Bed bugs are among the most challenging pests to eliminate from your home and workplace because they hide and reproduce extremely quickly. One bed bug can turn into hundreds in just a few months if not promptly treated.
Fortunately, the pest control experts at Poulin’s Pest Control are ready to jump into action and attack your bed bug infestation. A Poulin’s pest management professional can identify where bed bugs lurk and eliminate them using effective methods. If you have a bed bug problem in your home or business and require treatment, call Poulin’s at 780-477-1671 or toll-free at 1-877-477-1671 or contact us through our Edmonton website.
Identifying bed bugs
Bed bug adults measure about four to five millimetres in length, are reddish-brown in colour, and have flat, oval-shaped, wingless bodies with horizontal bands. Bed bug adults can look very similar to flaxseeds and wood ticks in shape, size, and colour. Nymphs (young bed bugs) are smaller versions of the adults and start off with a pale-yellow colour and darken as they mature.
Unsure if a bug you found is a bed bug? Send us a picture! To take a good picture, put your bug on a flat, plain surface, bring the camera close, and use a bright light source.
Signs you have bed bugs
Before finding bed bugs themselves, you may notice signs of their presence. Tiny red welts that may appear in clusters on your body could indicate bed bug bites. While bites can become inflamed and itchy, potentially triggering allergic reactions in severe cases, individual reactions vary, with some people showing no response at all. Other telltale signs include tiny rusty-brown and black stains on sheets or furniture caused by bed bug feces, a musty odour (similar to coriander or rotten raspberries or almonds), and the presence of bed bug exoskeletons on furnishings. If you have any of these signs, it is crucial to schedule an inspection or treatment from Poulin’s in Edmonton.
Where bed bugs live
Bed bugs can climb on most surfaces and prefer to hide in small, dark spaces, usually close to their food sources. Bed bugs feed on blood from humans, pets, and livestock. Common bed bug hiding spots include cracks and crevices in mattresses, bed frames, box springs, couches, spaces behind baseboards, around wall decor, underneath carpets, the top of curtains, and in chairs. Bed bugs can hide in almost anything, including electronics, clothing, and books. These resilient pests can survive for up to nearly a year without a blood meal.
How Bed Bugs Enter Your Home And Workplace
Bed bugs can infiltrate any home, hotel, institutional building, or workplace regardless of cleanliness. People often unknowingly transport these pests from one location to another. Common routes for bed bug transportation include:
- Luggage
- Purses and backpacks
- Gym bags
- Second-hand furniture
- Clothing
Regardless of how bed bugs enter your home or business, swift action is crucial. Schedule a professional bed bug assessment and treatment as soon as possible to prevent further infestation.
Conventional Bed Bug Inspection and Treatment
When you schedule a bed bug inspection or treatment, a licensed pest management professional will perform a thorough inspection and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. A Poulin’s technician will only use pesticides that are registered with Health Canada and will follow the instructions on the label.
In multi-unit dwellings such as apartments, townhouses, and apartment-style condos, when bed bugs are found it is advised to inspect and treat adjacent units, including those directly beside, above, and below an infested unit.
Bed bug eradication often requires multiple treatments because complete elimination can be complex and depend on the number of bed bugs, the number of places they can hide, property managers, co-operation with neighbouring units, and the ability to treat, heat, vacuum, or contain potential hiding places. Your living space may require treatment every ten to fourteen days until a technician confirms the bed bugs are gone.
Bed Bug Control in Edmonton and Surrounding Areas
At Poulin’s Pest Control, our technicians are extensively trained to diagnose and treat all bed bug problems. We create customized solutions for your living or work space and persist until every bed bug is eliminated. Contact us in Edmonton today to schedule a bed bug assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Bugs
Q1: How quickly do bed bugs reproduce?
A female bed bug can lay 1-5 eggs daily and up to 200-500 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs hatch in about 6-10 days, and the nymphs can reach adulthood in as little as 21 days, depending on temperature and food availability.
Q2: Can bed bugs transmit diseases?
There is currently no evidence that bed bugs transmit diseases to humans. Their bites can cause allergic reactions, skin infections from scratching, lack of sleep, and psychological distress.
Q3: How long can bed bugs survive without feeding?
Depending on the temperature and humidity, adult bed bugs can live for up to a year without feeding. Nymphs require more frequent meals than adults to survive.
Q4: Are bed bugs only active at night?
While bed bugs are usually nocturnal, they can be active during the day and prefer to feed when their victims are asleep or staying still. Bed bugs can inject an anticoagulant and anesthetic when feeding that can make their bites painless.
Q5: Can bed bugs fly or jump?
No. Bed bugs do not have wings and
cannot jump. Instead, they can crawl on most surfaces and can move
quickly from their feeding areas to other hiding spots.
Q6. Can I carry bed bugs from one bed to another?
Yes, you can easily carry bed bugs from one bed to another. Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers that can quickly travel from one place to another through clothing, bedding, luggage, and other personal items. They are incredibly adept at hiding in fabric seams and folds. When you move items like bedding, clothing, or luggage, you risk inadvertently transporting bed bugs. This can be a problem in settings like hotels, universities, hospitals, and shared living spaces where people are close together. Activities like doing laundry can cause any bed bugs picked up to spread throughout your home.
Q7: How effective are DIY bed bug treatments?
While numerous DIY bed bug treatments are available via over-the-counter sprays, foggers, and other home remedies, the products and the person using them may not reach or kill all bed bugs and their eggs. Bed bugs can panic and spread to other areas in a home or building. Improper use of pesticides can be dangerous. Professional treatment is often necessary for complete eradication.
Q8: Can bed bugs survive in extreme temperatures?
Bed bugs are sensitive to high temperatures, which is why heat treatments are effective. They cannot survive temperatures above 50°C (122°F) for long periods. Bed bugs have some cold tolerance and attempting to freeze them may not be as reliable or effective as using heat.
Remember, if you suspect a bed bug infestation, acting quickly and seeking professional help is crucial. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing a small problem from becoming a major infestation.