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Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are ectoparasites that strictly feed on blood. They are aptly named because they normally hide in mattresses or as close as possible to their hosts, enabling feeding at night while the host sleeps. Bed bugs can be found in just about any residential or commercial dwelling where a food source (blood) is available.
Size: Approximately 3/16 of an inch (roughly the size of an apple seed
Color: Distinctive reddish-brown.
Shape: Flat and broadly oval.
Diet: Strictly hematophagous (blood-consuming).
Look for the following warning signs to determine if you have a bed bug problem:
While bed bugs are small, they are visible to the naked eye. Look for small brownish or reddish insects the size of an apple seed.
Bed bugs are often found:
In Bedding
Behind electrical outlets and light switches
In the crevices of furniture
Inside mattresses and box springs
Between the flooring and the carpeting
Under chairs and in the drawers of dressers
Look for small brownish or reddish dots on bedding, mattresses, and furniture. These spots are typically bed bug droppings or residual blood spots left behind after the bed bugs feed.
A "buggy" or sweet, musty odor is often a sign of a large-scale problem. If a room has an unusual, sickly-sweet scent that persists, it may indicate a heavy infestation.
Bed bugs target any bare skin exposed during sleep, such as the face, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. While many people have mild or no reaction, others may develop red, itchy welts. While they prefer humans, bed bugs are opportunistic and may also feed on cats, dogs, birds, or other warm-blooded pets.
Bed Bug bites typically appear as red, inflamed spots on your skin. The size of bites varies as each individual reacts differently. Bed bugs inject an anticoagulant when feeding, which causes reactions and determines the size of the mark left behind. Bites usually occur in areas of exposed skin like arms, legs, and backs. See a bed bug feeding.
Bed bugs are usually picked up in buildings frequented by large numbers of people, such as hotels, and unknowingly brought back home in infested luggage, backpacks, purses, furniture, bedding, shoes, or clothing. In multi-family dwellings such as apartment buildings, bed bugs can easily move between apartments, infesting the entire building.
Technically, bed bugs are not considered "dangerous" in the same way as mosquitoes or ticks because they are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, they can still pose significant health and quality-of-life risks.
Allergic Reactions: While some people do not react, others develop red, itchy welts. In rare cases, individuals may experience a severe systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Secondary Infections: Itching bed bug bites can break the skin and increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections.
Insomnia and Sleep Deprivation: The knowledge that insects are feeding at night often leads to severe sleep disruption.
Anxiety and Stress: Dealing with an infestation is notoriously stressful and can lead to long-term "bed bug paranoia" or hyper-vigilance.
Bed bugs are elusive, making them easy to miss and notoriously difficult to eliminate. Early detection and a comprehensive treatment plan are the most effective ways to protect your property and your budget.
Our canines ensure quicker and more reliable detection, identifying infestations that manual inspections might overlook.
Bed bugs are extremely difficult to eliminate without professional intervention. To ensure complete removal, our bed bug services are all-inclusive. For one flat fee, you receive:
Professional-grade treatment products.
Necessary follow-up inspections and visits.
Guaranteed results with no hidden costs.
The most cost-effective choice for: Immediate treatment of select areas within a structure or home.
Resident preparation: Requires extensive preparation by the resident.
Chemical applications: This process can be accomplished with or without chemicals.
The most cost-effective choice for: Resolving heavy infestations in cluttered conditions. Heat has been proven to kill all stages of the bed bug, from egg to adult, usually in just one visit.
Resident preparation: Less extensive preparation is required for the resident, and they can return to their home that same day.
Chemical applications: The primary method of treatment is chemical-free heat. We may include the use of a natural-chemical treatment called Diatomaceous Earth, which is a naturally occurring dust that kills bed bugs and other nuisance pests physically, not chemically.
The most cost-effective choice: For treatment of heavy infestations in large structures.
Resident preparation: Less extensive preparation is required for the resident. Residents must vacate the structure for 24-48 hours without re-entering.
Chemical applications: Sulfuryl Fluoride (Vikane®)
Due to the complexity of treatment and the time required, bed bugs are generally not a pest that many people have success in eradicating on their own.
If you do not kill every single insect, they will simply reproduce and reinfest.
Many pesticides and other products sold online are ineffective.
Pesticides can be harmful to people and pets if they are misused or mixed improperly.
Contact us immediately if you suspect you have a bed bug infestation. The sooner an infestation is treated, the more cost-effective the treatment.
Rose uses only enough material to resolve the problem. We integrate natural bed bug products and mechanical means into our protocols as much as possible. When conventional materials are required, we follow very stringent guidelines for the use of the product to minimize the threat to people, pets, or plants. All products are registered by the EPA. Our service technicians will inform you of any specific safety measures that need to be taken.
The cost depends on the size of the building and the severity of the infestation. Once we perform an inspection, an account manager will review pricing with you before we start work.
Bed bug problems can be difficult to prevent, but knowledge and ongoing vigilance can help. Watch this video for more preventative tips.
For more resources visit our Bed Bug Helpful Links Page
The Rose Home Service Program offers regularly scheduled pest control services for a single annual price, designed to identify and prevent infestations of the most common pests. Whether you're dealing with ants, spiders, or other common invaders, our Home Service Programs provide year-round protection and peace of mind.
