The common bed bug, cimex lectarius, has been with humans since our days in the caves. We got Bed Bugs while living with bats in caves. As a rule, these creatures are a bane and should be eliminated from living spaces.
Bed bugs are active at night, especially between midnight and 5 am. This is when humans are in deep sleep. Carbon dioxide and heat from our bodies attract bed bugs up to three feet away. How bed bugs find us from a further distance has yet to be discovered. Bed bugs will feed every three to seven days. Bed bugs die if they don’t eat for 30 days.
The female lives for about one year. She lays about 1-7 eggs for up to ten days and lays about 113 eggs in her life. Most eggs hatch in six days. Bed bugs pass through five instar molts before they become adults. Each molt requires a blood meal.
Similarly, mating also requires a regular blood meal for both males and females. When temperatures are between 70-90F, eggs reach adulthood at about 37F. Their life cycle slows in cooler temperatures and when food is lacking. They die in about 70 days without food.
Bed bugs developed a resistance to pyrethroid pesticides just before the year 2000. Consequently, their populations have increased, and they’ve spread. Heat treatment became the only treatment. A manufacturer, MGK, developed a non-pyrethroid pesticide effective against bed bugs. The label allows for application to many surfaces, such as mattresses.
I-Pro Pest Control in Corpus Christi has the highest success track record. Be a part of the success! First, schedule an appointment with I-Pro. Second, follow the Insect Treatment Checklist guidelines in the 2nd link at the bottom of the i-Pro Pest Control Website. Third, enjoy peace of mind once again. Call 361-980-7378 today!
Photo: Michael Merchant, Texas Agrilife Extension Service, copyright 2014
Please make sure to use the Insect Pre-Treatment Checklist! Call 361-980-7378 for more information about Bed Bug Treatment.
First, determine if the invading insect is, in fact, a bed bug and not an insect that looks like a bed bug. For instance, cockroaches, carpet beetles, ticks, spider beetles, and many more look like Bed Bugs. Someone familiar with Bed Bugs should be able to identify them.
Inspect in these places:
Look anywhere a bed bug might hide during our waking hours. They can run fast and hide from view. If you find one, place it in a vial filled with rubbing alcohol and present it to a pest control professional.
All rooms surrounding the infestation should receive treatment. This includes neighboring units of apartments, hotels, and condominiums.
Use the Insect Treatment Checklist for an insect treatment listed on the i-Pro Pest Control website. In addition, use the instructions listed for bed bugs in this article. Eggs will usually continue to hatch after the treatment. Continue vacuuming begs, carpet, baseboards, and rugs for a week after the treatment. For additional information, Call 361-980-7378 today!
After treatment, continue to vacuum and regularly inspect for bed bugs. Remember, a residual pesticide will guarantee continued protection. Conversely, nonresidual pesticides do not stop the infestation from occurring again. Mattress encasements will seal bed bugs inside. It will also keep new ones from setting up camp inside the mattress. Bed Bug Interceptors are dishes with steep edges placed at the base of the legs of a bed. The vertical edges or walls trap bed bugs. They will not remove bed bugs but help to detect their presence.
In addition to treating your home, treat the vacuum used during the treatment and one week after. Treat the contents of the bag. As a rule, double bag and seal the vacuum bag. Discard in an outside dumpster.
I-PRO Pest Control is the premier local provider of professional pest extermination services in Corpus Christi. i-PRO’s experience, customized approach, and dedication to customer satisfaction ensure effective pest control solutions for your property. Please feel free to reach out to us today for your free consultation. 361-980-7378.
