The dreaded bed bug puts the fear of the itches in grown men and women across the globe. It doesn’t matter where you are the thought of a bite from a bedbug can cause you sleepless night and the actual bite can drive you to the nearest exterminator at the crack of dawn. And the paranoia surrounding these little terrors has caused humans to give them super natural powers like the ability to fly.

Do bed bugs fly? No, they don’t.

The anatomy of a bed bug

The bed bug is a wingless insect meaning it is completely incapable of flight which is why it is adept at hiding from human beings. Also they are not able to jump from one place to another like most wingless insects are able to. So that leaves crawling which is the primary mode of travel and movement for bed bugs. The anatomy of a bed bug features the head, protonum, wing pad, abdomen, leg and antennae.

Crawling seems a very basic way of getting around for these insects and their infestation makes it seem like they have more efficient means of traveling. Well they do. Human beings. Bed bugs are carried from one place to another by human beings because they will hide in your clothing, luggage, car, gym bag or even purse and before you know it you have welcomed home a bed bug.

Bed bug bites

One thing that is for sure is that bed bugs bite and their bites can be very irritating and in some people the bite can cause a severe allergic reaction. Since they feed solely on human blood they will sooner or later come out to feed. Their bites feature a raised welt with a distinct center and overall swelling in the surrounding area.

A bed bug tends to make several bites across the same area leaving you with a few distinct bites which have make a series of welts. Applying some hydrocortisone cream will help with the itchiness and inflammation that accompanies a bed bug bite. But this is a palliative measure that needs to be followed up with a full on extermination of the bugs. The truth is that it is extremely difficult to sleep in a bed infested by bed bugs as you are literally their food on a daily food.

How to get rid of bed bugs

You can use some store bought pesticides to get rid of bed bugs but in the long run the most effective way to eliminate bed bugs from your space is by having a professional come into your space to get rid of them. Professionals where to look and uncover the breeding ground of bed bugs and hey have more sophisticated equipment that helps them do a better job of eliminating these bugs.

Millions of homeowners are frequently confronted with misinformation regarding Cimex lectularius, the common bed bug. In cases of infestation, the call for bug inspection by professionals is deemed quite necessary.

Homeowners should only use natural methods or conventional materials currently registered for use against these bugs in their geographic locations and use them strictly according to label directions.

One thing we can be relatively sure of is that bed bugs represent another in the long list of serious threats to American homeowners that must be addressed without delay.

Listed below are the 7 most common misconceptions about bed bugs:

1. Bed bugs only occur in filthy conditions. While cluttered and dirty conditions make it more difficult to effectively control them, the truth is that bed bugs don’t care about their living conditions. As long as the temperature is between 32 and 120 Fahrenheit, the only requirements they have are a warm-blooded human being from which to draw a blood meal at night and a secure place to hide during the day.

2. They are resistant to most pesticides. This blanket statement is unsubstantiated. What is true is that they do exhibit resistance to some pesticides. However, chemical controls are still effective, by and large. Technicians routinely and successfully treat for bed bugs with pesticides. There is evidence to support the idea that, toward the end of its use, some populations of Cimex lectularius were exhibiting some level of resistance to DDT, but after that time they were still well controlled with the remaining organophosphates. It is also true that some populations are beginning to show resistance to pyrethrums.

3. We don’t know why they are returning. The resurgence of the infestation is no mystery to those of us in the industry. The banning of DDT and other organophosphates, increased international travel, the modern lack of familiarity with this pest and social stigma, resulting in the lack of willingness, by some folks, to request help, have all been contributing factors.

4. Climate change is responsible. No, global climate change, whether you believe it exists or not, is not responsible. Bed bugs live in human habitations. Since these structures are typically climate-controlled, bed bugs are unaffected by conditions outside.

5. The ones we are encountering today are the descendants of those who survived DDT. This is only partially true. While some populations are almost certainly comprised of such descendants, others are not. Not all populations of bed bugs were exposed.

6. These Insects Don’t Transmit Disease. This statement is true as far as the knowledge we have so far. The only concern is that, although they haven’t been proven to act as disease vectors they can contain disease organisms within their bodies and mouthparts. It may just be a matter of time before it happens. Any organism that feeds on the blood of one host then feeds on another has that potential.

7. Cimex lectularius can’t survive temperatures over 115 Fahrenheit. According to the University of California, the actual temperature is 120.

