Bed Bug Control
There is documented evidence that bed bugs parasitized the people of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Bed bugs were brought to North America by the early colonists. Writers in the 18th century documented bed bug infestations in the English colonies in Canada and the United States. A bed bug infestation can significantly damage the reputation and the revenue of a company. Most vulnerable are businesses such as hotels, building management companies, air carriers, theatres, and cinemas. Bitten customers can refuse to pay for services provided, complain to the local health department or contact a lawyer for legal redress. The common bed bug Cimex lectularius is the species of bed bug found in most of North America. Adult bed bugs are 6-7 mm long, flat and reddish to brown in colour. Nymphs are morphologically similar to the adults. Each bed bug nymph goes through five stages before maturing into an adult. They are nocturnal insects feeding on the blood of mammals, predominantly humans.
Infested bed bug premises must be inspected and treated. Areas and objects that must be inspected include:
- Baseboards and carpet edges, especially around the bed
- Mattresses, box springs, and bed frames
- Couches, recliners, chairs and bedside furniture
Chemical bed bug control includes the use of a variety of insecticides in order to control an infestation. If a house, apartment, hotel suite, or office needs to be treated with insecticides, the people living or working there must leave the premises before the treatment begins. The only person allowed to be present on the premises is the pest control professional. Treated premises must be vacated for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours. Children under two years of age, pregnant women, people with health conditions, especially respiratory problems, must vacate treated areas for a minimum of 8 to 12 hours. Second insecticide treatment is required in 10 – 14 days in order to kill the newly hatched bay bed bugs and the ones that survived the first treatment.
Need help with ant extermination?
Call Nikol Pest Control at 604-364-3201 for a free estimate.