Bed Bugs

What do bed bugs look like?

Bed bugs are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of their host. What bed bugs look like really depends on the life stage they are in and if they've recently fed or not. The bed bug life cycle illustrated below shows the different stages for bed bugs from eggs to full-grown adults. While you may find all stages of an infestation in your space, it is very likely you'll recognize adults first. 

Before a feeding adult bed bugs are mahogany colored and broadly oval in shape, looking basically like an apple seed with legs.  After feeding on a blood meal they become more reddish brown and their body shape becomes more elongated.  Adults grow to be about ¼ of an inch in length, have six legs, antennae, and are wingless.

What are the signs of bed bugs?

Live bed bugs and bed bug bites are two signs of bed bug activity. To learn about other signs, please read The Most Common Signs Of Bed Bugs. 

What do bed bug bites look like?

Bed bug bites look very similar to that of a mosquito bite and are often mistaken as such.  The bite appears as a red raised area that may blister.  Bed bug bites usually occur on the neck, hands, legs and arms of people- all areas that are generally exposed while a person is sleeping, and are most generally in straight line or a zigzag pattern.

Do bed bugs fly?

No, bed bug do not fly. In fact, they are wingless insects that rely on crawling to move around. 

How do bed bugs spread?

Simply put, bed bugs can be found wherever people congregate.  Libraries, airports, movie theaters, dorms, hotels and motels and shopping centers are just a few of the places where you might cross paths.  As mentioned above, bed bugs do not fly. They can't jump either, but that doesn’t stop them from traveling around the country or world.  Excellent hitchhikers, bed bugs enter homes and businesses by crawling onto personal belongings like bags, coats, luggage, purses, and clothing.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are not dangerous in the sense that they are not known to transmit any serious diseases.  However, their presence in a home or business usually results in a great deal of stress.   Excessive scratching of bed bug bites may lead to secondary infections and some people experience allergic reactions to the bites.

How do you get rid of bed bugs?

When it comes to getting rid of bed bugs in homes or businesses, bypass the DIY methods of bed bug control and contact an expert in bed bug extermination.  Complete bed bug eradication means eliminating adult bed bugs, nymphs and eggs, a difficult task since these bugs hang out in mattresses, behind walls, under flooring and many other inaccessible areas.  What’s more, they will escape by traveling through walls if not treated properly.  The end result, another room or possibly the apartment next door becomes infested. 

At Pine State Pest Solutions, we kill bed bugs with heat.  Bed bug heat treatments are eco-friendly and the most effective way to get rid of adult bed bugs as well as nymphs and eggs. Our heat treatments are non-invasive, fast (usually only one treatment is necessary), and allows property owners to enter the infested area(s) soon after service is completed.

Is heat really effective in killing bed bugs?

The answer is, yes!  Yes, heat really is very effective at killing all of the bed bugs living in a home, business or other area, no matter how large the infestation may be.  Heat treatment uses specialized heaters that are computerized and monitored by trained professionals throughout the process.   The heaters are used to increase the temperature of the infected area to a certain temperature and once that level is reached the hot air is circulated around for a specified period of time.   The hot air will penetrate through walls, floors, personal belongings, furniture and all other areas to kill all stages of bed bug development! 

Bed bug prevention tips

When it comes to preventing bed bugs, you must be diligent when you’re in public places or using public transportation and be careful about what you allow into your home.  Our Maine bed bug control specialists recommend the following tips:

• Inspect hotel/motel rooms thoroughly for signs of bed bugs before you enter with your luggage.

• Use hard-shelled suitcases and store off the floor of hotel rooms.  If a suitcase stand is available, use it.  You should also keep your suitcase closed when not in use.

• Keep items that you are not using in sealed plastic bags.

• Wash all clothing in the hot water (if fabric permits) after traveling and clean and vacuum out suitcases before storing away.

• Do not put purses, bags or coats down in public places including taxis and restrooms. 

• Inspect used clothing and furniture for bed bugs and be sure to clean before bringing into the house. 

• Do not take mattresses and other furniture marked FREE, you don’t know what might be in such items.