Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Spring is the time of year when homeowners have to pay attention to the stepped-up activity of insects such as ants, spiders and termites. As an integral part of the earth’s ecology, these insects and other pests are each beneficial in their own way, but also problematic when they infest a house. Some like termites can cause structural damage and need to be dealt with by professionals like termite control los angeles, others such as bed bugs can cause bodily harm. Some just bite, others can spread diseases. This is definitely not something anyone wants in their home. But not to worry, there are always people out there to help you get rid of any infestations you have in your house. If you live in the Des Moines are of Iowa, you could look into something like exterminator Des Moines to find the closest service to you. You’ll have your home back in no time!

One insect that has been a problem for centuries is the bed bug. The extensive use of pesticides that began in the 1940s had helped to reduce bedbug problems through the 1950s. But as the use of certain insecticides decreased due to environmental and health hazards, and the rate of travel has increased, the incidents of bed bug infestations have increased in recent years. They have even started to infest more hotels so if you have ever been to a hotel and suffered bedbug injuries then you might be entitled to compensation. You could start looking into contacting someone like these Virginia personal injury lawyers

Bed bugs are efficient hitchhikers. While sanitation is a factor, bed bug infestation can be found in any home. Mattresses, box springs and other upholstered furniture are prime targets, but homeowners and exterminators are finding them even in places like televisions sets, computer keyboards and electric switches.

Bed bugs are small, oval, wingless insects that reach about 1/4 inch in length. They have flat bodies and are reddish-brown in color. They may sometimes be mistaken for ticks or small cockroaches. They do not develop wings, so can not fly. Bed bugs feed on blood from humans or animals. They do their thing mostly at night – biting unsuspecting victims as they sleep. The bit itself is not painful, but bed bugs inject saliva under the skin, leading to itchy, swollen skin, which can become infected when scratched.

Beds bugs reproduce quite rapidly; female bed bugs can lay five eggs a day. Newly hatched nymphs are a little more than a dot. They can reach maturity in a month or so.

Purchasing used upholstered furniture is particularly risky, but even new products can be infested. Aside from used bedding and upholstered furniture, the most common mean of home invasion is from bed bugs that travel to a home in luggage and clothing following a stay at a hotel or other accommodations. Close inspection and vacuuming of all luggage, as well the dry cleaning of clothing is recommended to help avoid an invasion.

If you suspect a bed bug problem, a thorough inspection of the premises to locate bed bugs and their harborage sites is necessary so that cleaning efforts and treatments can be focused. Look for fecal stains, egg cases, and shed skins in crevices and cracks on or near beds. You should also look at other areas such as under the edges of lifted wallpaper, behind picture frames, in couches and other furniture, in bed springs, and even in articles of clothing. While fecal stains and skin casts suggest that bed bugs have been present, these do not confirm that the infestation is still active. Observing the bed bugs themselves is usually confirmation that your home is infested, however you may require professional assistance to confirm your home contains a problem.

Many do-it-yourself efforts to get rid of bugs do not work. Readily available insecticides only tend to cause them to move around in a house. Some exterminators have even turned to bug-sniffing dogs to track down the insects in less conspicuous areas. The services of an experienced exterminator are usually needed for significant infestations. But even with professional help, elimination may be difficult. The key is to try and prevent them from moving in.

For more information on bed bugs, review this this article from the University of Kentucky. Most local Departments of Health also have issued information on bed bugs. If you are wanting to get rid of these bugs in the most natural way possible because you might have animals that are sensitive to sprays, Quantum Health provides a natural bug spray that is plant-based.

More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.