KEY POINTS:
• Know when you are most at risk to encounter bed bugs
• Encase mattresses and box springs
• Become familiar with what to look for (know the signs & symptoms of bed bugs)
• Travel intelligently
• Contact a professional to conduct an inspection if you suspect bed bugs
The more aware you are of bed bugs and what to look for the less likely you are to expose yourself to an infestation. It is important to remember that in order for a new infestation to become established, bed bugs must first be introduced into the previously un-infested environment. As a result, your risk of encountering and potentially introducing bed bugs increases when you travel, when children return from camps, boarding schools or college, when you have overnight guests, if you purchase used or second hand items, or have items such as furniture or bedding delivered etc.
Early detection is among the most important ways that you can protect yourself from having an introduction of bed bugs turn into a nightmare that is difficult and costly to eliminate. The use of mattress and box spring encasements is one of the most economical and useful tools that can aid in the early detection of bed bugs. It is very important that the encasements have been specifically designed for bed bugs and have been scientifically tested to demonstrate their effectiveness. The most effective encasement that we have examined is the Bug Lock® encasement. By encasing mattresses, any bed bugs that may be introduced, are restricted to the exterior of the encasements where they can be readily detected through a good visual inspection. In addition, mattress and box spring encasements can also prevent the infestation of the mattress and box spring should bed bugs be introduced.
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Mattress encasments can be used proactively to prevent the
mattress & box springfrom becoming infested if bed bugs are introduced as well as
aid in the early detection of bed bugsby restricting their activity to the exterior of the
encasment where they can be readily detected and dealt with.
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It is also very important to become familiar with the signs the bed bugs leave behind so that you know what to look for when conducting an inspection. In addition to being familiar with what the bugs look like you should also know how to recognize other key indicators that may be present. First it is important to realize that rarely will you see red blood stains unless a bed bug is smashed while it still has an undigested blood meal in its body (similar to squashing a mosquito while it is still full of blood). Instead of red blood spots being left behind, the bed bugs feed on their victim, digest the blood and leave behind fecal material that is dark, almost black in color and appears as small spots. Evidence of black spots or stains that are slightly raised and have a rough texture is characteristic evidence of bed bug activity. You also want to be familiar with the shed skins that bed bugs leave behind as they go from one immature stage to the next (similar to how a snake sheds its skin).
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Bed bug engorged with blood.
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Blood smears/spotting are rarely red stains like this. This only happens if an engorged bug is crushed.
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Evidence fo bed bug "spotting" is much more commonly seen as dark/black stains or smears from the digested blood that is exreted as a dark liquid.
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Shed skins (exoskeletons) of immature bugs as they develope from one stage to the next is another.
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It is wise to be on the look out for bite symptoms and to conduct inspections in the weeks and months following an event that may have exposed you to bed bugs. For example, for several months upon returning from an overnight trip it is a good idea to periodically inspect (at least once every few weeks) your bed and upholstered furniture. As mentioned above, bed bugs often go undetected for several months until their populations become larger and they eventually emerge in areas where they are more easily detected.
Travel and the purchase of used or second hand furniture and/or bedding are still among the most likely ways to introduce bed bugs. It is far easier to avoid purchasing used items than it is to eliminate travel. However there are many steps that can be taken during travel to minimize the likelihood of staying in a bed bug infested environment or bringing bed bugs home with you. (Also see section titled - Protect Yourself When Traveling )
If at any time you have reason to believe that you are experiencing a problem with bed bugs it is very important that you act swiftly and contact a pest management professional to conduct a thorough inspection and evaluate the situation. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to control especially if they are not caught during the early stages of the infestation.
