Bed Bugs

Types of bed bugs.

They is only one type of bedbug in common in most parts of Canada (Cimex lectularius). Occasionally bed bugs of a different species may be found associated with bats or swallows, but they are rare in Ontario.

Proactive Control

If you suspect you have bedbugs you need to take steps to prevent the infestation from becoming worse. Vacuum up bedbugs that you see whether living or dead. Vacuum the entire house, especially cracks and crevices around baseboards and doorways. Inspect mattresses and linens for signs of bedbugs. Call a professional to inspect the residence. They have the expertise to deal with the problem before it gets worse. Heavy infestations of bed bugs may sometimes be detected due to the presence of a strawberry-like odour. they are often introduced into homes and hotels through clothing, luggage or used furniture, or may invade the home from adjoining premises. Good housekeeping practices will detect most infestations and prevent them from spreading but cannot always prevent them from entering the home. Filling cracks and crevices, and openings such as around water pipes and electrical conduits, will minimize the likelihood of bed bugs entering from adjoining premises. Repairing of wallpaper and using a vacuum system in areas where bed bugs congregate will reduce populations.

Management System

Bed bugs feed mostly at night by biting sleeping people. if they are very hungry and if the light is dim, they will feed during the day. When biting, they inject an anticoagulant (to prevent clotting) into the skin. This substance often causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed, welts develop and there is much itching. There is no north American evidence that bed bugs can transmit disease. If feeding is undisturbed, a full grown bed bug becomes engorged with blood in 3-5 minutes. It then crawls to a hiding place where it remains for several days digesting it's meal before emerging and seeking another meal of blood.

Under normal conditions, mature bed bugs may live four months to a year or more. After mating and having a meal of blood, the female deposits from 10-50 eggs in irregular masses until 200 or more have been laid. The whitish eggs are glued to surfaces in areas where the female hides. During warm periods hatching occurs within 6-10 days.

Thorough cleaning, in the form of vacuuming and washing floors and furniture, is an essential step in bed bug control. Cleaning alone will not eliminate bed bugs but is necessary to crash high populations. Cleaning removes debris that may contribute to allergies and asthma, and removing bed bugs, droppings, and cast skins allows the inspector to spot new activity. Vacuuming, although effective, will not easily remove all eggs or bed bugs hiding deep inside cracks and crevices.

Pest Xpress undertakes an Integrated Pest Management approach when dealing with bed bug infestations. Inspection, monitoring, identification and treatment all play a part.

Bed bugs infestations can be treated with chemicals, as well as steam and heat.

Contact Pest Xpress to discuss treatment options for your particular case.

More Resources:

Link to information on bedbugs: https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs

Link to bedbug information in Durham Region: https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/insects-rodents-and-bites.aspx

Link to information from the public health department of ontario on bedbugs: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/About/Newsroom/Pages/Bed-bugs-in-Ontario---A-priority-for-public-health.aspx

Link to information on bedbugs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug

Link to the bedbug registry: http://www.bedbugregistry.com/

 

For more information on bedbugs or to schedule a peace of mind inspection for your home, contact Pest Xpress.

Pest Xpress is a proud member of the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce.