What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that are about 4 to 5 millimetres long as adults. They are usually reddish-brown in colour and become darker after feeding.
Because of their flat bodies, bed bugs can hide in very small spaces around your home or business. Common hiding spots include mattresses, bed frames, furniture, baseboards, cracks in walls or floors, behind wallpaper, under carpets, under couches, and behind picture frames. Bed bugs often live in groups, and larger infestations may produce a sweet but unpleasant odour.
Problems Caused by Bed Bugs
Bed bugs do not spread disease, but they can cause itchy bites, irritation, discomfort, and stress. Bed bug infestations can spread quickly if not treated properly, which is why professional pest control treatment is strongly recommended.
What Should You Do If You Have Bed Bugs?
If you think you have bed bugs, it is important to act quickly to help prevent the infestation from spreading further. Follow these simple steps:
- Remove clutter from the affected room or area to reduce hiding spots and improve treatment effectiveness.
- Vacuum thoroughly around mattresses, furniture, cracks, baseboards, and flooring. After vacuuming, place the vacuum contents in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it immediately outside.
- Avoid moving furniture, clothing, or bedding into other areas of the home, as this can spread bed bugs.
- Contact Birch Fumigators to schedule a professional inspection and consultation. Our experienced technicians will identify the infestation and create a customized treatment plan for your property.
- Follow the preparation and treatment recommendations provided by our pest control professionals to help ensure successful elimination.
Professional Bed Bug Exterminators in Edmonton
The most effective way to eliminate bed bugs is with professional pest control services. Birch Fumigators has over 100 years of experience providing safe and effective bed bug treatments in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Our trained technicians use proven methods to locate and eliminate bed bugs quickly while helping prevent future infestations.
Important Bed Bug Facts
Understanding bed bugs can help you identify an infestation earlier and take action sooner:
- Bed bug eggs are extremely small, about the size of a pinhead.
- Adult bed bugs can grow to approximately ¼ inch long.
- Bed bugs feed on blood while people and animals sleep.
- Female bed bugs can lay up to 5 eggs per day.
- Bed bugs can survive for more than a year without feeding.
- Bed bug bites may go unnoticed because their saliva contains a mild anesthetic and anti-coagulant.
How to Help Protect Against Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can hide almost anywhere and are excellent at spreading between locations. These tips can help reduce the risk of infestation:
- Inspect second-hand furniture, mattresses, electronics, and clothing carefully before bringing them indoors.
- Avoid taking furniture or other items from dumpsters or curbsides.
- Reduce clutter around bedrooms and living spaces to minimize hiding areas.
- Regularly inspect mattresses, bed frames, and furniture for signs of activity.
- Professional K9 bed bug inspections can help detect infestations early, even in hidden areas.
Bed Bug Treatment Options
Birch Fumigators offers several professional treatment options depending on the severity and location of the infestation.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment raises the temperature of the affected area high enough to eliminate bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle, including eggs. This method is highly effective and minimizes the need for chemical treatments.
Dust Treatments
Professional dust applications may be used in wall voids, cracks, crevices, and around baseboards to help eliminate hidden bed bugs and reduce future activity.
Contact Birch Fumigators Today
If you suspect bed bugs in your home or business, contact Birch Fumigators today. Our experienced Edmonton pest control team can inspect your property, recommend the best treatment solution, and help you eliminate bed bugs safely and effectively.