Bedbugs are small, oval, brownish insects that live on the blood of animals or humans. Adult bedbugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed; however, after feeding their bodies swell and are a reddish color. Everett Milberger Pest Control has been fighting bedbugs for over 80 years and we think there are a few things you need to know about this pesky creatures!
Their flattened bodies make it possible for them to fit into tiny spaces, about the width of a credit card. They do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings. One female may lay over a hundred eggs in her lifetime, which is about 10 months. Immature bedbugs, called nymphs, develop fully in as little as a month. The only good news about bedbugs is that they do not transmit diseases.
Where Bedbugs Hide
Bedbugs may enter your home undetected through luggage, clothing, used beds and couches, and other items. They do not have nests like ants or bees, but they do tend to live in groups. They like to stay hidden and close to a food source. Since blood is there food, they typically hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards where they have easy access to people to bite in the night.
If their population is not treated and removed bedbugs will spread to other areas of the house, such as behind artwork, in crevices, under the carpet and in furniture. They may also spread to nearby apartments if you are in an apartment building.
Bedbugs live solely on blood so having them in your home is not a sign of dirtiness. Even immaculate homes and hotel rooms can harbor bedbugs.
When Bedbugs Bite
Bedbugs are active mainly at night and usually bite people while they are sleeping. They feed by piercing the skin and withdrawing blood through an elongated beak. The bugs feed from three to 10 minutes to become engorged and then crawl away unnoticed. Most bedbug bites are painless at first, but later turn into itchy welts. People may not realize they have a bedbug infestation because they attribute the itching and welts to other causes, such as mosquitoes. To confirm bedbug bites, you must find and identify the bugs themselves.
Everett Milberger Pest Control offers a FREE whole home inspection for bedbugs. Trust us, over the counter and home remedies will not be as effective as professional extermination. Before you invite family and friends over for the holiday’s, make sure your home is bedbug free!