Bed bugs are a nuisance for our family and lives.  You cannot detect them because they are very small.  Bed bugs are oval in shape, relatively flat, and tend to have a white to burnt orange color. They are extremely shy insects, drawn to the warmth of the human body at night.  They thrive in warm climates.  After they feed, they display a dark red or black color.  Most of the time they come in through clothing, luggage, furniture and mattresses.  Mostly from used mattresses, sofas, chairs and such.  Once they get in your home they hide in tiny spaces and crevices.  Bed bugs come out mostly at night to feed on you and your animals.  It only takes 3-10 minutes to feed and disappear without anyone knowing.  There is no pain at the time but an itchy sore will appear next morning.  It will not have a red center like flea bites.  Most people will think it’s a flea bites or mosquito bites instead.

So, how do we know if we have bed bugs?  There are a few signs to determine if you have bed bugs.  The most common visual clue is that your bed may be infested with these bugs with dark spots on the mattress. This coloring is dried bed bug excrement and is a definite sign that you have a problem. Sometimes you’ll notice smeared blood visible if you accidentally squash a bed bug after it has fed.  Checking carefully between objects, including creases, cracks, seams and folds is important, as these areas often make ideal hiding spaces for bed bugs. Since their bodies are flat before feedings, they can hide very easily in the tightest spaces.  Another way to detect bed bugs is to use a mouse trap or mosquito trap.  Lay the sticky surface down at night and see if you can see any bed bugs the next morning.  Anything that has been trapped in the night will stick to the sticky substance of the trap.  Sure sign if you have a big problem.

How do we treat them?  First, remove all affected areas such as bed linens, clothing, sheets and pillowcases and wash them in borax. For non-washable surfaces, as in drawers or cabinets, dust talcum powder on the affected area. Vacuum the area thoroughly and purchase an enzyme cleaner to clean all possible surfaces. If there are open spots or crevices in the wall, dust them with talcum powder and caulk them shut. This cleaning process should be repeated as often as possible to rid your home of the infestation.  Often, more severe measures need to be taken to for serious infestations. A professional exterminator or professional hot water extraction company need to be called.  Remember when hiring a professional carpet cleaner it needs to be a truck mounted, hot water extraction company.  Heat is a key factor and it must be very high heat to get rid of the bed bugs.  Taking some steps to make sure you have no bed bugs is to check frequently.  Once you know what to look for you will help your family on the long run.