How To Identify Bed Bugs In Wisconsin

For more than 30 years, the National Pest Management Association has celebrated Bed Bug Awareness during the month of April. This year was no different, the NPMA spent April 20th-26th spreading awareness and preventive information about this dreaded pest. The recent resurgence of bed bugs in the United States began in 1990, and can be partially credited to a lack of public awareness of pest prevention methods.

Bed bugs are found in all 50 states and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from nearly freezing, to 122 degrees. They can also survive for almost a year without eating. The bed bug hatchling is so small it can pass through a stitch hole in a mattress. These facts make exterminating bed bugs very difficult for an individual, and will almost always call for the need of professionally trained pest control services. Proper bed bug treatment is essential and must be done by professionals who know how to get rid of bed bugs. While bed bugs are very elusive and hard to see, there are signs to look for to determine if you have an infestation. The bed bug will leave red, itchy bite marks on areas of your body that were exposed while sleeping. Look for small red or brown specks on the mattress, upholstery or walls. These spots may very well be fecal matter left by bed bugs. You may also see skins or shells from molting. Another sign to look for is the white, sticky eggs or empty eggshells of the bed bug.

Bed bugs will hide behind baseboards, picture frames, wallpaper, electrical switch plates and receptacles, mattresses and box springs and other furniture crevices. While it is difficult to find bed bugs in these areas, bed bug dogs are used with great success. Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control’s trained detection dogs are the best choice for Wisconsin residents. Using their keen sense of smell, these dogs can detect live bed bugs and bed bug eggs without having to remove furniture or tear apart a room.

Bed bug prevention is much easier than eradication of an existing infestation. Be aware of the risk of bed bugs whenever traveling, staying in motels or even going to the movie theater. If you stay in a hotel, pull back the sheets and inspect mattress seams and corners for bugs, eggs or fecal spots. Inspect and wash clothing immediately after returning from a trip. Thoroughly inspect and vacuum suitcases and backpacks and contact Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control upon the first suspicion of bed bugs in your home.