AZ Pest :: Exterminators in Arizona

The common bed bug will feed on a variety of animals but prefers humans, so pets such as dogs and cats are not a major host for bed bugs.  Bed bugs feed for about five to ten minutes at night, then drop off the host and crawl to a sheltered crevice where they’ll remain for several days while digesting the meal.  They will bite all over the body, especially on exposed areas, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands.  People experience a range of reactions to the bites; some are unaware while others experience an allergic reaction to the saliva injected while the insects feed, and may develop painful welts. Bed bug problems in the home may also cause stress and sleeplessness. 

• Inspect seams and tufts of mattresses and furniture where kids or people sleep.
• Inspect cracks in the bed frame, behind the headboard, and gaps behind baseboards, pictures, window, and door casings, wallpaper, behind electrical switch plates, in telephones, radios, clocks, behind and inside wall mounted art-work and mirrors, even in smoke detectors.
• Look for the insects, their cast skins, and eggs near crevices.
• Check pillowcases, sheets, and the mattress for bloodstains, smears, or flecks. 
• Most individuals are found within 5 feet and no more than 20 feet of a regular food source. However, though some egg-laying females and newly hatched nymphs may be found further away.
• When populations are high, you may notice a pungent, sickly sweet odor a little like raspberries.
• Bites on people.

1. Inspect and monitor for bed bugs constantly; they arrive with people and their belongings. Businesses should inspect donations and monitor lost-and-found areas with extra vigilance.
2. Vacuuming is an effective way to remove bed bugs and the dirt that provides them with shelter.
3. Bed bugs are sensitive to extreme temperatures in all of their life stages.  So toss all bedding and infested clothing in a hot (140°F) dryer for 20 minutes.  Steam cleaning is effective.  However, when possible, dispose of all bedding, beds, drapes, pillows, anything fabric.  Bed bug eggs have been found to survive clothes dryers.
4. Eliminate shelter by sealing cracks and crevices with a silicone based sealant.  Seal around utility conduits.
5. Remove clutter.
6. Pyrethrum-based sprays can be used to flush them out of crevices.
7. Do not give up, it will take a concerted effort and  months work.
8. Call 886-PEST for more information