Bed bugs are a real nuisance. They are parasitic insects that feed on blood. Bed bugs are light-brown to red and have flattened, oval-shaped bodies about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs have bugged humankind for thousands of years and in the 1940’s were all but eradicated from non-third world countries. They have enjoyed a resurgence since the late 1990’s due to increasing tolerance to pesticides.
Bed bugs are equal opportunity insects, and infestations occur in hospitals, army bases and hotels. Bed bugs tend to congregat1. Vacuuming:e in groups hiding in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, and any place close to their food source. Signs of infestation include blood stains on sheets, dark spots of excrement on sheets, mattresses and bed clothes. Some of the common Bed Bug Treatments in Charleston SC used by companies like Low Country Pest Specialists, include:
1. Vacuuming: Vacuuming and disposing of the bag in a tightly sealed container or bag is a good first step. However, it may not be possible to vacuum the eggs which adhere to the bedding. Also, vacuuming the insects doesn’t necessarily kill them, and they may be transported elsewhere and escape. Vacuuming should be done in junction with other treatment methods.
2. Heat: Heat treatments are advantageous as it kills bed bugs at all stages. Whole houses or structures are heated to 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit, the lethal temperature for bed bugs. The heat level must be maintained for several hours to ensure deep penetration of the heat. Individual items such as clothing or rugs may be placed in the dryer at the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes. As heat treatment has no residual activity, it does not prevent re-infestation. For this reason, heat treatments are often followed up with pesticides.
3. Pesticides: Bed bugs have become increasingly resistant to pesticides. To be most effective, Bed Bug Treatments in Charleston SC should be done by professional exterminators. During an inspection, the technician will spray a non-pyrethroid pesticide directly on the bed bugs and also into cracks, crevices and even electrical outlets, where they like to hide and lay eggs.
Log on and Browse the website for more information regarding bed bug eradication methods. The best treatment methods are integrated pest management approaches using a combination of treatment methods. Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite!
