Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood and can quickly infest an entire property if left unchecked.
In Austin, Texas, bed bugs are a common household pest that can cause serious problems for homeowners and businesses alike. Not only are bed bug infestations a nuisance, but they can also have negative impacts on mental and physical health. People suffering from bed bug bites may experience insomnia, stress, depression, and social isolation. In addition, bed bugs can be challenging to detect and control, making it essential for homeowners and businesses to be vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent infestations.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are a type of parasitic insect that are reddish-brown in color and approximately 3/16 of an inch long. They have a flat, oval shape, and once fed, they become plump and red. The primary source of nutrition for these insects is human blood; however, they can also consume the blood of various other creatures, including poultry, mice, rats, canaries, dogs, and cats, as needed.
Female bed bugs have a reproductive capacity of laying approximately 1 to 5 eggs on a daily basis and can produce a total of 200 to 500 eggs throughout their lifespan. The eggs hatch in approximately seven days and reach adulthood in about 21 days. Typically, bed bugs conceal themselves during daylight hours and emerge at night to seek sustenance from hosts, which can include humans, birds, and domestic animals.
Feeding only takes about 10 minutes and is usually unnoticed by the host. Afterward, the bite may become inflamed and itch, but many people never react. If no food source is available, adult bed bugs sometimes can wait for over 500 days.
Bed bugs can be found in various locations, leaving behind telltale signs such as blood stains, droppings, and eggs. Some common places to check for these signs include the mattress and box springs, the seams and tufts of mattresses, sheets, pillowcases, and upholstered furniture. Crevices and cracks in furniture and the baseboards of walls can also be potential hiding spots for bed bugs.
Bed bugs have not been shown to transmit disease, but they do cause a variety of negative physical health, mental health, and economic consequences. Bed bug bites can be very itchy and irritating. Most welts heal in a few days but in unusual cases, the welt may persist for several weeks. Usually, an anti-itching ointment will help, but if bed frame bites become infected, people should see their doctor. The anxiety about being bitten can lead to sleeplessness, which can affect one’s well-being. Properly responding to bed bugs helps to keep anxiety in check. Some people become so desperate that they use illegal or excessive amounts of pesticides that can lead to poisoning.
Bed bugs are hard to control without help from a licensed commercial pesticide applicator. These professionals are trained to detect and isolate bed bug infestations, which gives them a better chance for success. Professional bed bug treatment and treatments usually cost several hundred dollars a visit. Even though it’s costly, hiring an experienced professional may be the best way to get rid of bed bugs quickly and safely.
Bed bugs can enter your home or establishment by latching onto used furniture, bed sheets, luggage, and clothing, and by traveling along connecting pipes and wiring. To prevent bed bugs from entering your home, consider the following preventative measures:
Never bring bed frames, mattresses, box springs or upholstered furniture found on the street into your establishment.
Check all used or rented furniture for bed bugs.
When traveling, inspect the bed and furniture. Keep suitcases off the floor and bed, and inspect them before you leave.
If you suspect you have been around bed bugs, immediately wash and dry your clothing on hot settings or store it in a sealed plastic bag until you can.
Seal cracks and crevices with caulk, even if you don’t have bed bugs. This will help prevent bed bugs from coming in.
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
Bed bugs are a common problem that can infest your home, causing discomfort and inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several DIY solutions and preventative measures you can take to get rid of bed bugs and prevent future infestations. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Reduce hiding places: Bed bugs love to hide in clutter, so removing any unnecessary items can reduce their hiding places. Be sure to thoroughly check all items for bed bugs before storing them away and check again before returning them to your hotel room or establishment.
Clean and disinfect: Wipe off dead bugs, blood stains, eggs, and droppings with hot soapy water. Wash all items showing any signs of bed bugs or bug stains in hot water (140° F) and dry them on the highest setting for at least 20 minutes. Other clean items suspected of having bed bugs should be placed in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes to kill bed bugs. After drying, store items in sealed plastic bags until you are sure you have gotten rid of bed bugs. Vacuum carpets, floors, bed frames, furniture, cracks, and crevices daily, using the brush and crevice tools. Empty the vacuum or seal and dispose of its bag outside of your establishment after each use.
Enclose infested mattresses and box springs: Use a cover that is labeled “allergen rated”, “for dust mites” or “for bed bugs” for at least a full year. Periodically check for rips or openings in protective cover and tape or seal them as they occur.
Seal cracks and crevices: Repair cracks in plaster, repair or remove any loose wallpaper, and tighten light switch covers. Apply caulk to seal crevices and joints in baseboards and gaps on shelving or cabinets.
