Bed bugs made a comeback in the U.S. for several reasons. Some factors include increased international travel, increased popularity of thrift shops, yard sales, and buying used furniture. Also, the practice of using specific household pest control tactics, and crowded living conditions in certain apartment complexes and neighborhoods has added to the problem. Bed bugs have a secretive life style and can hide in any crack or crevice, going undetected for quite a while. In addition, bed bug eggs are tiny (smaller than a pinhead) and hard to detect. In a heavy infestation, they can be practically anywhere. 

Bed bugs typically hide close to their hosts; however, they can travel up to 20 feet (sometimes more) to find one. When hiding places and hosts are few, they may be found almost anywhere– in the seams of mattresses, in bed springs, in cracks of floorboards, behind peeled wallpaper, in picture frames, in couches, stuffed chairs, clothing and even the seams of curtains; wherever a dark crack or crevice might be.

Bed bugs usually feed at night. It is not uncommon for one person to be bit in a home, while others are not experiencing any bites at all. Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out and are known to track a host’s carbon dioxide, leading them back to the same person. Women are 7 times more likely to be bit over men. Bed bugs inject a fluid into their host to help them get their blood meal. This fluid makes some people sensitive to bites, causing irritation, itching and inflammation. Other people can live with bed bugs and not be aware of their presence. Despite their feeding habits, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases.

1. Vacuum and de-clutter. Vacuuming can eliminate some bed bugs when concentrated. Make sure you throw out the Vacuum Bag or completely clean the canister with 90% proof Rubbing Alcohol.
2. De-cluttering of objects laying on the floor and furniture eliminates potential hiding places (especially items stored under the bed).
3. If removal services are needed, we will provide a list of things you must do in the preparation of our service calls.
4. Obtain zippered Mattress and Box Spring covers from your local store to keep them from nesting in your mattress.

At Able Pest Control we believe that having the knowledge and tools to prevent and destroy bed bugs is crucial. We offer seminars and training for local companies and social work agencies. If you have employees that go into homes and encounter bed bugs, we can provide recommendations on what to look for when they're inside your clients homes. We will provide the knowledge on how to prevent bringing bed bugs back and some of our tricks of the trade. If you are interested in our bed bug seminars or training please contact us at (888) 559-5838. We will come to you!

Need immediate service? Call us at (888) 559-5838 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment!