Bed bugs are parasites that are small and brown in colour, which survive by feeding on human and animal blood. They are found in furniture cracks, mattresses, box spring and travellers’ suitcases. They are usually active at night and bite any exposed area of your skin. Although not known to transmit diseases, bedbugs may spread hepatitis B or Chagas disease, according to some research. If your home has been infected by these pests, choose our bed bug control services at Maritime Pest Control Inc. Our team also specializes in offering rodent control.
Bed bugs may enter you home through luggage, clothing, used beds and couches and other items. They do not have nest like ants or bees, but tend to live in groups in hiding places. Here are some signs to know when you have an infestation:
Signs of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can have a significant impact on people’s health and quality of life. The signs of their presence can be hard to detect at first but watch out for the following:
- Uncomfortable Nights
Bed bugs are often found in beds. If you develop itchy welts while lying in bed, it confirms their presence.
- Bug Stains on Bed
Blood stains resembling small rust spots, mostly found near the corners and edges of the bed are telltale signs of bedbugs. You may also find their skin or oval brown exoskeletons for added confirmation.
- Musty Odour
Bed bugs release pheromones, a strong and unpleasant smell. If your bedroom smells like a dirty locker room, call our professionals.
How Do They Spread
Bed bugs are good hitchhikers spreading from house to house easily. Below are some of the ways they can spread:
- Movement of Items
Bed bugs travel on luggage, clothing, boxes and furniture. They can be found in crowded places such as universities, hospitals and hostels.
- Crawling
They don’t fly but are fast crawlers travelling three to four feet per minute on most surfaces. This makes their movement between floors and rooms quick.
- Breeding
Bed bugs head back to their hidden locations to digest and breed. In favourable conditions, an egg can mature into an adult in a month and a half while their lifespan ranges from four months to over a year.
Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
If the bed bugs have taken hold of your home, using insecticides will not eliminate them. You may have to call bug control services. You can follow some of the following steps to remove them from your space:
Contain the Infestation
You can either change or replace your bedding. You can also try to:
- Put the bed linens directly into a double plastic bag to reduce their chance of spreading.
- Wash the bed linens in hot water and then dry at a high temperature.
- Vacuum to remove any remaining bed bugs and eggs.
- Dispose the contents of vacuum cleaner outside in a sealable plastic bag.
- Encasement – Mattress Cover
This is the key element to isolating the bed from the bugs.
How Can We Help
Maritime Pest Control Inc. offers quality bugs and mice control services in Edmonton. With over two decades of being in this business, we have dealt with every kind of household pest. We understand this problem can arise anytime. If you are experiencing a bed bugs infestation in your office or home, call us today or fill out our online form.
