How to Find a Bed Bug Eradication Service

If you think you've got a problem with bed bugs, there are some things you should know. The first thing you need to understand is what bed bugs are and what they do. Bed bugs are small, rust colored insects with long antennae that feed on the blood of people and animals. After World War II, bed bugs were very rare in the United States. This was in part to the pesticide DDT, which was highly effective yet banned because it was also highly dangerous. Less effective pesticides as well as increased international travel have contributed to today's bed bug infestations in North America.

Bed bugs often live in mattresses, because they're most active at night and feed on sleeping humans. A bed bug bite is painless while being administered, but can turn into itchy, burning, swollen bumps, welts or blisters. Fortunately bed bugs have not been found to carry infectious diseases like other insects often do.

Characteristics of bed bug infestation include dark spotting on mattresses and furniture. This dark spotting is dried waste left behind from these pests. Bed bugs breed rapidly and have staggering amounts of offspring at a time. Because of this, they easily and quickly spread from room to room and can become an out of control problem.

If you've got bed bugs, you may want to hire a professional to get rid of them. But how do you find a bed bug eradication service that's affordable and effective? Check your local Yellow Pages for exterminators in your area. Another good option is the Internet, where you can find lots of listings for pest control professionals near you.

How much this service will cost will depend on various factors, including the severity of the infestation as well as the company you choose. Some companies are simply more expensive than others. Shop around and inquire with several local exterminators to ensure you're getting the best value.

If you're concerned about dangerous pesticides, never fear. Many of today's exterminators can use safe, natural pesticides that give off no harmful fumes and are safe for use around children and pets. If this is a concern for you, you should discuss this with the exterminator before the job begins so he or she can educate you on your options.