Bed Bugs

In our global society Bed Bugs are no longer a third world problem. 

Bed bug bites swell and itch like a mosquito or flea bite. They can be random or appear in a straight line. They’re the lucky few that don’t suffer a reaction from a bed bug bite. Only about 5 percent of people who are bitten have a reaction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can experience a mild to severe allergic reaction following a bed bug bite. Scratching the bite can lead to skin infections like impetigo, ecthyma and lymphanigitis. In the worse cases, it can cause anaphylaxis, or a dangerous whole body reaction. They can also cause anxiety and insomnia, too.

According to a CDC fact sheet, bedbugs inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from feeling the bite. Because bites usually occur while people are sleeping, most people don’t realize they have been bitten until marks appear.  Bed bugs are reddish-brown, small, flat wingless-insects that range from 1 to 7 millimeters in length. Bed bug populations dropped dramatically during the mid-20th century, but the United States is one of many countries now experiencing an alarming resurgence. Bed bugs stowaway and hide in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding and furniture.

To lower the chances of getting bed bugs…

• Check hotel beds for signs of bed bugs. Pull back the sheets, and look around the cording at the top, bottom and sides of the mattress. If you see dark spots, ask for another room.
• If your hotel room has two beds, don’t use one bed as a luggage holder.
• As soon as you return from your trip, unpack your luggage and thoroughly inspect with a bright flashlight.
• Once you children return from college, camps, or overnight trips a thoroughly inspection is in order.

If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, call immediately! Bed bug treatments can be expensive and very time consuming. A thorough inspection is absolutely necessary. Typically, all the furniture in the suspected room and any adjacent rooms must be dismantled and treated. Time is of the essence, the quicker a treatment plan is in place the cheaper the treatment will be.  Bed bugs are difficult to eliminate but elimination can be achieved with the proper treatment.

With The SurGuard Advantage, our professional technicians will have your home livable in no time.