Bed bugs are small, wingless insects found all over the world. They are nocturnal parasites, which means they rest during the day and are active at night. However, bedbugs are opportunistic and will bite in the day, especially if starved for some time. They feed on the blood of humans. Bedbugs prefer to hide in bedding and on mattresses where they have ready access to a source of food. Bed bugs, bedbug identity, Jopestkil Kenya Best Expert Bedbugs Infestation Management, bedbugs symptoms causes treatment removal in Kenya.
Bedbugs have highly developed mouth parts that can pierce skin. Their bite is painless. Some people do not react to the bites, but for others the bites can become itchy and swell into reddened welts.
Although bed bugs can harbor diseases in their bodies, transmission to humans is highly unlikely. They are not dangerous, unless a person is allergic to them. However, their presence can be distressing and their bites can be highly irritating.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BEDBUG
The characteristics of a bedbug include that they:
Are wingless
Are half a centimeter long
Have a flat, oval-shaped body
Have six legs
Are light brown in color, changing to rust-red after a meal of blood
Have a squat head
Have large antennae
Have large mouth parts (mandibles)
Have a complex life-cycle involving many stages of development
Have the ability to survive without feeding for months at a time
Are susceptible to extremes of temperature.
HUMANS ARE THE PREFERRED HOST FOR BEDBUGS
Bedbugs live exclusively on blood. They prefer human blood, but will feed on other mammals if necessary. Bedbugs are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide in expired air, which is how they find their host. Bed bugs commonly target the shoulders and arms. Bed bugs, bedbug identity, Jopestkil Kenya Best Expert Bedbugs Infestation Management, bedbugs symptoms causes treatment removal in Kenya.
During feeding, the bedbug’s proboscis (feeding organ) swings forward and downward to pierce the skin of the victim. Saliva (containing an anticoagulant) is then injected, which is the cause of an allergic reaction in some people. Bedbugs take around five to 10 minutes to feed. As the bedbug engorges with blood, its coloring changes from light brown to rust-red.
COMMON HIDING SPOTS FOR BEDBUGS
The living areas favored by bedbugs include:
mattresses, particularly along the seams
bedding such as sheets and blankets
beneath loosened edges of wallpaper
between the cracks of wooden floors
in wall cracks or crevices
carpet
furniture, particularly in seams and cracks.
CAUSES OF BEDBUG INFESTATION
Bedbugs often hide in luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture. They are most often found in dwellings with a high rate of occupant turnover such as hotels, motels, hostels, shelters and apartment complexes. Bed bugs, bedbug identity, Jopestkil Kenya Best Expert Bedbugs Infestation Management, bedbugs symptoms causes treatment removal in Kenya.
Any household can be invaded by bedbugs, but a high standard of hygiene can discourage bedbugs from spreading widely throughout a home.
RECOGNISING A BEDBUG INFESTATION
The first indication of a bedbug infestation may be the presence of bites on family members. A thorough inspection of your premises, especially the common hiding spots, may also reveal:
the bedbugs themselves – however, due to their size, they are often hard to see
small bloodstains from crushed bugs on sheets or mattresses
rusty or dark spots of bug excrement on mattresses, bedding or walls
an offensive, sweet, musty odor from their scent glands, which may be detected when infestations are severe.
SYMPTOMS OF A BEDBUG BITE
The bite of a bedbug has certain features, including:
large welts that reduce to a red mark, then gradually fade over a few days
itchiness
reddening of the skin
localized swelling
formation of blisters
small loss of skin tissue in some cases.
Treatment for bedbug bites
Bedbugs are not known to transmit any blood-borne diseases. However, the bites can be itchy and distressing.
Suggestions to treat bedbug bites include:
Resist the urge to scratch.
Use calamine lotion or anesthetic creams to treat the itching.
Wash the bites with antiseptic soap to reduce the risk of infection.
Apply an icepack frequently to help relieve swelling.
Take pain-relieving medication if symptoms are severe.
See your doctor if the bite develops an infection.
