Bed bugs are one of the more difficult insect pest problems to eradicate quickly. Bed bug infestations may take some time to totally control as these tiny insects can hide in numerous places. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control company that offers bed bug control.

Dr. Mike Merchant, an AgriLife Extension urban entomologist in Dallas, said bed bugs have become increasingly common in today’s world due to stepped-up immigration, international travel and the loss of effective insecticides. He said this combination of factors has helped bed bugs spread faster than any other urban insect pest in recent times.

Bed bugs feed on blood, primarily that of humans, by piercing the skin with their elongated beaks. Bed bugs can spread by clothing and baggage of travelers, second hand beds, bedding, furniture and laundry.

A mature bed bug is a dark brown, wingless insect. Its size and color may vary depending on the amount of blood the body contains. An unfed bed bug is between 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch long. When engorged with blood, the body becomes elongated and swollen and the color can change from brown to dull red.

Bed bug eggs are 1/32 inch long. Newly hatched bed bugs are translucent and nearly colorless. The young bed bug resembles the adult in shape. Color changes as the insect molts and grows in size. A female bed bug may lay about 200 eggs in her lifetime, three to four per day. Eggs are covered with a sticky substance that helps them stick to objects on which they are deposited. The eggs will hatch from six to 17 days from when they are laid.

Bed bugs feed mostly at night by piercing the skin of people while they sleep. They will occasionally feed during the day as well. When bed bugs bite, they inject a fluid into the person’s skin that enables the insect to withdraw blood. Often this fluid causes the skin to become irritated, inflamed and itchy. The bite produces elongated, spindle-shaped welts on the skin. This elongated, spindle-shape distinguishes the welts from those of mosquito or flea bites.

Pesticides alone are not the answer to bed bugs. Most commonly used pesticides today are at best moderately effective at controlling these pests. Pesticides should be used with care for safety and with attention to proper application to work well on these insects. Read and follow all label directions for use when applying pesticides.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, determine which rooms are infested. Do not be too quick to throw out your mattresses and box springs because if the infestation is not controlled, new mattresses and box springs can become quickly infested.

Once controlled, it may be necessary to use bed bug proof encasements on the mattress and box springs. Beg bug interceptors under the legs of the bed can be helpful as they prevent these insects from climbing up the bed.

Information on bed bugs can be found by accessing the Insects in the City blog at city bugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/biting-stinging/bed-bugs/ by Dr. Mike Merchant, Professor and Extension Urban Entomologist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Dallas.

Various helpful publications can be found at this website to provide information on what to do in an infestation.

 

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.