Bed Bug Frequently Asked Questions Bed Bugs

March 9, 2011 - PRLog -- 1.   How do I know I have bed bugs? – Hypersensitive people are always the first to find out and usually complain of unknown bites before most pest control companies can find or even see the problem.  The easiest way to find out if you have this problem is to hire a professional.  Bed Bug Dogs are becoming more common around the country and are the most accurate method.  Inspector Hound charges $150 to inspect most homes in the New Orleans Metro area.

2.   If I have bed bugs should I throw away my mattress and box spring? – There is much debate about this topic.  Inspector Hound believes that this should only be done when the mattress is near the end of its useful life, has tears or other hiding places, or when the infestation is severe.  Because box springs have many more hiding places than mattress, it often makes sense for them to be tossed first.

3.   How do I inspect a hotel for bed bugs? – Read up on bed bugs online to find out what to look for at www.inspectorhound.com/bedbugfaq.html.  Carry a small flashlight when traveling (many phones also have cameras with a light).  Check the headboard, box spring and mattress for feces, shell casings, eggs, etc...  If you find anything that concerns you, ask the hotel for a different room.

4.   How do I get rid of bed bugs? – Most importantly DO NOT TRY IT YOURSELF.  While this is the obvious route that most people try, it often results in severe infestations and months of trouble.  In fact, many professionals even struggle with this pest.  Find a company that specializes in bed bugs, ask how many bed bug jobs they have done, what process they use, if they guarantee there work, and if they have any customer references.  Expect them to tell you that they don’t have references because folks don’t want to talk about this problem.  If they can provide a reference or two, they probably know what they are doing.  Call the references, but be polite.  Finally, the more expensive and extensive the service the more likely you are going to get a guarantee and results.

5.   What is the likelihood that I find bed bugs in a hotel room? – Through field experience Inspector Hounds estimates that less than 5% of all hotel rooms have this problem per year.  However, areas like New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Denver are higher.  Though well traveled, New Orleans Hotels are on the lower end of these numbers and Inspector Hound aims to keep it that way.

6.   What do bed bugs bits look like, can I see them? – Bed Bugs are small, but can be seen.  Adult bed bugs look like ticks and grow to about 3/8”.  Nymphs (or baby bed bugs) are much smaller and are difficult to see with the naked eye.  Eggs are practically invisible.  Because most new infestations start with a single female adult and many eggs, hiring a bed bug dog is the best way (and often THE ONLY WAY) to find them.

7.   Where do bed bugs come from? –Although birds and bats can carry them, the most common way to get bed bugs is from being at a place where they are living.  

8.   Can I feel a bed bug bite? – This is very unlikely.  Bed Bugs inject an anesthetic so you won’t feel them bite you.

9.   What should I do the next time I go to a hotel room? – Know what to look for before you travel.  Inspect the room before unloading any luggage.

10.   Should I buy mattress covers and box spring? – There is much data that proves them to be effective.  Covers reduce hiding places (especially important for box springs), contain any bugs that are on your mattress, and offer folks a little added protection against this pest.  Anything that gets folks back to sleep is probably a good investment.

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