Bed Bugs

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are biting pests that feed on the blood of warm-blooded mammals, with people being their favorite host. With the use of the now-banned DDT, bed bugs were once almost eradicated from the United States. But, in the late 1990s, these bugs made a big comeback and are now in every state. They believe that bed bugs were able to make this comeback because of the ease and affordability of travel and their resistance to current pesticides. 

Adult bed bugs are about ¼ of an inch long, oval, and reddish-brown. Their body is flattened from top to bottom. They have a long, proboscis (beak) that they use to feed with; when not feeding, the proboscis lies underneath their body.

After feeding, their body swells in a balloon-like manner, and they turn a more purplish-red color.

Immature bed bugs (nymphs) closely resemble adults but are much smaller in size, and until they have their first blood meal, they are yellowish or translucent in color. After feeding, they are bright red. Sometimes it's hard to tell if there are bedbugs in your home.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs present many problems when living inside homes or businesses and near people. Knowing they are in your home and feeding on your blood is stressful and causes interrupted sleep.

Those allergic to bed bug saliva develop a raised, red itchy rash that can potentially become infected. 

Also, bed bug excrement and their feeding habits can stain walls, floors, fabrics, mattresses, and box springs with blood.

In the case of a large infestation, you may also notice a sweet, musty smell has developed in your home. 

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

Bed bugs are in your home because you or someone else have unknowingly brought them in after coming into contact with them (usually) in a public place.

Bed bugs do not fly or jump, so their primary way of moving from location to location is by hitchhiking. Many think that bed bugs are attracted to properties that are “dirty” or “cluttered,” however, this is not true. Bed bugs can become a problem in any home, spotless or not. But, bed bugs do indeed like to hide in clutter. Hiding in clutter may help bed bugs avoid detection. 

Where will I find bed bugs?

Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal pests, hiding unnoticed during the day and emerging at night to feed. They are most active right before dusk.

Common hiding spots include:

• the seams of mattresses and box springs
• upholstered furniture
• cracks in walls and wooden furniture
• behind hanging clocks and pictures
• in wall voids
• behind electric outlets

Hotels, hospitals, schools, dormitories, airports, libraries, movie theaters, shopping centers, and other places where people congregate are places where you may come into contact with  bed bugs.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

To completely get rid of bed bugs in Roanoke and surrounding areas including Smith Mountain Lake and Salem, contact SCPC. Our local pest control company offers effective bed bug treatments that eliminate all stages of development.

Our dedicated team of pest control experts take pride in providing the pest control services needed to help home and business owners maintain pest-free properties. Star City Pest Control & Wildlife Services provides bed bug control in Roanoke and throughout Roanoke County. area properties from bed bugs and other pests. Call today to learn more!

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

To keep bed bugs out of your home or business, Star City Pest Control & Wildlife Services recommends the following bed bug prevention tips: 

• Purchase used mattresses, box springs, and furniture with caution.
• Keep your home free of clutter; bed bugs use clutter to hide. 
• When spending time in public places, always keep your personal belongings away from other people’s belongings and up off of the ground.
• When traveling, always inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bugs before bringing luggage inside.
• After traveling, wash all clothes on the highest heat settings the fabrics can handle.
• Remove any clutter from your home and keep storage areas organized.
• Regularly vacuum your home’s floors.
• Change and wash bedding weekly and inspect mattresses and box springs for signs of  bed bugs during the process.