Bed Bug Control
Bed bugs can be found in residences, hotels, movie
theaters, and most any place people congregate and travel. The adult
bed bug is 1/4-inch long, oval, flat, and brown to reddish-brown.
The bed bug is flat and thin when unfed but becomes more elongated,
plump, and red when it is full of blood.
Although sanitation is helpful in the control of bed
bugs, cleaning and vacuuming alone will not control the problem.
Insecticides must be applied after detailed preparations are made,
with follow-up inspections and treatments in order to control the
problem. Control can take days to weeks, and sometimes longer to
achieve. Gateway Pest Control will schedule a follow up visit to
re-inspect and retreat if necessary.
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The females will lay one to five eggs per day and 200-500 within
her lifetime. Development time from egg to adult is 21
days.
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An adult bed bug can live for almost one year.
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Bed bugs get their names because they like to live and feed in
beds.
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Bed bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a
human environment. They can be found behind baseboards,
wallpaper, upholstery and in furniture crevices.
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A
sweep, musty odor may be detected where heavy infestations
exists.
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Commonly, the first sign of bed bug infestation is the
appearance of small brownish or reddish dots on the bed linens.
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An infestation of bed bugs is NOT evidence of unclean or
unsanitary living areas.
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The first step of control is to have a professional thoroughly
inspect the area. This inspection is required to determine
the places where the bed bugs are living.
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Bud bugs do not fly, hop or jump. They are good runners
and will move between furniture and room to room.
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Bed bugs have been shown to harbor pathogens in their body, but
transmission to humans has never been documented.
Prevention Tips for Travelers
Here are some tips to help you avoid bringing bed bugs home when
travelling:
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Upon arriving in your room, do not place luggage on the bed, or
the floor near the bed. Use luggage stnads.
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Pay attention to unusual odors. A musty, sweet odor might
indicate a significant bed bug presence.
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Work out of your suitcase and avoid placing clothing into bureau
drawers if possible.
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Carefully remove the headboard from the wall behind the bed to
look for signs of bed bugs. It may take two people to do
this, as some headboards are quite heavy.
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Turn down the corners of the bed and look on the sheets and
mattress for signs of bed bugs.