This is why a hot washing and drying of clothing and other fabrics is effective at eliminating all bed bug life cycles, including the eggs.

The most effective bed bug spray is used to rid a bug infestation in the sheets of your bed.

They arise out of a series of conditions usually tied to uncleanliness. Home pets can also contribute to the presence of them. It is very important to get rid of bed bugs as soon as they are detected. Not only are they a nuance, but they also pose a health threat.

Bed bugs are tiny parasitic insects that feed on the blood of other warm-blooded animals as well as humans.

Usually, the first indication of an infestation is the bed bug bite marks one finds typically on their arms and legs. These bugs are most active during the night when their hosts are asleep.

They are non-flying insects and are often mistaken for ticks. They can also be found in other items of furniture or even within the walls of a house.

There are several products on the market that address bed bug infestations. There are also many eradication tips available online. Many people also resort to various home remedies to kill them.

But, insecticides are laced with harmful, toxic chemicals that are not safe to breathe in the home. There are several bug sprays that offer non-toxic solutions that kill bedbugs.

Consumers are becoming more aware of using “greener” products as they are safe for the environment and are generally non-toxic. Some of these green biological sprays are made with biological elements that are known to kill bed bugs.

In some of the biological sprays, the fossils of certain marine life is used. The dust of these fossils is known to kill bugs.

There are also sprays that are made with certain herbal extracts that kill bed bugs. Some of the natural sprays are made with extracts from flowers.

A popular flower extract that is used in certain bug sprays come from Chrysanthemum flowers. The natural chemicals are very effective in killing them. They are also good for preventing the recurrence of a bug infestation.

There are other kinds of bug sprays that are designed to kill the eggs of bed bugs. This is a slower method in getting rid of them. It is best used if the infestation is not that pervasive.

More extreme methods of getting rid of bugs include silica powder which is extremely toxic. It will kill the bugs quickly but it is not safe to have to lie around. Ground glass is also another effective method but it is dangerous the others in the house.

If the bug infestation is really bad, you will find bugs within the mattress and they may spread to other items of furniture. If this is the case, you may need to get rid of your mattress.

If this cannot be done right away, then you must spray the entire mattress, making sure to get both sides. You will also need to spray all areas of the bed, including the framework. But in extreme cases, it is best to hire a professional exterminator.

Do bed bugs jump?

The simple answer to this question is no. Bed bugs do not jump and here is why. They do not have wings to facilitate the balance of a jump or a glide like a cockroach. Instead they crawl. These little pests can crawl onto anything and once they are on the item they can hide for weeks and even months before emerging. So if you have an infestation of bed bugs chances are they stowed away on some of your luggage or even clothes and hitched a ride into your house.

Typical places where you will find bedbugs is in the airport, hotels, public transport vehicles and public reception areas.It is here that they get a chance to hitch onto your luggage or person unnoticed and you carry them home. In fact, it is advisable that if you have been traveling through airports, trains stations or even been at the theater, you should put your clothes and luggage bags separate from everything else and wash the items before you mix them with other clothes.

How to prevent the spread of bed bugs

If you have had an experience with bed bug infestation it is enough to make you cancel travel plans if there are chances that you might pick up a hitch hiker or two along your travels. But before you deny yourself a well-deserved vacation consider the following tips to avoid bed bugs.

1. When you check into a hotel room, do not set your luggage on the bed or the floor until you have inspected the room. Hotel rooms especially can look clean at face value and since bed bugs are nocturnal creatures you may not see any. But telltale signs like eggs and fecal matter in the seams of the mattress will tell of their presence.
2. Take at least half an hour to look for rust colored blood spots on the mattress. Check the mattress specifically because the linen can be fresh and clean.
3. Store your luggage on a hard surface or the luggage rack even if you do not see any signs of bed bugs in the room.
4. At theatres and public reception areas like at the train station or airport you have little control over inspecting the space. But once you disembark shake off your luggage as thoroughly as you can. At your destination, unpack your clothing and wash or dry clean immediately. Give the suitcase a thorough wash and only bring it indoors once it is completely clean and dry.

Bed bugs can cause you a lot of discomfort and paranoia if you find a few itchy bumps on your skin after traveling. Take the necessary precautions and you will not have to suffer an infestation.

How long do bed bug bites last?

A bed bug bite will likely last between one to two weeks depending on the series of bites you received.  Abed bug bites multiple times as it seeks the blood meal which is why you will have a series of bites in a row or a zigzag pattern.  For those who are sensitive to such bites the bite site will take as long as three weeks to heal.

