Protecting your mattresses from bed bugs

Over the past decade, bed bugs have become an epidemic across the United States. This pests are a true menace. They are capable of causing several health problems, such as various allergic reactions, psychological effects and skin rashes. Their bites will often turn into blisters. In the early 1940s, they were thought to have been eradicated from the developed. However, they have made a comeback and now appear to be stronger and more prevalent than ever before. Let’s learn a little more about these insects and how people can go about protecting themselves from this dreaded pest.

Feeding habits of bed bugs

Bed bugs feed on blood. They are attracted to the organisms they feed on by various chemicals, warmth and carbon dioxide. They prefer to feed on the arms, neck and face of a person who is sleeping. An adult is capable of living for more than one year without feeding in cool conditions. They will feed every five to ten days in warm conditions. However, they can survive for as long as five months without food in warm conditions. Young bed bugs are more vulnerable and can only survive for a few weeks without feeding.

Life cycle of bed bugs

There are five immature nymph life stages and a sexually mature adult stage that these bugs go through. They will shed skins upon the completion of each stage. In order for them to become fertile adults, they must molt six times. Each stage will last for roughly one week. Their entire life cycle can range anywhere from two to nine months, depending on the temperature and the amount of food available.

How to protect yourself

People pay a lot of money for their mattresses and box springs. Therefore, they should do everything they can to protect them from becoming infested. One of the best ways to do this is by using box spring and mattress encasements. Intrusion Pest Control can provide you with encasements for your mattress or box spring that are the exact size you need. The average consumer should avoid purchasing their mattress encasements from large retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target or Bed, Bath & Beyond due to lack of efficiency and warranty of the product.

Always hire a professional exterminator

These bugs are a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. If your home in Henderson or Las Vegas has become infested, you should immediately contact a professional pest control company such as Intrusion Pest Control. Killing the bugs is only part of the process. A professional exterminator can make sure that the bugs will not come back a few weeks or months later. These bugs are resilient and not easy to get rid of. That is why all of your Henderson or Las Vegas infestations need to be dealt with by a pest control company that is experienced, licensed and insured. Intrusion Pest Control is just such a company. They know all of the latest techniques in getting rid of these rascals so that they will never snack on you or your loved ones in the middle of the night ever again. Call today 702-280-4549 or contact us