What are Bed Bugs?
Bed Bugs are small, oval, flattened, wingless non-flying insects that belong to the Cimicidae
insect family. Adult bed bugs reach approximately 4-7 mm in length while nymphs, also known
as juveniles, are as small as 1.5 mm. Insects in this family live by feeding exclusively on the
blood of warm-blooded animals, but prefer to feed on human blood. Bed bugs, not strictly nocturnal, are primarily active at night. Adult females can lay 1-5 eggs per day. Eggs hatch between 7-10 days later. They can live for months without feeding and therefore, can survive in vacant homes for up to a year.

What are the symptoms of Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs leave itchy red welts that can become infected when scratched.

What do bed bugs look like?
Adult bed bugs are reddish/brown in color and will appear more reddish after feeding. Nymphs (juveniles) are clear in color and will appear bright red after feeding.

How are Bed Bugs Spread?
Bed bugs, thought of as a problem of the past, have made a strong comeback in the last few years. They are now found in single-family homes, multi-family homes, apartments, hotels, stores, school dorms and movie theaters.

One reason for such a strong reappearance is the rate of international travel. Bed bugs can get into your clothing and luggage allowing them to spread anywhere. They spread by crawling and can contaminate multiple rooms. A person wearing infested garments can also spread bed bugs unknowingly.

Where are bed bugs found?
Bed bugs can live in any area of the home, though most commonly found in areas where people sleep including mattresses, box springs and bed frames. Bed bugs or their eggs can also be found in sofas, chairs, edges of carpeting, electrical outlets, behind pictures, cracks in wallpaper or in any corner or crevice. As you might guess, simply disposing of an infested mattress or piece of furniture will NOT totally solve the problem.

Treatment for Bed Bugs:
Getting rid of bed bugs is NOT an easy process and will take several treatments to completely eliminate the problem. Home remedies are rarely effective in treating an entire bed bug infestation. Vanish Exterminating employs numerous treatments, both chemical and non-chemical with heat being the most effective method. Our hot, dry steam treatment at 220 degrees Fahrenheit when applied with a variety of low-odor sprays, dusts, and aerosols eliminate bed bugs and their eggs.

If you think you have bed bugs, call Vanish Exterminating NOW to schedule an inspection 215-676-3301.