Bed bugs are tiny parasitic insects, with distinguishable physical characteristics and behaviors Differentiating between the bed bug and other similar species of pests is generally quick and easy. Thanks to the apple seed-shaped, reddish/black body, and parasitic behavior, the bed bug can be identified by all age groups. While no one wants this opportunity, it is bound to happen if you do a lot of traveling, live in a college dorm, or frequently visit skilled nursing facilities.
Bed bug sightings have been reported in hotels, hospitals, homeless shelters, subways, roadside inns, rental cabins and chalets, and multi-family apartment buildings
Where To Look For Bed Bugs In All Settings?
Regardless of the setting, bed bugs are more often found in the bedroom than in any other area of the property. Why are bed bugs drawn to the bedroom? This is where the human host sleeps. The bed bug is only about 7 millimeters in length, with short legs and powerful antennas. The short legs make mobility excruciatingly slow for the bed bugs. While the insect species can survive up to 200 days on one feeding, more frequent feedings are preferred. With an accessible host nearby, the mature bed bug will feed weekly, while the nymph needs 5 meals before maturity.
To eliminate the need to travel extended distances, the bed bug colony will take refuge in the host’s bedroom.
What To Do When Bed Bugs Are Detected In Your Home?
There is no doubt, bed bugs are something no one wants to detect in their home. These parasitic insects target humans and animals. When most people think of being bed bug prey, they instantly become concerned. The bed bug is capable of detecting heat and carbon dioxide, both of which are produced by the sleeping human. In fact, this is how the species knows when their hosts are asleep. These are signals to alert the bed bug it is okay to feed.
Instead of fearing a bed bug sighting, you need to be fully prepared.
Is A Few Bed Bugs Worrisome?
Yes, even one little bed bug is enough to cause concern. Whether the bed bug is a nymph or an adult, this is a sign of things to come. When a bed bug sighting is brushed off, the risk of a full-blown infestation becomes even higher. Before you know it, you become a host for a full colony of bed bugs. Unlike the ant and termite colonies, the bed bug colony does not have a queen. Instead, the insects colonize as a unit to ensure longevity when living in the human habitat and in their natural environment.
Are Bed Bugs Solitary Insects?
Bed bugs are both solitary and social insects. They are known to travel alone, rarely if never in colonies. Most bed bugs travel along in luggage, backpacks, overnight bags, purses, and other accessories. People who frequently travel are at the highest risk, followed by college students who reside in dorms, not off-campus.
When bed bugs travel alone, they do not stay alone very long. Mature females lay eggs at least every 5 days in tiny gaps, cracks, and other discrete openings. The female lays her eggs in areas near the host. So, when the eggs hatch, the nymphs will have easy access to a blood meal. Each bed bug nymph needs to feed at least 5 times before reaching maturity. From nymph to a mature bed bug, it can take up to 5 weeks.
When Will A Bed Bug Become A Full-Blown Infestation After Home Infiltration?
An adult female bed bug can produce up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs begin to grow with each feeding. To mature into an adult bed bug, the nymph must feed on blood from a human or animal at least 5 times, the same as molting. Unlike most arthropods, once the bed bug reaches adulthood, it will no longer molt, shed its shell.
If there is only one female insect infiltrating your home, within 5 weeks this will change. At this point, there will be several males and females, preparing to procreate. Within another week or so, there will be more eggs. In another 17 days or so, there will be more adults preparing to reproduce. This cycle will continue until a full-blown infestation will erupt inside your home.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs exhibit deceptive behavior as part of an effort to avoid human detection. Unlike most insect species, the bed bug cannot exist in an environment with a living, breathing animal or human. Since the bed bug is a parasite, it must coexist with humans or animals. The bed bug prefers a human host, while the parasitic insect species (tick and flea) prefer animal hosts. It is all about preference at this point, but when it comes down to surviving or dying, these parasitic insects are not picky.
With three sets of legs, the bed bug can scurry from place to place. Evidence shows the bed bug can crawl about 4 feet every minute. However, the insect still prefers to be in proximity of its host. Bed bugs bury deep in the fibers of mattresses, sheets, pillows, box springs, carpets, upholstery furniture, and blankets.
Knowing The Signs Of Bed Bug Infestation
Visually detecting bed bugs is difficult, if not impossible in many cases. Therefore, exterminators recommend searching for signs of bed bugs, instead of the bed bug. These signs include:
- Live adults, nymphs, and eggs hiding in mattresses, bed linen, and box springs
- Dried blood on bed linen, mattress, box spring, and pajamas
- Exoskeleton shedding on bed linen, pillows, mattresses, box springs, carpet, and upholstery
- Bed bug fecal droppings on bed linen, mattresses, and box springs
- An unusual, sweet odor that may be slightly musty in severely infested bedrooms
How To Safely Eradicate Bed Bugs In Human Habitats?
Exterminating bed bugs in the human habitat is risky, especially for those with little to no experience. Our professional bed bug management includes conventional, organic, and natural pest control products. We also offer eco-friendly bed bug treatments, including:
- Thermal heat
- Cryonite
- Glue Traps
- Steam
All these treatments are implemented without the use of chemicals. Thermal heat, cryonite, and steam are effective bed bug extermination tools because they can permeate a variety of materials and surfaces. This capability allows the carbon dioxide snow, heat, and steam to access hard-to-reach bed bug hiding places.
We utilize custom bed bug strategies with one or more treatments to ensure the best results in the shortest duration. To learn more, do not hesitate to contact our Austin customer support.
Contact Us – Bed Bug Exterminator Austin
Are you losing sleep over bed bugs? Don’t worry — help is just a phone call away. At Bed Bug Exterminator Austin, we specialize in fast, effective, and affordable bed bug treatment services tailored to meet the unique needs of homeowners, renters, and businesses throughout the Austin area.
We understand how overwhelming it can be to discover bed bugs in your home or workplace. That’s why we’re committed to providing not just top-tier extermination services, but also compassionate customer care that brings peace of mind during a stressful time. Our expert technicians are licensed, highly trained, and equipped with the latest tools and technologies to eliminate bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle — from eggs to adults.