It is not easy to get rid of the evidence of a bed bug bite but you can mitigate the effects so that it heals faster. One of the reasons bed bugs last for so long is because they can be very itchy which causes you to break skin as you try to alleviate the itch.

A bed bug bite

Bed bugs break the skin using their beak like protrusion of a mouth. They love to bite any area of the body that is exposed to them but you will typically see their bites on the face, hands, neck and arms. The bite is usually not itchy at first and that’s why people can’t swat it away. But after the bed bug has detached itself the bite site becomes especially painful and itchy.

They also love to leave a calling card after feeding and biting which is its fecal matter. It looks like a black period point but that is actually bed bug poop.

What to do with a bed bug bite

Once you notice the bite you need to clean it up I order to lessen the bite of the itch. It will also aid in lessening the swelling. Because there is no venom left in the bite site or saliva like the mosquito so you don’t have to press the bite site.

The itch will be super irritating for a while so if you are not settling down, consider using some calamine lotion which helps soothe the area. While the bite isn’t infected with disease because bed bugs are not disease carriers but the bite can become infected when you itch too hard and the site becomes an open wound. So when you have a bed bug bit it is advisable to try and alleviate the itch in order to mitigate it.

It is possible to experience bed bug bites without seeing the actual bed bugs. This is because they are nocturnal insects that will hide from you and bite when you are unaware. Take the time to check your mattress and bedding for telltale signs of the insects like fecal stains and blood smears.

Stink bugs are naturally annoying, little pests that can be found in homes. Here, we will tackle some types of these creatures, their description, the level of harm they pose before you get rid of stink bugs.

The Green Stink Bug is a relative to the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. Both are important pest species, which affect mostly the southern regions of the USA.

However, we have to distinguish between the lighter green and larger Chinavia hilare and the pale green and smaller Nezara viridula (also known as Southern Green Stink Bug).

Chinavia Hilare

The Green Soldier Bug (common name) is the most widely spread species in the US. It can be seen from Northern US to the Pacific Coast and in the northwest from Florida to California.

This insect has many host plants, which it uses as a food and as a hiding place during the breeding period. That fact makes it a dangerous enemy to a number of orchards and gardens across the country.

The adult bugs are shield-shaped and light green. Their size varies from 13 mm up to 19 mm (0.51 in – 0.79 in). Another distinctive mark is the orange line separating the head from the body.

The Stink Bugs are laying their eggs in masses on the host plants (on the fruit or on the leaves), which can be recognized by the yellow-green color and the rows in which the eggs are laid.

The nymphs are usually black with round shaped bodies, but as they approach adulthood, they are turning green and transform into the Shield Bugs we already know.

Nezara Viridula

The Southern Green Stink Bug is originating from Africa (most probably Ethiopia) and is smaller and darker compared to the Green Soldier Bug. Today it can be seen in Europe, Africa, Asia and South, and North America.

In the US, the population is mostly limited to Virginia through Florida in the east, Ohio, Arkansas and Texas.

The adults are shield-shaped and pale green with a size reaching up to 14 mm (0.55 in).

The females are laying eggs usually in mid-April, but also can be noticed in December.

They are deposited in large masses (30-130 eggs), and you can notice them on the upper parts of the host plant leaves or on weeds. The eggs are developing in five days during the summer and two to three weeks during late autumn.

The “babies” are usually light yellow with red eyes and transparent legs and antennae.

Agricultural Importance

The Green Stink Bugs are using their sucking mouthparts to feed on the juices of different fruit trees and farm crops.

The damage usually depends on the development stage of the fruit. The earlier and younger the fruit is, the bigger the damage caused by the Shield Bugs.

The insect will inject digestive fluids into the plant through its sucking “needle” and then pump back the liquefied food. The result is brownish or dark brown spots, which may damage the fruit entirely or just leave “cosmetic” traces, lowering the market price of the product.

Usually, the biggest damage is caused by the adult Stink Bugs, as the nymphs are not mobile enough. However, they can also have a severe impact on the garden and farm production.

Household Importance

Even though the Green Shield Bugs are notorious for their agricultural impact, they can still infest homes.

The house infestation is usually related to the worsening weather conditions in the late fall, which provokes the insects to search for a warmer place to hide and breed. Their ability to hibernate when it is cold is making them a real annoyance.

