We Get Rid of Bed Bugs Fast!
Bed bugs do not transmit diseases to humans or pets, but they are considered a public and personal health pest when infestations are left untreated. Bed bug bites may cause itching – which when excessive scratching ensues – may lead to skin infections.
In 2019 Honolulu was listed as the 46 out of 50 top cities in America with the greatest bed bug infestations. Honolulu came in 43th on the 2018 list. The good news is that no cites in Hawaii are on Orkin’s 2020 Top Bed Bug Cities list, but that does not mean our islands are free of bed bugs. Aloha Termite and Pest Control continues to receive phone and email inquiries about bed bugs. Here are some of the commonly asked questions.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are reddish-brown insects with no wings, and about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are mainly active at night; and their main source of food is the blood of sleeping people and animals. If food is scarce, bed bugs can survive two to three months without a blood meal. Bed bugs prefer coming out in the dark, but will not be deterred from biting if a light is left on as a means of confusing or distracting them. There are several species of bed bugs, but the only one currently in Hawaii is the Common Bed Bug
What is the Cause of Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are experts at hiding and hitchhiking. These pests are hiding in, and hitchhiking all over the world using luggage, purses, backpacks, stuffed animals, airline pillows, and anything else they can snuggle up in to get from place to place. So, it makes sense that most would say personal travel and hotel stays are the greatest cause of a bed bug infestation; but, don’t believe that the lack of travel will prevent a beg bug infestation. Bed bugs also travel through used furniture and bed purchases, and even on clothing. Bed bugs have infested offices, gyms, stores, hotels, and everywhere in between, so it’s possible to pick up some bed bug hitchhikers anywhere.
How do I Know if I Have Bed Bugs?
One of the first signs of bed bug infestation is a reddish-black bloodstain on bed sheets, pillowcases, and nighttime clothing caused by gorging on their blood meal. There may also be very small dark spots on sheets, pillowcases, and even nighttime clothing caused by the bed bugs’ pooping. Some of the younger bed bugs shed a yellowish skin as they grow, so molted skin may be found lying around. Bed bugs also give off a musty smell. Of course, bed bug bites is another sign of infestation. However, everyone reacts differently to bed bug bites. Some people get red welts and feel itchy right away, while others do not react at all to beg bug bites. Bed bug bites are also mistaken for mosquito bites, so it can be challenging to confirm an infestation with bites (or no bites). Another way to check for bed bugs is to use a flashlight at night and check the places they may be hiding in: mattress seams, on headboards, behind picture frames on the wall, in the cracks of peeling wallpaper, along baseboards, and other crevice near where one sleeps.
Question & Answers
Common signs of a bed bug infestation include small reddish-brown bugs or their shed skins, dark stains on bedding from their excrement, and itchy bite marks on the skin.
While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases directly, their bites can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Bed bugs are prolific breeders, and a single female can lay hundreds of eggs during her lifetime. Infestations can quickly grow in size, especially in environments with ample food sources.
DIY bed bug treatments may have limited success in treating small, localized infestations. However, due to their elusive nature and ability to hide in various spaces, professional intervention by Aloha Termite & Pest Control is often recommended for thorough eradication.
Property owners can take preventive measures, such as regular inspection of bedding and furniture, washing and drying bedding at high temperatures, and sealing cracks and crevices, to reduce the risk of bed bug infestations. If an infestation is suspected, contacting Aloha Termite & Pest Control promptly is crucial to prevent the issue from worsening.