Facts About Bed Bugs in Masachusetts and New York
Bed bugs have been a major topic of conversation the past few years, with increasing infestations in homes, hotels, nursing homes, college dorms, and other locations. However, one bed bug fact that surprises many people is that these tiny terrors have been biting people as they sleep for thousands of years.
From Ancient Greece to modern day America, these blood sucking insects travel easily in clothing, furniture, luggage, and other soft, upholstered items. Despite new pesticides and improved cleaning techniques that nearly eradicated these creatures by the 1950s, their populations have started surging again in recent years. Increased travel, international commerce, and the shift toward targeted pest management strategies have all contributed to the resurgence.
Bed bugs can be found in all 50 states. Research from the National Pest Management Association revealed that nearly all pest professionals have provided bed bug treatments within the past year, with complaints increasing in summer and fall.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Unless you’re looking very carefully and closely, you may not see these small insects. Bed bugs feed during the night, preferring to hide in dark, sheltered areas like mattress seams and bed frame crevices during the day. As the infestation grows, bed bugs may also spread to other fabric, wood, and paper surfaces, including behind pictures on walls, in drapery folds, under carpeting, behind electrical outlets, and along baseboards.
Bed bugs primarily feed on humans, but they can also feed on other animals, including dogs, cats, rodents, and birds using beak-like mouthparts to pierce skin. A fluid in bed bugs’ saliva keeps blood from clotting, allowing them to freely feed until they are full, typically within three to 15 minutes.
Bed Bug Insights: What to Look For
- Living or dead bugs, often in cracks and crevices in mattresses, box springs, and bed frames
- Bites and itchy welts
- Specks of blood on bedding or upholstered furniture
- Small, black spots on bedding, beneath cushions, mattresses, and headboards
- Sweet, musty odor indicating large infestations
- Oval, white eggs in cracks and crevices
Identification
- Family: Cimicidae
- Species: Cimex lectularius
- Size: 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch
- Color: Brown to purplish-red (after feeding)
- Legs: 6
Benefits of Professional Bed Bug Control
These flat, oval-shaped brown insects reproduce quickly, laying anywhere from one to five eggs daily. Within 21 to 120 days, young bed bugs mature and can begin reproducing, creating a population explosion.
Trying to handle bed bug infestations alone can be not only challenging, but also ineffective. USX Pest’s professional have the education, expertise, and equipment to swiftly deal with these blood sucking parasites. Because each situation is unique, we start with a detailed, free inspection to assess the infestation and tailor the bed bug control plan to each specific property.
Schedule a Free Inspection Today
USX Pest handles beg bug infestations for residential and commercial properties throughout Western Massachusetts. Contact us today to schedule an inspection online. If you need help right away or have questions, feel free to give us a call at 855-761-1550.