BED BUGS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

 

Preying on you when you are most vulnerable, bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of human hosts. Although bed bugs have made a strong comeback in recent years, history tells us that they have been afflicting humans since 400 BC.  It is believed that they were first brought to America from Europe in the 1700s. Today, bed bugs continue to plague Americans as well as numerous other peoples throughout the world.

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Pest End                                                                Derry: 92 West Broadway                      Plaistow: 82 Plaistow Road
Toll Free: 1 (800) 287-4321                                   Derry, New Hampshire 03038                     Plaistow, New Hampshire 03865
Methuen (Main Office): 15 Pelham Street                 Phone: (603) 425-1995                         Phone: (603) 382-9644
Methuen, Massachusetts 01844
Phone: (978) 794-4321

While bed bugs are primarily active at night, they are willing to feed whenever a food source (human blood) is available. Much like a mosquito, a bed bug will bite a human host and inject a numbing agent which often makes it difficult for a human to feel that he or she has been bitten. Reactions to the bites vary depending on the host; some will see visible signs, specifically several welts in a row that are often very itchy. Others, however, have no reaction at all. It is important to note that reactions can take up to two weeks to appear on the skin which can make it very difficult to determine when and where the problem started. While bed bugs prefer to feed every five to ten days, they are able to live for over a year without feeding on any hosts. This hibernation occurs when ideal feeding conditions are not met.

 

Bed bugs are not always easily identifiable as they appear in different shapes and sizes throughout their life cycle. Eggs, which are laid by adult bed bugs, are extraordinarily small and are translucent to white in color. Babies are tiny and range from translucent to a light tan in color. Adults are typically tan to a dark red color and are compared to the size of an apple seed. For a bedbug to molt and enter its next stage of life, it must feed on a human host. (SEE PICTURE ABOVE FOR LIFE CYCLE OF BED BUGS)

 

What is most important to remember about bed bugs is that they do not discriminate. Whether you are young, old, rich, poor, clean, or dirty, you are susceptible.

 

TREATMENT:

 

Pest-End offers three different types of treatments for the elimination of bed bugs.

 

The first option is a traditional chemical spray to the structure. Our chemical application consists of a crack and crevice treatment to all rooms of concern as well as the furniture inside of those rooms.  Although this treatment will work to help control the bed bug infestation, it is the least effective method in the market as of right now.

 

Our second form of treatment is a steam and vacuum service. In addition to being an eco-friendly treatment, it is also a safer option as there are no chemicals involved.  Two of our technicians will arrive at your home and, after an initial inspection, will steam and vacuum all rooms of concern and the furniture inside of them. Although this is a time consuming and invasive treatment, it is highly effective. Having two technicians scheduled to go to your home enables a more thorough treatment as they can move furniture more easily and can thus treat harder to reach areas where bed bugs may hide.

 

Our third method of treatment is Thermal Remediation™, which is the process of heating up an area to 120 to 140 degrees and maintaining that temperature for 3 hours. Due to the way in which the area is treated and the air is circulated, there are no cracks or areas that are missed. This process also entails the smallest amount of preparation as most of the belongings are left in the home to be heated. Due to the amount of time that the structure is heated, this treatment is the most effective.

 

The success of all forms of treatment depends heavily on the cooperation of the resident and his or her adherence to our preparation guidelines.

 

PREVENTION:

 

Because it is so difficult to try and prevent bed bugs from entering a living area, the best thing to do is educate yourself. Know the signs that indicate the presence of bed bugs and be vigilant when you visit a friend’s house, hotel, shelter, movie theater, store, and just about anywhere else you go. Know the types of stains that bed bugs leave behind and where they are most likely to hide. Some of the most obvious signs include their fecal matter, which are black spots that resemble specs of black pepper, and tiny red dots on sheets or mattresses which are blood stains. Do not put any of your clothes in bureaus at a friend’s house or a hotel room. When you arrive home, place all of your belongings into your dryer at the hottest temperature possible for approximately 20 minutes; this will kill any unwanted visitors who may have been brought home with you.

 

RASCAL:

 

Bed bug detection canines, also known as bed bug sniffing dogs, are the most effective way to determine whether a structure has a problem with bed bugs. Our dog, Rascal, was trained at J & K Canine Academy in Florida. Both he and his two handlers have undergone rigorous training and have been certified by NESDCA (National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association). Rascal has the ability to search apartment buildings, hotels, single family homes, office buildings, and just about any other area in a fraction of the time that it would take for a visual inspection performed by a pest control technician. He searches for the scent of live bed bugs and viable eggs and is able to find as little as one of each. Rascal and his handlers are professional, thorough, and confidential during all inspections. The handlers arrive in unmarked vehicles and in plainclothes in an effort to be discreet about your possible problem.  Bed bug Scent Detection dogs are very efficient and far more accurate than the human eye. Dogs are also trained to work for food and love and not for profit!

 

BEING PROACTIVE:

 

Being proactive plays a large part in the early identification of a bed bug issue and ridding yourself of these intrusive pests, and, perhaps, even avoiding a problem altogether. Rascal, our bed bug detection canine, is very helpful when trying to determine if you are currently having a problem with bed bugs, regardless of whether it is a small or large infestation. Employing the use of Climb-Up Interceptors™ is a great way to monitor high risk areas for bed bugs, particularly if you have previously had a problem with the insects. Climb-Up Interceptors™ are circular cups that are placed under the feet/posts of your beds, chairs, tables, and anything else that you may have a concern about and they can be left under the posts forever. This is only a monitoring device, however. There is no chemical in the cups; they are simply a tool to help you identify if you have a bedbug problem.

 

Servicing Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Contact Us for a Free Estimate:

1 (800) 287-4321