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BEDBUGS
BEDBUGS
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that belong to the Cimicidae family. They are typically reddish-brown in color, flat and oval-shaped, and about the size of an apple seed (around 4 to 5 millimeters in length). Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals, and they are mainly active at night.
These insects are called bed bugs because they are commonly found in and around beds and other areas where people sleep or rest. They can infest homes, hotels, hostels, and other establishments. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily travel from one location to another by hiding in luggage, clothing, or furniture.
Bed bug infestations can cause various problems. Their bites can result in itchy, red welts on the skin. Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions or develop secondary skin infections from scratching. Bed bugs can be emotionally distressing and can disrupt sleep and cause anxiety.
It is important to address bed bug infestations promptly to prevent them from spreading further. Professional pest control companies can be consulted to assist in the identification and eradication of bed bugs. This may involve a combination of methods, including thorough cleaning, vacuuming, heat treatments, and the use of insecticides specifically formulated to target bed bugs.
There is one main species of bed bug that commonly infests human dwellings, and that is Cimex lectularius. However, there are also other closely related species known as “bat bugs” that can occasionally be found in homes. These species include:
- Cimex lectularius (Common Bed Bug): This is the most prevalent species of bed bug that infests human habitats. It is primarily associated with human hosts and is found worldwide.
- Cimex hemipterus (Tropical Bed Bug): This species is found in tropical and subtropical regions and is more common in areas such as Africa, Asia, and South America. It has a preference for feeding on human blood but can also infest other mammals.
- Leptocimex boueti (Bat Bug): This species is commonly known as the “bat bug” because it primarily feeds on the blood of bats. However, they can also bite humans if they are in close proximity to bat roosts. Bat bugs are similar in appearance to bed bugs and can be mistaken for them.
While these are the main types of bed bugs, it’s important to note that within each species, there can be variations in appearance, behavior, and geographical distribution. Regardless of the species, all bed bugs have similar characteristics and habits when it comes to infesting human environments and feeding on blood.
Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. They have a preference for feeding on their hosts while they sleep, as they are attracted to the carbon dioxide and warmth emitted by humans during this time. However, if they are hungry and the opportunity presents itself, they may also feed during the daytime.
Bed bugs are skilled at hiding and tend to stay in close proximity to their food source, which is usually a bed or other furniture where people sleep or rest. They can hide in crevices, cracks, mattress seams, bed frames, furniture joints, and even electrical outlets. When it’s time to feed, they typically emerge from their hiding spots and crawl onto the host’s exposed skin to bite and feed on their blood.
While bed bugs prefer to feed when their hosts are at rest, they can adjust their feeding patterns if necessary. For example, in heavily infested areas or when they have limited access to hosts, they may become more active during the daytime and feed on any available opportunities.
It’s important to note that bed bugs are resilient and can survive for several months without feeding, so even if they are not actively feeding, they may still be present in an infested area.
As Smart Pest Control, we carefully carry out spray and special steam machine treatments to exterminate all the bedbugs with multiple visits to ensure customer satisfaction.
