Bed Bug FAQs

Bed Bug FAQs 

 

What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, and range in size from 1mm to 7mm.
What health risks do bed bugs pose?
According to the CDC, bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Bed bug bites affect everyone differently. The reaction can range from mild itchiness to a serious allergic reaction. Bed bugs are not considered to be dangerous; however, some individuals do experience an allergic reaction to several bites and may require medical attention.  Allergy symptoms can include enlarged bite marks, painful swelling at the bite sites, and on rare occasions, anaphylaxis.
How did I get bed bugs?
Bed bugs are found across the globe and do not discriminate. In recent years, there has been a 500% increase in the bed bug population in parts of the United States, including CT. Bed bugs have been found in five-star hotels, cruise ships, mansions and resorts and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found.

Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Their slim flat bodies allow them to fit into pinhole sized spaces where they can hide for up to a month without a blood meal. Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. They travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, purses, backbacks, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. 

Who is at risk for getting bed bugs?
The short answer is: everyone. Bed bugs do not discriminate. Those who shop at secondhand stores, travel frequently, or share living/sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept have a higher risk of being bitten and/or spreading a bed bug infestation.
How do exterminators get rid of bed bugs?

Professional pest control companies can use a variety of tools to eliminate bedbugs. These include liquid insecticide sprays, aerosol insecticide sprays, insecticidal dusts, diatomaceous earth, pressurized carbon dioxide snow, and steam and heat treatments

If you suspect that you have an infestation, contact a professional pest control company in CT that is experienced with treating bed bugs. 

How much does it cost to treat a room for bed bugs?

On national average, most homeowners spend between $1,000 and $2,200 to exterminate bed bugs. In CT, depending on the level of infestation and treatment method, you can expect to pay $200 to $400 per room for bed bug treatment (2020 pricing).