Bed Bug Facts & Identification
Protect Your Home or Business from Bed Bugs
Bed Bugs in East Tennessee
There are more than 90 species of bed bugs around the world, but only three types feed off of human blood: Cimex Lectularius, Cimex Hemipterus, and Leptocimex Boueti. The most common type in East Tennessee is the Cimex Lectularius, also known as the common bed bug.
The Common Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius)
Cimex lectularis bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed, with flat, oval bodies. They are nocturnal pests that feed on human blood, leaving behind itchy, red bite marks. In East Tennessee, bed bugs are commonly found in places with high human traffic, such as hotels, apartments, and dorms, but they can also infest homes and businesses. They hide in cracks and crevices, including in mattress seams, furniture, and baseboards, making them difficult to detect until the infestation is established.
The Tropical Bed Bug (Cimex hemipterus)
The Tropical Bed Bug (Cimex hemipterus) is similar in appearance to the common bed bug, but it tends to be slightly lighter in color, ranging from light brown to reddish-brown. These bed bugs are also oval, flat, and about the size of an apple seed. Found primarily in warmer climates, Cimex hemipterus is increasingly being reported in parts of East Tennessee, particularly in hotels, apartment complexes, and areas with high humidity. Like other bed bugs, they hide in cracks, crevices, and furniture, emerging at night to feed on blood. They can be difficult to eradicate without professional help.
The Bat Bug (Cimex Adjunctus)
The Bat Bug (Cimex adjunctus) is a close relative of the bed bug, with a similar appearance—flat, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown. However, bat bugs have longer hairs on their bodies and are slightly smaller than their bed bug cousins. These insects feed on the blood of bats, but in the absence of bats, they will feed on humans and other mammals. In East Tennessee, bat bugs are often found in areas where bats roost, such as attics, caves, and buildings with bat colonies. They tend to hide in cracks and crevices near bat roosting sites and may move indoors when the bats are disturbed or migrate to a new location.
What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?
Signs you have bed bugs
Signs of bed bugs in your home or business include small, reddish-brown insects that are about the size of an apple seed, often seen on bedding, furniture, or walls, especially at night. You may notice clusters of itchy, red bites, typically in a line or group, on your skin, especially around exposed areas during sleep. Another sign is dark spots or stains, which are bed bug excrement, found on sheets, mattresses, and furniture. If you see tiny, pearly-white eggs or shed skins around cracks, seams, or corners, this indicates an active infestation. A musty odor from bed bug secretions can also be a sign, though this is typically noticeable only with heavy infestations. Regularly checking these signs, especially in the sleeping areas, helps with early detection and effective treatment.
How Can I Prevent Bed Bugs In The Future?
Bed Bug Prevention
Preventing bed bugs involves a combination of vigilance, cleanliness, and proactive measures. Start by inspecting any secondhand furniture, mattresses, or clothing for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home. When traveling, inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs by checking the seams of mattresses, headboards, and furniture for dark spots or small insects. Keep luggage off the floor and use luggage racks, and when returning home, wash and dry clothes on high heat to kill any potential hitchhikers.
At home, regularly vacuum and inspect areas where bed bugs may hide, such as mattresses, furniture, baseboards, and cracks in walls. Encase your mattresses and pillows in bed bug-proof covers to prevent any infestations from taking root. Seal any cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and around windows to limit access points. Maintaining a clutter-free environment also reduces places where bed bugs can hide. If you suspect an infestation, act quickly to prevent it from spreading—early detection and treatment are key to effective control.
How Do I Get Rid Of Bed Bugs in my home or Business?
Bed Bug Treatment
Getting rid of bed bugs requires a comprehensive approach, starting with identifying and isolating the infested areas. Begin by thoroughly inspecting your mattresses, furniture, and cracks in walls and floors to locate the bugs and their eggs. Wash and dry all bedding, linens, and clothing on the hottest settings to kill bed bugs at all stages. Vacuum frequently to remove any visible bugs and eggs, and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag. Encase your mattress and pillows in bed bug-proof covers to trap any remaining bugs and prevent further infestations.
For a more extensive treatment, use insecticides specifically labeled for bed bugs, applying them to cracks, crevices, and seams where the bugs hide. Heat treatments, such as using steam or portable heaters, can also be effective, as bed bugs cannot survive temperatures over 120°F. If the infestation is severe, it’s recommended to call a professional pest control service, as they can employ stronger, more effective treatments like fumigation or targeted pesticide applications. Consistency and thoroughness are key to eliminating bed bugs and preventing a re-infestation.
Bed Bug Services
What kind of bed bug treatments do you offer?
Pest Ops believes that every property owner should have the opportunity to choose a preferred bed bug treatment. That’s why we provide heat, chemical, and preventative services that address infestations at any stage. Give us a call today to discuss these options in detail.
Do you provide a bed bug guarantee?
Heat treatments from Pest Ops come with a 30-day warranty to ensure lasting protection. If bed bugs return after completing our work, we will return to make things right. It’s just the Pest Ops guarantee!
How much does bed bug treatment cost?
Because bed bug treatments vary, it is impossible to provide a generalized quote for individual services. The team at Pest Ops will be happy to provide you with personalized estimates for unique treatments and approaches. Simply complete our online contact form to get connected with an experienced representative.