Bed Bug Identification & Prevention Guide
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of birds and mammals. Bed bugs live wherever people live or visit, and they are a significant pest problem inside of commercial properties. Bed bugs have a wingless, oval-shaped body with six legs and an elongated, piercing mouthpart called a proboscis. Adult bed bugs grow to about 1/4 inch in length and are often described as an apple seed with legs. Before feeding, bed bugs are a mahogany brown, but after they become engorged with blood, their bodies swell and turn a deeper purplish-red color.
Are bed bugs dangerous?
The spread of disease-causing pathogens by bed bugs is not currently a huge concern. Bed bugs are biting pests, however, and are notoriously difficult to exterminate once they’ve found their way into your business. For most, bed bug bites are nothing more than a nuisance resulting in a linear pattern of red itchy dots. Some people are allergic to their saliva which results in red itch rashes on the skin. In addition to unwanted bites, the presence of bed bugs can cause anxiety, and this toll on mental health can result in increased stress and lack of sleep.
Not only are bed bugs hazardous to the well being of the customer, but they will also quickly damage your business’s reputation. With social media making it easy for information to travel quickly, one customer’s bad experience due to bed bugs can quickly result in loss of business and revenue.
Why do I have a bed bug problem?
People have the potential to come into contact with bed bugs almost anywhere they live or visit. Bed bugs hitchhike on people’s clothing or belongings; once attached to purses, bags, luggage, or coats, they will easily find their way into a new location with a new food source.
Where will I find bed bugs?
Bed bugs are feeding on the blood of their sleeping hosts or hiding in tight, dark cracks and crevices. These nocturnal creatures are experts at hiding during the day. At night, right before dawn, they will emerge from their hiding spaces to feed on their host.
Bed bugs prefer to hide as close to their food source as possible. Common hiding spots include:
- the seams of mattresses and box springs.
- upholstered furniture.
- within carpet fibers.
- cracks in walls.
- cracks in wooden furniture.
- behind trim, clocks, or wall hangings.
- wall voids behind electrical outlets.
- inside of keyboards or electronics.
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
Bed bug infestations should always be identified and treated by the professionals here at Bullseye K-9 Detection. You may be tempted to try do-it-yourself methods for bed bug control, but they will likely fail. When threatened, bed bugs can go into hiding for months at a time only to reemerge in greater numbers in the future.
Our professionals know how to detect and treat your bed bug problem so that you won’t have to struggle with future infestations. We provide exclusive bed bug detection and elimination services throughout North Texas and the state of Hawaii. Getting rid of bed bugs from your businesses is our business!
How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?
Protect your North Texas or Hawaii business from bed bugs with the help of the professionals at Bullseye K-9 Detection. People unknowingly come into contact with bed bugs during the travel process, while visiting friends, while at work, or after spending time in any public place. It’s a common misconception that bed bugs are an indicator of an unclean business. In reality, they find their way onto a property by chance.
The best way to prevent problems with bed bugs is to be proactive and partner with an experienced and dedicated professional. At Bullseye K9 Detection, we have the ability to provide routine inspections and effective bed bug treatments to eradicate bed bugs from commercial properties. To learn more about Bullseye K-9 Detection and our commitment to keeping properties bed bug free, contact us today!