New Jersey Pest Control Tips: Bed Bugs

If you live in the New Jersey or metro New York areas, you know that 2010 has been the "Year of the Bed Bug." News reports are rampant with stories about infestations in hotels, homes and a wide range of other venues. Even high-class retail establishments in Manhattan have not been immune from invasion by these pesky and persistent insects! Here is a short overview about bedbugs, steps to prevent their entering your home and how to get rid of them if they're already there.

Where Do They Come From?

One of the main questions residents are asking is: why here and why now? Truth be told, bedbugs were practically wiped out during the 50's and 60's thanks to the widespread use of DDT as a pest control agent. Unfortunately, the health risks of this pesticide greatly outweighed its benefits and it was effectively banned from use in 1972. Since then, the lowly bedbug has been free to make a comeback virtually unchecked: and that's why infestation problems are starting to reach critical levels again.

What Do They Look Like?

Bedbugs are microscopic in oval-shaped, microscopic in size and nocturnal: that's why they are so hard to detect with the naked eye. Their bodies are reddish or brown in color, their heads are yellowish , they have six legs and look completely innocuous. Because of their small size, most laypeople therefore can only identify their presence based on the clues they leave behind in their wake. You want to look for:

*Tiny dark spots of excrement generally located in dark corners of your home or in crevices
*Teeny blood spots may be apparent on sheets, other bedding and clothing
*Family members will exhibit specific symptoms such as red marks in a line formation, red welts, blistering inflammation, swelling and an extreme itching sensation

Can They Be Prevented?

Although bedbug infestation is notoriously difficult to prevent, there are some steps you can take that will help.

*Vacuum your floors on a daily basis, and even use the brush attachment on your mattress once a week
*Wash all bedding in extremely hot water (120 degrees or higher) each and every week
*Do not purchased used mattresses and check all pre-owned furniture you buy for signs of bedbugs before bringing it into your home
*Watch for signs of bedbugs on a regular basis: catching a problem early makes it much easier to treat

Getting Rid of Bedbugs

The very best move you can make is to call in New Jersey exterminators or a New Jersey pest control service and let the professionals handle an infestation for you. Bedbug problems are not for amateurs!