CONTROLLING A BEDBUG INFESTATION
High standards of hygiene and housekeeping alone are unlikely to control an infestation. However, keeping a house clean will reveal the presence of bedbugs at an early stage, making control easier and reducing the chance of widespread infestation. Bed bugs, bedbug identity, Jopestkil Kenya Best Expert Bedbugs Infestation Management, bedbugs symptoms causes treatment removal in Kenya.
Some general suggestions to eliminate bedbugs include:
Thoroughly wash, vacuum or clean all surfaces and bedding.
Wash bedding and affected clothing where possible, using hot water. Dry in a clothe drier on a hot setting.
Vacuum mattresses, seal in dark plastic and leave outside in the hot sun for as long as possible.
Steam clean carpets.
Spray common hiding spots with a surface pesticide registered to control bedbugs. Follow the label directions carefully. Do not treat bedding with pesticide.
Get bedbug professional extermination operator
Our qualified bedbug control operator can determine the extent of the infestation, then use registered pesticides to kill the bedbugs. Repeat visits may be necessary to ensure all bedbugs at various stages of the lifecycle have been eradicated.
Good hygiene practices, such as frequent house cleaning, should help to prevent any further infestations. However, vacuuming immediately after treatment should be avoided to make sure the residual pesticide is not removed.
BEDBUGS INFESTATION
Because of changes in modern pest control practices, travel and immigration, bed bugs are increasingly becoming a problem in residences of all kinds, including homes, apartments, hotels, cruise ships, dormitories, and shelters. Bed bugs, bedbug identity, Jopestkil Kenya Best Expert Bedbugs Infestation Management, bedbugs symptoms causes treatment removal in Kenya.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, brown insects that feed on human and animal blood. Adult bed bugs are ¼ inch in length with reddish-brown, oval, flat bodies. They are active both during the day and night, hide in tiny crevices in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, furniture, floors, or walls.
Are bed bugs harmful?
Although a nuisance, bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Many people develop an itchy, skin welt a day after a bite. The medical concern is usually itching and inflammation of the welts. Infestations may cause anxiety and loss of sleep. If badly affected, seek medical care promptly. Bed bugs, bedbug identity, Jopestkil Kenya Best Expert Bedbugs Infestation Management, bedbugs symptoms causes treatment removal in Kenya.
How do I treat bed bug bites?
The best treatment for a bite is to avoid scratching the area and to apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine.
How does a bed bug infestation occur?
Bed bugs are usually carried into the home unknowingly. People carry them on luggage, clothing, beds and furniture, especially on used beds and sofas. Once inside the home, they spread from room to room. They can live for months without food or water.
How do I know if my home is infested?
You may notice itchy welts on the any exposed skin area including the face, neck, shoulders, arms and legs. You may also see the bed bugs, small bloodstains on bedding, or dark spots from their droppings. Bed bugs, bedbug identity, Jopestkil Kenya Best Expert Bedbugs Infestation Management, bedbugs symptoms causes treatment removal in Kenya.
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
Our country recommends that treatment provided by a licensed pest control business. Additionally, vacuum the area thoroughly and discard the vacuum contents into a sealed trash bag. Launder infested bedding and garments at 120 degrees F or heat in a clothes dryer for several minutes.
How do I prevent bed bugs from getting into my home?
Despite the best preventative efforts, almost any property can become home to these hitch-hiking pest.
Check your room carefully, particular looking for signs of bed bug activity on the mattress or headboard. Bed bugs, bedbug identity, Jopestkil Kenya Best Expert Bedbugs Infestation Management, bedbugs symptoms causes treatment removal in Kenya.
Keep luggage off the floor and check shelves before placing luggage on them. You can keep your luggage inside of a trash bag for an additional level of protection.
Upon returning to your home, empty your luggage in your garage, bathtub, or on a sheet so you can check items carefully. Then immediately wash and dry the sheet and any infested items.
Be careful about furniture and other items picked up at yard sales. Avoid purchasing used mattresses or box springs unless they have a tag showing that they are sterilized by a state-certified bedding sanitizer. Bed bugs, bedbug identity, Jopestkil Kenya Best Expert Bedbugs Infestation Management, bedbugs symptoms causes treatment removal in Kenya.