You will be surprised that they will appear during the winter (activated by the heat produced in your home) and effectively reproduce.

When given the right conditions (heat and hiding place), they will stay for long.

Although there are available DIY methods to eliminate stink bugs, the assistance of a trusted pest control company is still advised.

Every day, people complain about not getting enough rest because of a critter infested bedroom. Some people suffer from illnesses and diseases that make sleeping even more difficult. All this because of the lack of bed bug control in the home.

Others are going through a particularly stressful time and it adds to their sleep patterns. Sometimes, it is just a matter of having a place to sleep that is comfortable enough to help you relax and settle your body down without itching or tickling.

There are a lot of ways to make your bedroom a healthier, more comfortable place to sleep. You are likely to notice changes in your sleeping habits immediately and before long, you will have more energy and your mood will improve, all because you are getting restful and rejuvenating sleep without fear of bites and stings.

Your first step is to make sure your space is clean. Many people have pest control problems in their bedroom and they do not even realize it. Eliminate bed bugs and you will get a much better night of sleep.

If you do not have one already, invest in a brand new mattress. People tend to not consciously notice it, but over time, bedbug problems will affect your mattress. If you are waking up with bites or stings, it may very well be the critters in the mattress.

Even if your mattress is new, it may need treatment to make sure it is free of critters. Go to a mattress store and speak with them about treatments for bedbugs.

Brand new sheets are an affordable way to upgrade your sleeping area. It may seem like a small thing, but if your current sheets have been exposed to critters, it causes permanent damage to the fabric.

Some people need natural fibers for their sheets and find this keeps the critters away. Your bedding should be thick, soft and luxurious, but completely free of critter infestation.

Like clothing, it is best to washing bedding on a regular basis, but try to do so in hot water to kill any bedbug presence. In addition to choosing natural, high-quality fibers for your bedding, wash the bedding in detergent or essential oils that chase away critters.

If you have invested in expensive bedding, you will want to make sure it is washer safe for strong detergents.

Essential oils are natural bedbug deterrents, so if you do not want to use harsh chemicals for washing, spray your bedding with an oil and water mixture once it is back in your bedroom.

Finally, and this may be the biggest challenge of all, keep your pets out of your bed. Many of us like to cuddle with our critters at bedtime and love the fact that our cats or dogs join us for their nightly rest.

However, this can invite critter problems, especially if your pet has fleas. If you are struggling with sleeping well, consider buying Fido his own bed, separate from yours.

He will still be close by, but you will not have to worry about sharing your space with his buggy body.

Even if your home if relatively clean, if you are dealing with creatures, you are going to be living in a less healthy space than if these problems were eliminated. The good news is, you have plenty of options for opting for bed bug pest control, enabling you to take care of the problems and get back to living a happy, healthy life.

There are a number of benefits to calling in the professionals in order to deal with the problems homeowners often face. It is important that you not feel embarrassed or ashamed of the problem. Letting it go will allow it to get much worse.

The best part about eliminating the creatures living in your sleeping space is the ability to sleep better. It will clean up the environment and make it easier to breathe which leads to help to sleep at night.

You will also have an easier time falling asleep. If you are in your sleeping space with only yourself and another human being, you will not have exposure to the itchy creatures that make it tough to sleep.

Trying to fall asleep when you can feel something nipping and feeding on your flesh is nearly impossible. Those little twitches and itches you feel before the problem is solved will be a thing of the past so you can fall asleep quickly.

Those who suffer from skin allergies may find that their allergy problems abate once the creatures in their beds are gone. If you feel like you constantly have skin rashes, dryness, cracked skin, and red bumps, you may attribute the problem to food allergies or sensitive skin.

The truth is, it might be that your sleeping space is not as clean a place as you think it is. Eliminating the problem very well might solve your skin allergy problems.

Since you will eliminate the creature problem, it will result in your having to do fewer loads of laundry. Some people wash their sheets several times per week just to eliminate the dust and dander that builds up quickly.

Since you shed skin cells every night, the creatures in your sleeping space have plenty to sleep on and they will come from all over to feast once the sun goes down. If you have the problem professionally eliminated, you will cut down on your overall laundry loads.

Finally, you will have to replace your bedding. In addition to washing it frequently, you probably buy new sheets and pillowcases to remedy the problem.

Once the creatures are eliminated from your home, you will have to spend less on buying new bedding.

Instead of replacing old bedding because you feel it is dirty and filled with creatures, you can simply purchase new bedding based on a desire to update your bedroom style.

