Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They are usually active at night when people are sleeping. Adult bed bugs have flat, rusty-red-coloured oval bodies. About the size of an apple seed, they are big enough to be easily seen, but often hide in cracks in furniture, floors, or walls. When bed bugs feed, their bodies swell and become brighter red. They can live for several months (perhaps as much as 18 months) without food or water.

Bed Bugs

- WHAT DOES A BED BUG BITE FEEL AND LOOK LIKE?

Most bed bug bites are initially painless, but later turn into large, itchy skin welts. These welts do not have a red spot in the centre, as do fleabites.

- ARE BED BUGS DANGEROUS?

Although bed bugs are a nuisance, they are not known to spread disease.

- HOW DOES A HOME BECOME INFESTED WITH BED BUGS?

In most cases, people carry bed bugs into their homes unknowingly, in infested luggage, furniture, bedding, and clothing. Bed bugs may also travel between apartments through small crevices and cracks in walls and floors.

- HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HOME IS INFESTED WITH BED BUGS?

You may notice itchy skin welts. You may also see the bed bugs themselves, small bloodstains from crushed insects, or dark spots from their droppings. It is often hard to see them because they hide in or near beds, other furniture, and in cracks.

- HOW CAN I GET RID OF BED BUGS?

It is strongly recommended that the homeowners hire pest control professionals to get rid of bed bugs, as they are not easy to eliminate and the appropriate pesticides are available only to professionals.
The pest control company should:

Inspect your home thoroughly to confirm the presence of bed bugs. (This could take several hours)
Find and eliminate their hiding places by sealing and caulking.
Treat your home with pesticides only registered for that purpose.
Make return visits to make sure bed bugs are gone.

- IS IT NECESSARY TO USE PESTICIDES TO GET RID OF BED BUGS?

The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to eliminate their hiding places. Since bed bugs can live for several months without food and water, pest control professionals will certainly use pesticides although they may also use other non-pesticide means such as steam to supplement the treatment. Talk with the professional about safe use of pesticides and make sure he/she:

Uses the least toxic pesticide.
Follows instructions and warnings on product labels.
Advises you about staying out of treated rooms and when it is safe to re-enter.
Treats mattresses and sofas by applying small amounts of pesticides on seams only. Pesticides should never be sprayed on top of mattresses or sofas

- WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID FUTURE BED BUG INFESTATIONS?

Wherever possible, avoid bringing second hand furniture into the home. Luggage and clothing should be thoroughly inspected upon return from overnight accommodation.

Bed Bugs Bites
Bed Bug Bites

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