Bed bugs continue to be on the rise throughout the United States and are making headlines in the Albany, Schenectady and Troy area. A recent release from Orkin, announced the top 50 bed bug cities. Surprised or not, the Albany area made the list at number forty four. Despite the heightened publicity and media coverage, there are still misconceptions and information to be learned about bedbugs.

How do you get bed bugs?

Bed bugs must be introduced into the structure from a infested environment. Bed bugs do not just enter homes or come from the outdoor environment. Bed bugs are introduced from traveling, rented/used furniture, guests/visitors, college students or even garage/yard sale purchases. Determining the exact source of the infestation can be challenging and sometimes go unsettled.

How do I know if I have bed bugs?

Bed bugs are reddish/brown, oval in shape (similar to apple seed) and flat. Immature stages of bed bugs (nymphs) are very tiny, translucent or red (after a feeding). Bed bug eggs are very difficult to detect with the human eye since they are rice shape and size and white in color. Black fecal staining are fecal droppings similar in shape and size to pepper. Blood smears to marks can be found as well on your sheets and bedding materials. These are all signs of an infestation. Bed bugs prefer small, protected areas like beds, couches, night stands, electrical outlets, picture frames and small cracks and crevices.

What do bed bug bites look like?

Bed bug bites are not always detected right away and everyone reacts differently to bed bugs. Bed bug bites are grouped or clustered together in a straight line. The bumps/rash from the bites can be irritating and itchy.

How do you get rid of bed bugs?

Contact your local Albany pest control provider at the first indication of bed bugs. A professional will be able to provide a thorough inspection to confirm the presence or absence of bed bugs. Bed bug infestations should only be treated by trained, licensed professional pest management companies. Often times, infestations treated by do-it-yourself measures are ineffective, unsafe and require a professional in the end.

Bed bugs mature quickly and can live up to a year! Bed bugs have the ability to infest areas quickly and spread into other areas. Contact your local Saratoga pest control company immediately to avoid getting bit another night. Learn more about Thomas Pest Services bed bug dog, Promise and bed bug treatments in Chatham, Colonie, Malta, Amsterdam, Lake George and surrounding areas today!