About Bed Bugs

Long since considered eradicated from major metropolitan areas in North America … bed bugs are back!

The combination of re-introduction, increased international travel and the fact that pest control professionals no longer use older pesticides (such as DDT, Chlordane and Lindane) means that bed bugs have been able to stage a resurgence and become a very serious pest in the 21st century. They have a unique ability to hide and due to their ability to spread, new inspection and control methods must be far more thorough and extensive than with many other pests.

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that live near their hosts. Since they feed on humans (their hosts) their habitats include houses, hotels or any property that we frequent. All they require is a protected area in close proximity to a feeding source. Bed bugs bite people when they are sleeping usually on exposed skin. When looking for a meal bed bugs can move very quickly to feed and then back into hiding after their meal. Unless you know specifically  how to look for bed bugs these pests can be easily overlooked. 

Bed bug bites can also go unnoticed, and are even often misdiagnosed, making detection that much more difficult.

How Do You Get Bed Bugs?

 Bed bugs do not cling to people but they can accidentally get caught up in our belongings (i.e. suitcase, purse, laptop bags). From there they can move from their current home into new ones in homes, hotels, offices, hospitals, or any other building as well as modes of transportation. Sanitation and cleanliness of a property is not an issue as bed bugs are notorious hitch hikers and can show up almost anywhere.

Can I Prevent Them?

There is no way to prevent bed bugs entirely; however, experts agree that early detection is the best way to prevent them from establishing themselves and becoming a serious infestation.

Preventing Bed Bugs While Travelling
Can Bed Bugs Jump?
Life Stages of a Bed Bug
Bed Bug Bites
Informative Bed Bug Videos