Bed Bug Identification & Prevention

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are parasitic pests that feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded mammals. Although the preferred hosts for bed bugs are humans, they will feed on pets or other animals if necessary. Adult bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped, and wingless. Bed bugs use elongated, piercing mouthparts (proboscis) to feed. Before feeding, they are reddish-brown in color; after feeding, their bodies swell, and they turn a deep purple.

Bed bugs prefer to live near people and have the potential to hitchhike their way into any Honolulu home or business on people or their belongings. Bed bugs live in every state and, through the ease and affordability of travel, move with people across the country and the globe.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are capable of acquiring and spreading human pathogens during the feeding process. As of now, the spread of disease is not a huge threat in regards to bed bugs; the bigger concern is many people are allergic to a protein found in bed bug saliva. Once bitten, those who are allergic develop itchy, red welts that may lead to secondary infections.

Another issue associated with bed bugs is the loss of sleep. It is hard to get a good night’s sleep if you know that bed bugs are using you and your family as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

People unknowingly introduce bed bugs in their home after coming into contact with them while traveling, working, going to school, running daily errands, or visiting family. Once inside your home, bed bugs initially hideout in sleeping areas; as the infestation grows, they will move throughout your home – infesting multiple areas.

In addition to hitchhiking on people or our belongings, bed bugs move from place to place through walls and floors or inside used furniture, mattresses, electronics, and upholstered furniture.

Where will I find bed bugs?

People have the potential to come into contact with bed bugs while traveling, at work, at school, or running daily errands. Cruise ships, airports, buses, libraries, schools, hotels, hospitals, and shopping centers are examples of places where people come into contact with bed bugs.

When bed bugs are introduced into your home, they usually first hide in sleeping areas in the seams of mattresses, box springs, and cracks in walls, floors, and wooden furniture. As the infestation grows, bed bugs will move throughout your home infesting multiple rooms.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

If you have discovered bed bugs in your home, the best way to get rid of them and prevent them from returning, is to reach out to Able Pest Management, LLC. Our team will come to your aid and develop a pest control program that is customized to meet the unique needs of your home and family.

Our highly trained and experienced professionals are passionate about eliminating pests through our proven treatment methods. If you are looking for exceptional pest control for your Honolulu home or business, reach out to Able Pest Management today!

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

Keep bed bugs out of your Honolulu home and away from your family with the help of Able Pest Management and the following bed bug prevention tips:

• Reduce hiding spots by placing bed bug proof covers over mattresses and box springs.

• Keep your home free of clutter.

• Avoid purchasing used mattresses, box springs, and furniture.

• When spending time in work, school, or public places, always keep your personal belongings off the ground and away from other people's belongings.

• Regularly vacuum your home and wash bedding on a high heat cycle.

• Inspect your pillows and bedding for drops of blood or dark streaks of excrement on a regular basis.

• Newly purchased clothing should immediately be washed and dried on the highest heat setting the fabrics can handle.