One only has to look at the statistics to realize that bed bugs are very much on the rise. The National Pest Management Association recently partnered with the University of Kentucky to publish the 2010 Comprehensive Global Bed Bug Study. This study questioned 1000 pest control companies about the bed bug calls they were getting on average before the bugs became so prevalent, and what they’re like now. On average, most companies said that before the year 2000, about 25% of their calls would be regarding bed bug problems. Today however, those same pest control companies are seeing about 95% of their calls being in regards to bed bugs.

So why are bed bugs becoming so prevalent?

One reason for the increase in bed bugs, experts say, is because people are traveling now more than ever before. Bed bugs go from a bed or a piece of furniture in one country, get into the luggage that’s in the room, and then come home with that person, going on to infest their home. The problem then grows from there. And with so many people traveling to many different places, and coming back home to many different places, bed bugs can end up just about anywhere.

The bigger reason for the increase in bed bugs seems to be because they are becoming extremely resistant to pyrethoid insecticides. In fact, bed bugs are becoming so prevalent that pest control companies are finding that they now have to use 1,000 times the concentration they normally use when dealing with bed bugs.

Bed bugs are here, and they may be around to stay for awhile. They are also known as being incredibly hard pests to get rid of. Drastically increasing the temperature of your home to an unbearable heat and leaving it that way for two to three days while you stay somewhere else is one of the most common methods of getting rid of bed bugs in the home. Of course, you can also check out all our other great tips on this blog for getting rid of bed bugs!

Accuracy Plus can handle all of your pest control needs, both inside and outside. Visit our site for more valuable information or give us a call at 888-675-0258.

Bed bug infestations can be detected by either looking for the bed bugs, or signs that they have been in a certain area. When looking for signs of bed bugs, be sure to use a flashlight and check your entire bed, mattress and frame, and the small spaces in between them. Bed bugs like to hide in small, dark spaces so you’ll have to be sure that you cover every inch.

When you’re looking for bed bugs, you’ll be looking for either the actual bugs or signs that they have been around. Adult bed bugs are about a quarter of an inch long in length and usually have a thin, brown outer shell. If you don’t see any actual bugs, there may be other signs that bed bugs have been around the area. Those signs are female eggs, which can be plentiful at up to 300 a time. These are very small and many people might not be able to see them. Other signs of bed bugs might be rust from bed bug urine, or bugs that have been crushed. Shells and skin that have been shed might also be found in areas that bed bugs have been.

So, once you’ve found any of these signs, what do you do about it?

Start by washing anything that the bed bugs might have touched, or might be in and around. This includes things such as blankets, sheets, and pillows. If there are items that cannot be thrown into the washing machine, it’s best to just wrap these items in a plastic bag and leave them in the sun for several hours. This will be enough time to kill any of the bed bugs and their eggs that might be in there.

Bed bugs aren’t just limited to areas where there are beds and bedding. They can get into any area of the home where there are small cracks and crevices and can live anywhere, although they tend to prefer woody, well-lived in areas of the home. To get rid of these bed bugs, you may have to do a heat treatment. To do this, crank up the heat in your home to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and leave for several hours. This will also kill the bugs as well as any eggs. Be sure if you choose this treatment that there is nothing in your home that could get damaged from such intense heat.

These are a few simple measures you can take when you’re trying to fight off a bed bug infestation in your home. For very severe problems, or those that you can’t deal with on your own, it’s sometimes best to call in the professionals who have access to things such as pesticide and insecticide to remove any and all traces of bed bugs.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to our website!

However, even greater danger lies in the diseases which bed bugs may carry and pass on through their bite.  There have been almost 30 types of diseases carried by bed bugs in the U.S. reported to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  These include various viruses and bacteria as well as parasites.  Furthermore, they can cause sleep disturbances and in some very serious cases, blood loss and anemia in malnourished children.If you or your family is waking up with strange bites on their bodies, or if you find tiny spots of blood on your sheets make it a point to look in draperies, carpets and furnishings for traces of bed bugs. 

Bed bugs may also find their way into your luggage or electronics if you are traveling.  Hotels are notorious offenders when it comes to hosting bed bugs.  Additionally, when you buy used furnishings (no matter if you’ve purchased them from a reputable collector or not) it is a good idea to inspect them carefully for bed bugs before bringing them into your home.

In case you find them in your home, it is a good idea to contact a professional pest control service immediately.  Companies like Accuracy Plus California are updated on the very best methods and insecticides that can be used to eliminate bed bugs and prevent them from reoccurring.  For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com.

The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to not get them in the first place.  Bed bug prevention is fairly simple but you should be thorough:

• Inspect the items you bring into your house, especially if you like to buy second-hand or antique items.  Even if it looks clean, bed bugs survive by hanging out in cracks and crevices, so make sure you go through any new furnishings with a fine tooth comb before you bring it inside.
• There are specific bed bug protection covers made of plastic that you can buy, especially if you have regular guests or have other people house sitting for you on a regular basis.
• Even if you’ve had the same furnishings for years, it’s still a good idea to inspect it regularly (including wall hangings and art) to make sure no bed bugs have made themselves comfortable there.

If you find that your bed bug prevention has failed and you actually have bed bugs in your home, your best bet is to get a professional pest control service to come in and diagnose your problem.  They will be able to give you recommendations for managing your infestation and preventing further incidents.  Remember, having bed bugs is not a reflection of you or of your personal cleanliness.  Anyone can end up with bed bugs in their house, so don’t hesitate to call someone right away to help you get rid of them.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to www.accuracypluscalifornia.com