Serving Edmonton for over 120 years

FAQ Category: Bed Bugs

Read frequently asked questions from our existing customers.

Bat bugs, closely related to bed bugs, primarily feed on bat blood but can survive and even thrive in environments without their primary host. In the absence of bats, bat bugs may turn to feed on human blood, displaying a degree of adaptability to new food sources. This transition typically occurs when bats leave their roost or are excluded from a building, leaving bat bugs behind to seek new hosts. Although bat bugs prefer bats, they can live for up to a year without feeding, giving them ample time to find alternative hosts in human occupants. This makes them capable of sustaining their population in homes, even without bats, as long as they have access to blood meals from humans or pets. The presence of bat bugs in living spaces without bats highlights the importance of comprehensive pest management, including humane removal of bats, sealing entry points to prevent their return, and addressing any remaining bat bugs with professional pest control measures. Ensuring that all potential hosts are removed or inaccessible can help avoid bugs of a bat from establishing a presence in human living areas.

Identifying a bat bug infestation in your home involves recognizing the subtle differences between bat bugs and their closely related counterparts, such as bed bugs. Bat bugs, or Cimex adjuncts, resemble bed bugs but have longer hairs on their thorax. This difference may require magnification, but it’s a crucial identifier. Bat bugs primarily feed on the blood of bats; hence, an infestation is often tied to a current or previous presence of bats in the building, such as in attics, walls, or chimneys. Signs of a bat bug infestation include seeing the insects, which are small, brown, and flat-bodied, near bat roosting areas or even in living spaces if bats have moved out. Unlike bed bugs, bat bugs are less likely to stay close to human sleeping areas unless their primary food source has disappeared. Additional indicators include small, reddish-brown fecal spots on surfaces, moulted skins, and, in severe cases, bites on humans that resemble bed bug bites, which occur when bat bugs cannot access their preferred bat hosts and turn to feed on human blood. Inspecting for signs of bats in conjunction with bat bugs is essential, as controlling the bat population humanely and legally is often the first step in managing a bat bug issue. I

If you see pests after a treatment, don’t panic. It’s normal to see some pests shortly after treatment as they are driven out of their hiding places by the pesticides. However, if you continue to see pests a week or two after the treatment, or if the numbers don’t seem to be decreasing, you should contact your pest control provider. They can assess the situation and determine if additional treatments are necessary.

Preventing a bed bug infestation when travelling requires proactive measures to minimize the risk of encountering and bringing these pests back home. Firstly, it is advisable to research and choose accommodations with a reputation for cleanliness and proactive pest control practices. Upon arrival, inspect the room thoroughly, focusing on the bed, mattress, and nearby furniture. Look for signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, dark stains, or shed skins. If any signs are found, request a room change away from the infested area. During your stay, keep your luggage elevated and away from the bed and furniture. Consider using luggage stands or placing luggage in sealed plastic bags for extra protection. After returning home, carefully inspect luggage and clothing before bringing them inside. Wash and dry all clothing on high heat to kill any potential bed bugs. By being vigilant and taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of a bed bug infestation while travelling.

Bed bugs commonly roam mattresses, bed frames, furniture, carpets, and other hiding spots. They also have the ability to travel from room to room by crawling through any cracks present in walls or entryways.

It is not recommended to sleep in another room if you have bed bugs. Bed bugs can travel and are not restricted to one room, so sleeping in another room will not prevent the spread of bed bugs. The best way to get rid of bed bugs is by calling a professional pest control company that provides extermination services to help keep your property pest-free.

Bed bugs are visible to the naked eye and can range in size from 1 to 7 mm. Bed bugs are usually reddish-brown in color and may be found hiding in small creases or cracks, such as mattress seams, behind wallpaper and headboards, and around furniture. If you think there might be a bed bug infestation, it’s important to call an exterminator right away.

The worst type of bed bug is known as the Cimex lectularius, or the common bed bug because it’s resistant to many insecticides. It can live for up to a year without eating and reproduce quickly. It often goes unnoticed because it only comes out to feed at night.

If you have a pest problem, it is a good idea to contact a pest control company. At Birch Fumigators, we are experienced in getting rid of bed bugs, mice, cockroaches, and any other pests. We use safe and effective methods to help you eliminate these pests and keep your home pest-free.

If you believe you have bed bugs, please let us know so that we can conduct an inspection of your home. Bed bugs are difficult to remove, therefore it is critical to hire a professional. Our highly trained experts will collaborate with you to create a treatment strategy that works best for you.

Bed bugs can move quickly, but they do not jump. They can travel quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings, but they cannot fly or jump. Bed bugs are often mistaken for other insects, such as fleas, cockroaches, and ants. If you think you have bed bugs, it is important to contact a professional to get rid of them before they reproduce and spread.

Under optimal conditions, with regular access to blood meals, a bed bug can live anywhere from 6 to 12 months. However, in the absence of food, these insects can go into a dormant state and survive for several months. During their lifetime, female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs, which allows for rapid population growth if not managed or eradicated.