Bed bugs are parasitic insects that are well-equipped to pierce the skin of mammals to consume blood. Bed bugs are generally nocturnal creatures that commonly emerge from hiding at night to locate sleeping human hosts. They are roughly ¼ of an inch long, are wingless, and have an oval-shaped body with a reddish-brown appearance that often resembles an apple seed.
Unlike many other parasites, bed bugs are not likely to spread diseases. Most people will notice red and irritated areas of skin if they are victimized, and may begin to have difficulty sleeping because of anxiety. It is important to avoid scratching these areas of skin, which could then create conditions that result in a secondary infection.
There is a common misconception that bed bugs are found only in homes with sleeping residents. In reality, these pests may be transported into commercial settings, including office buildings, schools, medical facilities, hotels, movie theatres, and many other environments. Bed bugs pose a potential risk to businesses of all kinds by harming their reputation among customers.
How Do Bed Bugs Get Inside?
Bed bugs are often described as “hitchhikers,” because they are typically transported within people’s clothing, bags, suitcases, or other belongings. Those who are traveling and staying in hotels, or using mass transportation, are among those most likely to encounter bed bugs.
Bed bugs also might be brought into a structure within used furniture, appliances, or packages. Once indoors, they will typically hide in crevices around floors and baseboards, or within upholstered furniture, in somewhat close proximity to humans.
Recognizing The Signs Of Bed Bugs
Bed bug eggs are very small and white, and soon develop into young bed bugs (nymphs) that have a translucent appearance. As they travel, bed bugs tend to leave a trail of small blood stains and dark smears of their waste that creates a foul odor.
Do I Need A Professional Pest Exterminator?
It is critical not to underestimate how, what appears as a minor bed bug problem, can quickly develop into a major infestation. The females may lay hundreds of eggs throughout their lifetime; thus, they can spread quickly. Many business owners make the mistake of trying store-bought do-it-yourself treatment options, such as aerosol sprays, traps, and granular concentrates, that typically generate very mediocre results and lead to further frustration.
In many cases, bed bugs are initially misidentified as some other type of pest, and require an inspection from an expert to be correctly distinguished. The best course of action is to consult with a local pest control company that has the proper training, products, and equipment to fully eliminate pests from the property, and identify any existing conditions that may make you vulnerable to future problems.
Licensed Provider Of Pest Control Services In Kansas City
At Pinnacle Solutions, our processes of eradicating troublesome invaders are based on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) model that is compliant with the best practices and standards of the National Organic Program (NOP). In addition to bed bugs, our team of experienced professionals will safely and efficiently banish intrusions from rodents, cockroaches, termites, and a host of bothersome and potentially dangerous pests. We will conduct a thorough inspection of the premises to determine the nature and full extent of any pest-related concerns, and explain the best available treatment options.
For those with immediate needs, we are now offering emergency response services throughout our Kansas and Missouri service areas. We look forward to speaking with you to schedule an on-site assessment and estimate of our bed bug control services. Remember to ask about our monthly commercial pest prevention and management plans that will ensure your Kansas City business remains free of unwanted pests.