are diligent insects that spend a big portion of their time looking for new hosts. While bed bugs
live in colonies, overcrowding can push some members to look elsewhere from hosts. This is not unusual since the bed bug is always taking advantage of unaware travelers and tourists. Hotels, motels, and inns report more bed bug infestations than any other commercial business. This always applies to homeowners and tenants.
Is one or two tiny bed bugs
enough to warrant concern? Yes, all bed bug
sightings, regardless of quantity. It is important to note, bed bugs
start from a small egg, developing into larvae and eventually an adult
People who detect bed bugs in their living spaces should count themselves lucky. Why is this the case? Well, when you consider the bed bug’s small size, it is questionable if it is really detectable by the human eye. Of course, people report bed bug sightings all the time in Chicago. But, most of these sightings are related to severe infestations.
Should I Be Concerned About A Few Live Bed Bugs?
Yes, one, two, or three tiny bed bugs are enough to warrant concern. It only takes one pregnant adult female bed bug to develop into a full-blown infestation. The adult female produces up to five eggs every few days and 500 in her lifetime.
Bed bugs generally travel as hitchhikers in luggage, on shoes, inside pockets, and other items. Unfortunately, the victim will not even realize the encounter until it is too late. Most bed bugs are not detected until they have developed into an infestation, which is a reason for concern.
If you detect a bed bug in your home, we recommend immediate action. This could be the first sign of a major problem. As previously mentioned, bed bugs are extremely difficult to detect. But, detection comes easier when a large volume of bed bugs are present.
Why Are Bed Bugs Almost Undetectable By The Naked Eye?
Small size and nocturnal behavior are the main culprits. It only makes sense that sightings are extremely rare when the host is asleep during feedings. If you wake up with a bug bite on your body, it may appeal to you that staying awake may be the only detection option. While this could work, it will not because bed bugs utilize CO2 to determine when their hosts are asleep. A sleeping human emits CO2 and heat, which are signals similar to smoke signals utilized by Native Indians to communicate.
If you are awake, your body will not generate CO2, meaning the bed bugs will never emerge from their hiding places.
How To Identify A Bed Bug?
Identifying bed bugs is generally not that difficult. Detection is the most difficult, identifying is as simple as knowing the insect’s physical characteristics. The body is round and flat when the stomach is empty. The size is similar to that of an apple seed. The coloration is dark reddish/brown, with the abdomen turning bright red after a blood meal.
The adult generally does not grow larger than seven millimeters in length. But, some witnesses describe the size as being at least 10 millimeters.
Common Signs Of Bed Bugs
Knowing the common signs that point to a bed bug problem includes the following:
- Dark Spots – Dark pinpoint-sized spots on bed linen and pajamas are the most commonly reported sign of a bed bug infestation. The dark stains are dried blood.
- Exoskeletons – Molted, delicate, translucent-like material is shedding skin from the growing bed bug
- Eggs – Translucent round particles that look like dry rice are freshly deposited bed bug eggs
- Black Ink Spots – Dark spots that look like ink stains are a fecal matter from the live bed bug
- Red Spots On Skin – Tiny red spots on the skin are signs of bed bug bites. The red dots may be accompanied by edema and itching
- Strange Odor – Colonies of bed bugs generate a sweet, must odor that is apparent in confined spaces
Looking For Bedbugs In Your Home
Before hiring an exterminator, it is a good idea to carefully check your home for bedbugs. Professional bedbug exterminators offer expensive services so you’ll want to be positive first. To begin searching for bedbugs, you’ll need to start by pushing your bed away from the wall. Doing so will give you plenty of space to move your mattress. Check the walls, bedclothes, mattress, and box spring for bloodstains and feces spots. If you find them, there is a good chance that your home has bedbugs.
You’ll need to remove all of the bedclothes, quilts, and pillowcases from your bed. You have to check these items thoroughly because they might contain bedbugs. Once you’ve searched through these items, you’ll want to flip the mattress over so you can check both sides. Go ahead and take a look at the box spring too. You’ll want to spend some time looking at the bed frame as well. Once you’ve finished with the bed, focus on the rest of the items in your room.
Look at your carpets and rugs to determine whether bedbugs are hiding there. When checking the baseboards and other items, use a flashlight and other items to check for eggs, egg casings, and exoskeletons.
When Should You Call A Professional?
Don’t delay calling a professional exterminator because a bedbug infestation will worsen rapidly. Once you’re concerned that your home has bedbugs, call an exterminator. Don’t wait because the problem will worsen with time. Make sure that you hire a qualified exterminator who can take care of the problem swiftly.
Is It Only One Bedbug
It could be just one bedbug, but the chance of that is low. You’re likely dealing with a bigger infestation. With this in mind, you should take the problem seriously and call an exterminator immediately.
What Should You Do If You Find Bedbugs?
Once you’ve discovered bedbugs in your home, contact a qualified exterminator. There are likely more bedbugs hiding in your home, so calling a pro is best.
How Many Bedbugs Make Up An Infestation?
There is a number on this? How many bedbugs does it take to create an infestation? Ultimately, there is no set number.
To learn more about our professional pest management strategies to combat bed bugs, we suggest contacting our Chicago extermination team. We work extended hours to bring Chicago consumers the best pest control service in the city. We believe a custom bed bug strategy will offer a higher level of effectiveness compared to DIY pest control products.
Be sure to inquire about our free bed bug inspection and consultation as well.