People have been aware of bed bugs for thousands of years. Their diet consists entirely of blood, making them an annoying parasite. Most people will suffer an itchy bite similar to one from a mosquito or flea. Sensitive individuals may develop a slight rash.
In previous centuries the medical community felt that bedbugs were beneficial in the treatment of multiple diseases, an opinion which held until the mid-18th century. They later became considered a common nuisance.
Pesticides and the effort to clean up urban areas seemed to assist in nearly eliminating the problem but over the past decade bedbugs have reemerged, although no clear answer as to why has yet surfaced. Today a home infested with bedbugs can be treated but recognizing they are there is the first step to successful Bed Bug Control in Phoenix AZ.
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs can feed any time of the day or night, but do seem to primarily eat at night. This is most likely due to the fact that the host (people or pets) are less active at night. If you find yourself to be consistently waking up in the morning with fresh bites, bed bugs may be the culprit.
Signs of Bed Bugs
The first clue is often rust-colored stains on the sheets. These are often blood spots left by the bed bugs when they are feeding or the crushed pests themselves. By inspecting the bed you may also find the pale eggs or eggshells from them as well.
Where They Live
Bed bugs are not just found in the bed. If you do suspect them, check along the ridge or seam of the mattress and underneath between the mattress and box spring. Bed bugs are known to live as much as 20 feet away from their food source. It is important to check other furnishings, carpets, in-between floor boards, cracks in walls of wallpaper. Basically any place thin enough for a credit card to slide through will fit a bed bug.
Pest Control
If you do find bed bugs or just suspect you may have an infestation contacting a pest control specialist will be the best way to guarantee you are able to eliminate them.
