically, they appear on areas that are exposed during sleeping such as the neck, face, hands, shoulders, arms and legs. Many people do not feel the bite itself or develop clear symptoms other than the dots where the bug bit and some minor, surrounding inflammation and irritation. Others are considered hypersensitive to bites and may develop more severe symptoms.

Often, symptoms occur immediately after the bite, but they can develop or progress over the following days as well.

BED BUG HIDING PLACES

Bed bugs are not just found in the bed. They often retreat to cracks and crevices around the bed area between feedings. They can also be found in other places that human or animal hosts spend large amounts of time, such as couches and chairs. Due to this hiding nature, bed bug control can be difficult if not conducted by a professional.

Houses that have been vacant may still have bed bugs hiding from old tenants. Bed bugs have been known to go up to a year without feeding.

BED BUG TREATMENT

Do-It-Yourself methods do not work on bed bug infestations, since bed bugs are resistant to many of these products. Additionally, the proper use of bed bug products requires training and careful monitoring to ensure effectiveness. The quality of product available on the consumer market is not the same as the products available to pest control professionals. Leave getting rid of bed bugs to the professionals.

If you suspect you have bed bugs, our team will locate them, apply the proper treatment to infested areas and provide the necessary follow-up to eradicate your issue. We will also offer precautions on how to prevent future infestations.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INVADERS

Many people believe that bed bugs are attracted to dirty, unsanitary conditions. This is not true. A bed bug problem can happen to anyone. Bed bugs are found everyone from five star hotels and million dollar homes to apartment buildings to public transportation and even hospitals and office buildings. Bed bugs are not something to be ashamed of. While they are a nuisance, they can be eliminated with the right treatment.

Call Today for your Inspection!