Bed bugs are such a major, worldwide pest! It has been called a pandemic. Bed bugs are small, nocturnal, wingless insects with the Latin name Cimex Lectularius. They feed on human blood and rarely other warm-blooded hosts/mammals such as domestic cats and dogs. Incredible stress is suffered by humans when faced with a bed bug infestation. The word ‘infestation’ can simply mean having bed bugs; it doesn’t have to be a large problem. This is a pest that basically requires a pest management professional EVERY TIME. The Internet alone cannot walk one through the process well enough to solve them on his or her own.

Carpet beetles are often mistaken for bed bugs. Both pests can be found on and underneath furniture such as beds and couches. Correct identification is crucial before any action is taken. The bed bug’s colour is light brown, brown, red, and dark red depending on its life stage, and whether or not they’ve had a recent blood meal (engorging and darkening the body). A bed bug goes through 5 stages before becoming an adult, which is 4 to 5 mm long (longer after a recent blood meal). The smallest youth bed bug, called a 1st instar nymph, is as small as 1mm long.  She or he must feed before moulting into each of the five life stages. 1:00am to 5:00am are the busiest times for feeding. The most important bed bug traits are that they transfer or “hitchhike” very easily, they hide very easily (you need to know where to look), and they are challenging to eradicate. The biology of bed bugs is extremely complex.

There are multiple methods for controlling them. Be sure to ask lots of questions when so you feel comfortable about the proposed treatment. Call Pest Boss if you need help with getting rid of those bed bugs!