Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs Enjoy Living in Warm Areas Such as Fabrics, Luggage, Furniture and in Cracks of Wood


Common Bed BugBed Bug Extermination Citrus Heights CA | Parish Termite & Pest Mgmt - Bedbug1

The common Bed Bug is without a doubt the most universally detested of the various domesticated insects that have become unwelcome guests in the dwellings of mankind.  At one time it was reported from all 50 states that infestations of hotels and homes were the most prominent complaint among owners.  Bed Bugs fell off the map for nearly 50 years. Now they have resurfaced in the last 10 years as one of the chief complaints once again.  From 2012 to 2013 a 54% increase in activity has been reported in the Sacramento, CA area.  Bed Bugs are slightly flattened and oval shaped.  Depending on what stage they are in, or when they had their last blood meal, they will appear reddish brown to burgundy in color. 

There are five nymph stages from egg to adult each of which requires at least one blood meal to progress to the next stage of development.  Adult Bed Bugs live from 5 to 7 months but have been reported surviving up to 1.5 years in favorable conditions.  Impregnated females will deposit 1 to 5 eggs per day and with repeated feedings may lay 200 or more eggs during a lifetime.  Bed Bugs are active at night with peak hours being from 12 midnight to 4 am.  Infestations usually start with the bugs very close in proximity to the sleeping host.  Their favorite hiding and breeding spots are bed frames, box springs, mattress seams and ruffles, caster wheels and clutter under beds that easily conceal their presence.  Once infestation becomes bad enough that the bedroom no longer accommodates their numbers they will move to baseboards, furniture, under carpet tacks and any other area of harborage. 

Bed Bugs feed on human hosts by piercing the skin and sucking out its blood meal.  Bites vary in appearance from person to person but are generally red bumps, slightly raised on the skin.  Usually found in a line along a vein in multiple numbers.  Most people find them more annoying than painful and despite ancient rumors, no known transfers of diseases and pathogens have been reported, unlike the mosquito.  Blood spots of brownish red or black will appear on sheets and mattresses of hosts.  This is the earliest sign used in the detection of the Bed Bug.  If not treated properly, an infestation will become extremely difficult and expensive to treat.


Have you spotted an unwanted critter in your home or business? If so, there's probably more where that came from! Contact Parish Termite & Pest Management today to schedule your free inspection and estimate.