This is going to make you feel better about your family budget and your sleeping space. Eliminating one problem will create a healthier, happier environment for all.

A lot of people worry about everything. The principle that everything that can go wrong will go wrong runs some people’s lives. As always, ways on how to detect bed bugs remain a mystery and a puzzle of sorts to many homeowners.

They do not just go for poor people or dirty people either; it can happen to the riches nicest people around.

Bed bug treatment is not easy either. Another issue that has been popping up is mice or rats. This happens in the winter more than the warm months because they need places to stay.

No one likes having mice in their homes; it just does not feel clean. Getting rid of pests is one thing, but having a clean house to prevent them or make their stay less pleasing is easy. Here are some tips to keep your home easy to keep clean.
For mice, it is crumbs. Keep the crumbs away, there is a major attraction figure gone. Make sure kids and husbands eat over the counter and clean up. Vacuum often to get rid of food crumbs that are left on the floor.

Get corners and crevices very good. Key places to keep clean are under the fridge and under the stove and nooks between cabinets. Occasionally move the big appliances out of its space so you can really clean underneath and behind it. It will be worth the extra ten minutes of cleaning.

Another really important and easy trick is making sure all food containers are closed well. Do not leave cereal boxes open or unwrapped snacks. Doing so will keep things from spilling or giving any pests anything to get excited about.

A great investment would be the plastic tubs you can put cereal, pasta, and other foods in. They are airtight and easy to open and seal closed, unlike food packages. They are also great for making space in your cabinets.

By using these, you do not have to worry about kids not rolling up the cereal bag or closing the box. So not only will you be cleaner, but your cereal would not be stale.

Also, chip clips are a magnificent invention. The same logic behind the bins lies behind chip clips, but they are much less expensive.

A general rule of thumb for a clean house would be no dirty dishes. But it is true and important. Leaving dirty silverware, plates, or cups out overnight will attract hungry friends to come and play.

It is really easy for kids and teenagers to leave glasses or plates sitting in their room, perhaps hidden under their beds. Anything that contained a liquid other than water or food can run you the risk of greeting a new friend.

If you cannot control this by just telling your kids and family to do, you might need to make a rule.

If it is becoming a problem, make a rule that eating has to be done in the kitchen or dining room. Hopefully, these tips will keep your home safe and clean.

There are a lot of things that people will try for bed bug eradication because they are absolutely desperate to get rid of these bothersome bed bugs. The only trouble is that their efforts for eradication of the tiny creatures and other common house insects never work and actually increases the problem.

The first thing that comes to mind when many of us think of “pest control” is pesticides. These chemicals are purpose-built to eliminate specific groups or types of pests and to do it with deadly efficiency.

At the end of it all, they will have wasted their precious time, money, and energy only to still have a need for bed bug control professionals. Knowing about the mistakes that they make can help to ensure your pest control tactics are effective.

The first thing people think when they hear of an infestation is that the person with the problem is filthy and lazy. Some people think that only nasty, dirty people have a need for pest control, but they are wrong.

Even the cleanest, the most sanitary household can require professional services; this is the reason that hospitals battle with these pesky creatures all the time.

Yet, because of this rumor, those who get bugs think that if they just clean up the house a little more their efforts will be effective in completely removing pests. Effective bug control takes more than spring cleaning.

Since these pests are called ‘bed’ bugs people often think that the focus of handling the pests should be to only treat the bed. This is also a big error and one that a lot of people are guilty of.

The truth is that the treatments have to be applied to not only the bed, but also clothes, carpet, pets, hair, and furniture. These small creatures can hide anywhere and removal efforts that focus only on the bed will always prove ineffective.

Those who have struggled with bed bug infestation and are absolutely desperate think that their problem will stop if they get rid of all their stuff and get new stuff.

There have been those so in need of expensive professional help that they have sold their homes with everything inside and bought new homes only to find that the problem was still with them.

The very act of carrying out an old mattress in the name of bed bug removal will allow these pests to spread to other areas. And, when you go somewhere they can be hanging out with you in your clothes or hair.

It is best to be still and treat the problem where it starts. This is the only way that the treatments are going to be effective.

Bed bug removal is a serious project to undertake and a necessary one. These pests do not only cause itchy insect bite on the skin, but they can also spread disease and make life very miserable.

Be smart about bed bug removal by avoiding the disastrous mistakes that have been described here.