Bed Bug Control in Antioch, CA and the Surrounding Areas

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Bed bug infestations can be found anywhere like theaters, hotels, hospitals, schools, and public transportation. They can even be found in 5-star hotels, but they often nest in beds and sofas and that’s where they get their name. Knowing where to look and what to look for is the beginning of getting rid of these pests. Once Bed Bugs have nestled into your home they can migrate from room to room through the wiring. They can travel up to 100 feet at night and live about 8 feet away from where you are sleeping. Bed bugs are professional hitchhikers and follow travelers on through their luggage and briefcases. They can even get on your clothes and travel with you wherever you go. Many people do no not realize these stow away insects and infect the area they travel.

Types of Bed Bugs We Protect You From

In the entire world there are about 100 different species of Bed Bugs. There are 3 main types of Bed Bugs in America but the most common Bed Bugs that are usually implicated in human infestations according to CDC.gov are Cimex Lectularius and Cimex Hemipterus. The common household Bed Bug found in Northern California is the Cimex Lectularius.

Signs That You Have a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed Bugs are attracted by warmth. They hide anywhere they know they can be kept warm and unseen. These nocturnal creatures detect carbon dioxide emitted from warm-blooded hosts. They are mainly in your bedroom because they like to feed on your blood while you are warm and sleeping. That is why the mattress and box spring is the best place to check for signs of an infestation like blood spots. Bed Bugs can quickly grow from a few invaders to a full blow Bed Bug Infestation in a matter of weeks! If you see any signs of Bed Bugs, the best way to protect your home and family is calling our pest control specialists. We know Bed Bugs, where they target, their favorite hiding places, and how to eliminate them quick and safely.

Here are signs that you may have a Bed Bug infestation.

What to look for:

Bed bugs are tiny pests, usually appearing with a reddish brown color, flattened and oval-shaped bodies, about 4 – 7 millimeters in size. They feed on blood from humans and pets, usually while the host is asleep. Once they are done feeding they turn into a brighter red color. Bed Bugs may live up to several months without a blood meal.

These six-legged insects crawl into cracks or crevices due to their size making it very easy to hide from detection. Due to their size and color, Bed Bugs are commonly mistaken for other pests like fleas and cockroaches when first spotted.

• Small blood spots – Usually found under mattress covers when they get accidentally crushed.
• Black or brown droppings – These are very small but smears when they get accidentally crushed.
• Shedding skin – As they feed on human blood they grow more-plump causing them to grow from their nymphs.
• Sticky white eggs – Female bed bugs lay about 200 – 500 eggs in her lifetime living about 4 – 6 months.
• Unpleasant musty odor – A bed bug releases pheromones from their skin to attract other bugs, which causes reproduction creating a bigger infestation.
• Bed Bug bites – Go to the Health risks of a Bed bug bite section to learn more.

Where to look:

Bed bugs are so tiny that sometimes they may not be seen with the naked eye until they become full-grown adults. Because they quickly hide when bright light is present, it is good to inspect these areas with a flash light to detect a potential infestation:

• Mattresses
• Seams of bedding
• Headboards
• Bed framing
• Box Springs
• Under tables and dressers
• In clutter around the bed
• Any crack and crevices

Health Risks of a Bed Bug Bite

When feeding on humans, these pests tend to feed on exposed surfaces such as the hands, arms, neck, and face. Before Bed Bugs bite they inject a numbing agency so that the host doesn’t feel the bite. The bites can create welts and small red clusters on your skin where you have been bitten sometimes turning into a rash. Some people may experience allergic reactions. Bite marks can appear within one to several days after the initial bite and may become itchy and irritating. Unfortunately, some people may not experience any type of marks on their skin when they get bit. Therefore, not realizing if they have a Bed Bug infestation.

Symptoms that may occur according to CDC.org include insomnia, anxiety, and skin problems can arise from profusely scratching the bites. The bugs are not known to spread disease, but they are difficult to get rid of without professional control.

Over the Counter Bed Bug Control Solutions and Preventions

Bed Bugs have nothing to do with the cleanliness of your home. For example, you can bring in live bugs by throwing your backpack on the bed from school when you’ve just washed your bedding and cleaned your room. They travel from place to place through baggage and clothing. There isn’t a bug spray or bug bombs that will eliminate Bed Bugs completely. The best solution to keep the infestation from spreading is to call our Diamond Certified Pest Control Experts to give you our Bed Bug Control Treatment! Bed Bug Prevention is vital and using over the counter bed bug control products may be harmful to you and your loved ones so here are ways you can prevent from a Bed Bug infestation.

• Inspect your bags and purses before transporting them from place to place.
• Wash your sheets often using a temperature over 113 Degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wash all your clothes after a trip at the highest temperature.
• Inspect luggage racks while staying at a hotel.
• Inspect any new furniture before bringing it into your home.
• Regularly check your home and especially after visitors.
• Remove all clutter where Bed Bugs could potentially hide.
• Use sealed plastic bags to transport items.
• Hot water at 120 Degrees Fahrenheit will kills bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle.
• Thorough inspection of your home every two weeks.
• Purchase a mattress encasement to protect from bugs hiding in the seams.