Bed Bugs

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are oval, reddish-brown colored insects that are flattened from top to bottom. They are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of birds and mammals, with human blood being their favorite source of food. Bed bugs are mostly nocturnal, hiding their flat bodies during the day in tight cracks and crevices. They emerge from their daytime hiding spots at night to feed on the blood of their hosts. Bed bugs have a proboscis (an elongated sucking mouthpart) that they use for feeding. To feed, they extend their proboscis and inject it into their sleeping victim. After eating, bed bugs' appearance will change slightly. Their bodies swell, elongate, and turn a deep, purplish-red color.

a bed bug crawling on human skin in north carolina

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are not considered dangerous pests. They are not known to transmit a wide range of diseases to people. However, bed bugs do bite people in order to feed on their blood. The initial bite is usually not noticed, but later people who are allergic to a protein in their saliva will develop raised, red, itchy welts. Itching caused by their bites can create a secondary infection from the scratching that requires medical attention. Additionally, a bed bug infestation typically plagues homeowners with sleepless nights and stressful days.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

Bed bugs live and breed wherever there are people. In order to move to a new location, bed bugs hitchhike, crawling onto a person’s clothing or onto their personal belongings. Bed bugs can also be introduced into homes in used furniture, mattresses, and box springs. Bed bugs are prolific pests. Just one female produces about 345 eggs during her lifespan. Bed bugs are considered so problematic because just a couple of pregnant females that are accidentally introduced into a home can quickly become an infestation of hundreds to thousands.

Where will I find bed bugs?

Bed bugs are mainly found living inside, which is why they are able to remain active year-round. Their indoor lifestyle allows them to thrive in almost any temperature-controlled environment where people are present. Homes, apartments, hotels, apartment buildings, health care facilities, dormitories, shelters, schools, movie theaters, laundry facilities, office buildings, shopping centers, and airports are all common places that bed bugs call home.
Inside homes, bed bugs initially take up residence where people sleep - in the seams of mattresses and box springs. If the infestation is allowed to develop and continue, they will travel throughout your home through walls and floors. Other common bed bug hiding spots include behind wooden door and window trim, in upholstered furniture, in electronics, in keyboards, and in wall voids behind outlets.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Partner with qualified pest control experts to eliminate and control bed bugs. At ProForce Pest Control, our knowledgeable and dedicated service professionals provide effective and guaranteed commercial and residential pest control services. We are committed to exceeding customer expectations and using innovative solutions to eliminate bed bugs and other household pests from Charlotte and the surrounding area. To learn more about our bed bug control services, contact ProForce.

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

Doing the following can help to prevent problems with bed bugs at your Charlotte, North Carolina home:

  • If possible, do not bring used mattresses, box springs, and other furniture into your home.

  • Place protective covers over mattresses and box springs.

  • Regularly vacuum your home’s floors.

  • Before bringing luggage and personal items into a hotel or motel room, inspect it for bed bugs and their signs.

  • Be vigilant against bed bugs when out in public. Never leave personal belongings on the floor of a public place.

  • Immediately wash and dry newly purchased clothing, linens, and bedding on the highest heat settings the fabric can handle.


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