The top 50 bed bug cities for 2012 were released by Orkin who noted a rise in bed bugs. Locally, here in the Capital Region, Albany/Schenectady/Troy, N.Y climbed two positions compared to 2011, stated The Times Union. Other notable cities like The Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla. area was not on Orkin's top 50 bed bug cities list last year, and neither were Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville, Champaign/Springfield, Portland or Sioux City. Philadelphia; Des Moines/Ames, Iowa; Salisbury, Md.; Salt Lake City and West Palm Beach/Fort Pierce, Fla. were on the 2011 list, but are no longer in the 2012 top 50 bed bug cities.

Let’s face it; there is a lot of information online about bed bugs, bed bug treatments and so on. If bed bugs hitchhike home with you, avoid do-it-yourself bed bug treatments, be informed and learn common bed bug myths and misconceptions. Let us answer common bed bug questions:

What are signs of bed bugs ?

Live insects. Adults are about the size of an apple seed, brown/dark red in color. Eggs and nymphs (baby bed bugs) are translucent and the size of a grain of rice.

Exoskeletons. Light brown/tan Exoskeletons are left behind as bed bugs grow into adults.

Blood Spots. Small blood spots the size of pepper and dark red/black in color are usually found on the mattress or sheets after a bed bug feeds.

Bites. Bed bug bites affect everyone differently, but usually in a row.

When I travel what are some tips to avoid bringing bed bugs home? | What are tips for finding a pest professional to remove bed bugs?

We at Thomas Pest Services are licensed and trained in bed bug removal. Living in Albany, Clifton Park, Saratoga or other Capital Region community, Thomas Pest Services is your local exterminator who provides bed bug treatments. At the first signs of bed bugs, contact Thomas Pest Services for bed bug solutions. Contact us by phone 1-877-518-2847, info@518gotpests.com, twitter or facebook.