Bed Bugs FAQ

Bed Bugs have been around and have fed on man since the beginning of time.

Bed bugs were a problem  in the US until the 1950's with the advent of DDT.

With the new pesticides designed to be "earth-friendly" and with treatments that target specific insects instead of the old "spray everywhere" method of control, bed bugs are back and I believe they are here to stay.

Consider bed bugs the roaches of the 21st Century.

Bed bugs are small. An adult bed bug  is about 3/16 of an inch. Bed bug nymphs or young are much smaller and almost colorless. Once Bed Bugs feed they turn a mahogany color-thanks to your blood.

Bed bugs can live up to 2 years. In that time period bed bugs can lay up to 1000 eggs. Bed bug eggs are deposited on rough surfaces and appear almost like white seed. (see picture below)
On average the female bed bug lays from 3-12 eggs per day which take  21-120 days to develop into adults depending on temperature. The colder it is the longer it takes for bed bugs to reach maturity.

Bed Bugs can live for up to 2 years without a blood meal.

Bed bugs have 5 nymphal stages before adulthood is reached each requiring a blood meal for its further development.

BED BUGS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE INFECTED WITH OVER 25 DISEASE ORGANISMS SUCH AS PLAGUE, RELAPSING FEVER, TULARERMIA and Q FEVER. Conclusive evidence is lacking as far as transmission of these diseases. (Whew)

Cold temperatures below 55 degrees stop bed bug development and  egg production. Temperatures over 140 degrees will kill bed bugs. Extreme heat  will control bed bugs but achieving these temperatures in domestic habitats are extremely difficult.

We find that bed bugs enter a structure primarily by being transported there in luggage, used furniture, and reconditioned mattresses and couches. We have found bed bugs arriving via laundry, from the apartment next door when a treatment is done incorrectly and in dry cleaning.

We have treated 5 Star Hotels, Million Dollar Residences, Hotels, Hostels, Apartment Buildings, Private Houses, etc. We have even treated a DINER.  Remember bed bugs are not associated with filth- bed bugs are associated with PEOPLE.