Bed Bugs have become a significant problem in Canada and around the world. They have become a major cause of lost business in the entertainment and hospitality industries.
They are easily spread and difficult to treat resulting in rapid growth in the number of bed bug outbreaks around the world.
The key to beating any bed bug infestation is to raise awareness of what to look for and to ensure bed bugs are dealt with immediately once discovered.
The only food source of bed bugs is blood. That is why they are classified blood feeders and feed on the blood of humans and other mammals.
While there is a possibility for bed bugs to transmit disease, experts cannot agree there is evidence of transmission from bed bugs to humans or animals. What is agreed upon is the irritation, distress to many of us and for those with hyper sensitivities.
Bed Bug Bites are not painful. Itchiness can result from the body’s reaction to bites, causing discomfort. Treating the bites can soothe the irritation, but with multiple bites, it can still be very distressing.
Multiple bites and contact with bed bugs can lead to an itchy rash or possibly eczema. Consult a medical professional for advice and treatment if this occurs.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Adult bed bugs are 4-5mm long. Prior to feeding they are a flattened oval shape and light brown in colour, but become rounder, like a football and darker (rust colour) after feeding.
They emerge at night and are attracted to the warmth of our bodies and carbon dioxide in our breath.
They are usually found in bedrooms and in living rooms (couch, arm chairs) but hide in cracks and crevices during the day.
The most common shelters for bed bugs are:
You can easily spot evidence of bed bug activity by looking for these telltale signs of dark brown, red or even black staining on mattress covers. These signs are from bed bug excrement after they have a blood meal.
Infestation can also be associated with an unpleasant scent secreted by bed bugs.
Identifying Bed Bug Bites
It is difficult to identify bed bugs from their bite because everyone’s body reacts very differently to the bites.
It is more important to look at the overall pattern and timing of bites and other factors to identify whether bites are caused by bed bugs. Bed bugs usually will follow a vein on your hands, arms, legs, feet, neck and face.
Your AR Pest Control office has products developed for the control of pests such as Bed Bugs.
Due to the difficulty for eliminating bed bugs, it is advisable to contact an AR Service Representative toll free at
1 (855) 670-7378 or email@example.com