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Identifying a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bug exterminator | Gray, MEBed bugs are some of the peskiest nuisances in the insect world. The recent surge of worldwide infestations has left many people on the lookout for the tiny brown intruders, yet confused and overwhelmed when they think they may have an infestation. What does an infestation look like? What do you do if you’ve found one? Bed bug infestation cannot be combatted successfully without the help of an experienced pest professional like Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control. We’ll walk you through everything, from identifying to eradicating.

Where to Look

One of the unique aspects of a bed bug infestation is that it can happen absolutely anywhere. An infestation has nothing to do with cleanliness or affluence. In fact, many famous luxury hotels have been part of the bed bug battle. All it takes is a couple bugs finding their way into a bedroom.

When you suspect a bed bug infestation, check the sheets, mattress pad and mattress. Look in the corners for reddish brown spots – bed bug excrement. Since bed bugs feed on human blood while humans sleep, they like to hide near their food source and sometimes create a trial. Bedside tables, floorboards, bed frames, underneath picture frames and near electrical outlets are common bed bug hideouts. You may find spots, molted bed bug skin or even live bed bugs. Eggs may also be present, but they are more difficult to see.

How’d They Get In?

Bed bugs are resourceful little hitchhikers. Just the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny, they can and do squeeze just about anywhere. They typically jump from location to location on luggage and handbags. They hide well in the seams and creases. They can also go months without food, so they can stay hidden for long periods of time. For example, if you visited a hotel that had an unknown infestation, a couple could hide in your luggage and come home with you, thus spreading the infestation. Then your friend could come over and set her purse down, and a few more could jump in and go home with her. It’s easy to see how an uncontrolled infestation spreads rapidly.

Bed Bugs Southern Maine | Maine Bed Bugs and Pest ControlEradicating a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs are infamously hard to get rid of. Common pesticides and sprays that you may be able to control other insects with will have no effect on these bugs. They can simply hide for weeks at a time until the spray dissipates and they just come out again. And because they can hide in outlets and walls, bed bugs in multi-unit buildings can be incredibly difficult. If one unit has an infestation, every unit will have an infestation. The bugs will simply travel to the untreated units, then come back when the coast is clear.

At Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control, bed bugs are literally our business. Owner Dale Carlson had his own bed bug infestation when his daughters moved out of the family house and into their own apartment. The bugs had already made themselves at home in the new apartment but unseen. It was then that Dale tested different treatments and discovered bed bug kryptonite: heat. Heat kills the bed bugs and their eggs. Along with complementing other treatments, heat has proved to be greatly successful at eradicating a bed bug infestation. If you’ve seen the little buggers or suspect an infestation, call us today at (207) 650-8654. We’ll inspect and provide you with the best methods to safely and effectively send the bed bugs packing for good!

For more information, see our PDF from Dini M. Miller, Ph.D., Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech..