The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a pest categorized in the Cimicidae family of insects that feed on the blood of mammals. Bed bugs are wingless, and have a flat and oval-shaped body that may extend up to ¼ of an inch long in shades of red and brown. The insects are equipped with a proboscis, which they use to pierce through the skin and feed on the blood of the host.
Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?
Unlike mosquitoes that may spread harmful diseases, bed bugs are generally considered more of a nuisance pest rather than a serious risk to human health. In most cases, those who are bitten will develop a reddish and itchy rash that they notice after waking up. People with bed bug bites are discouraged from excessively scratching at the irritated areas of skin to avoid potentially worsening the problem, and creating the potential for infection.
It is common for those facing an intrusion from bed bugs to experience feelings of anxiety, and have significant difficulty sleeping. As these pests move, they also leave a trail of small blood stains and dark-colored feces on bedding material and mattresses. A foul odor often develops in rooms with many active bugs.
The Difficulty Of Eliminating Bed Bugs
Part of the challenge posed by bed bugs involves how people often bring them into their homes accidentally within bags, suitcases, or purses. This occurs after coming in contact with them in settings such as hotel rooms, airports, buses, and trains. Bed bugs act as “hitchhikers” that also might be unknowingly brought inside within second-hand mattresses or furniture. During the daytime, these insects tend to remain hidden within small crevices near floorboards, and beneath mattresses or box springs.
Female bed bugs can produce more than 100 eggs over their lifetime, meaning that the problem can quickly worsen over a span of several weeks or months. These pests are resilient to most general bug sprays and cleaning products and can retreat from an area to avoid close exposure.
Do I Need A Professional Pest Exterminator?
There are some practices that will help to prevent bed bugs, such as closely inspecting hotel rooms and checking your belongings before bringing them indoors after traveling or other overnight stays. Once the problem exists within a home, do-it-yourself home treatment options are unlikely to be successful. Many property owners will purchase store-bought aerosol sprays, foggers, and glue traps that produce only short-term results and might contain harsh chemicals.
Those with a bed bug problem are encouraged to promptly speak with a licensed pest exterminating company that will have the experience, products, and equipment needed to effectively eliminate these critters.
Licensed Pest Control Company In Dallas
The team of local pest control specialists with Lonestar Safe Pest understands what it takes to thoroughly and completely eradicate infestations of bed bugs. We have several proven methods that include specialized liquid treatments applied to surfaces and materials, and the usage of heat to eliminate these pests and their eggs.
Our company is family-owned and operated and has been delivering results for residential and commercial customers for years in the Dallas region. We have expertise in effectively resolving problems with bed bugs, termites, cockroaches, and many other unwanted invaders using organic products that will be safe for humans and the local environment. Contact us today for an onsite inspection, and complimentary estimate.