If your DIY efforts are not successful in eliminating bed bugs, it is recommended to contact a professional pest control service such as Heatwave. They provide a full range of pest control services to meet your needs, including residential and commercial pest control. Utilizing technology to its fullest potential to solve your pest control issues quickly and effectively. For more information about bed bug control services or to schedule a free consultation with Heatwave, visit their website or reach out to them directly. Taking action to eliminate bed bugs can bring peace of mind and ensure a comfortable living environment.
Professional bed bug control process
Heat Wave Pest Control has been treating bed bugs for more than 10 years. We are experts and have a comprehensive process for finding, eliminating, and preventing bed bug infestations. We specialize in providing thermal heat remediation treatments & other services to eradicate bed bug problems.
01
Bed bug control inspection
Our licensed pest control technicians perform a comprehensive inspection to to accurately detect bed bugs in a efficient and effective manner. During the inspection, we will:
Properly identify bed bugs.
Detect each area that can be potentially harnessing bed bugs
Address any questions or concerns you may have about the inspection or treatment process
Based on the findings, the technician will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific infestation and any factors that make your property vulnerable to a pest problem.
We will provide you with an estimate for the treatment plan, and schedule your service upon your approval.
02
Bed bug control treatment
At Heat Wave, we understand that every bed bug infestation is different, which is why we offer two types of bed bug solutions to fit your needs:
Chemical Treatment: For minor infestations, we offer a chemical treatment option that involves the application of environmentally safe products to kill bed bugs, and it has the advantage of the residual effect it has for bed bugs.
Heat Treatment: For more severe infestations, we recommend our signature heat treatment process, which uses high temperatures to kill bed bugs in all stages of development. This state of the art equipment is designed to heat areas up to 130 degrees F to penetrate walls, cracks, crevices, & any area where bed bugs can hide. Our heat treatment is a safe and effective way to get rid of bed bugs.
03
Follow-up
At Heat Wave, we understand that bed bug infestations can be persistent and difficult to completely eradicate. That's why we provide 2-week follow-up services after our initial treatment to ensure that the infestation has been fully eliminated.
We are committed to providing our clients with long-lasting results and peace of mind knowing that their property is protected against bed bug infestations.
04
Warranty
As part of our thermal treatment service, we offer a 60-day warranty, which means that we will re-treat with a chemical or thermal treatment if there are continued issues.
How can I prevent bed bugs?
To prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress and box spring at home, it is essential to reduce the places where they can hide. Some tips include:
Getting rid of clutter
Vacuuming often, including under and behind beds
Repairing or removing peeling wallpaper and tightening loose electrical faceplates
Sealing all cracks and crevices on wooden bed frames, between baseboards, and in walls, ceilings, windows, door frames, and furniture
Checking any entry points on walls that you share with neighbors, and openings that allow access to the inside of the wall (like areas where pipes, wires, and other utility services enter)
Be Careful About What You Bring Into Your Home
One of the most common ways bed bugs enter a home is through infested items. To prevent bed bugs from infesting your home, it is important to be careful about what you bring into your home. Some tips include:
Checking every item you bring into your home for the first time, including used books, new furniture, and garage sale or antique store furniture
Being very cautious with second-hand or refurbished items
Checking your new mattress before it enters your home
Never taking a mattress or sofa from a curb
Checking items before you put them in your vehicle and checking your vehicle after helping a friend move
Checking your home regularly for bed bugs
Contact a pest control company
If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home or business, it is important to take action and contact a pest control company. Heat Wave is a reliable pest control company in Austin, Texas that provides effective pest control and bed bug control services with the latest technology and amazing customer service. We use Thermal Remediation Bed Bug Heat Treatment by heating up your home or office to a temperature range of 120-135 Fahrenheit. This may sound extreme, but it’s actually the most efficient way to get rid of bud bugs while minimizing the use of pesticides. And let’s be real, nobody wants to douse their home in toxic chemicals, right?
So, if you’re dealing with bed bugs and you want a safe and effective solution that solves the problem for good, give us a call. Trust us, you’ll sleep a lot easier once those little critters are gone.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife provides information on bed bugs, including how to identify and control them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a helpful page on bed bugs, which includes information on how to prevent bed bug infestations and what to do if you find bed bugs in your home.
In conclusion, preventing bed bugs from infesting your home requires taking proactive steps such as reducing places where bed bugs can hide and being careful about what you bring into your home. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control company like Heat Wave for effective and safe solutions. By taking these steps and utilizing available resources, you can successfully prevent and deal with bed bugs in Austin, Texas.
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood and can quickly infest an entire property if left unchecked.
In Austin, Texas, bed bugs are a common household pest that can cause serious problems for homeowners and businesses alike. Not only are bed bug infestations a nuisance, but they can also have negative impacts on mental and physical health. People suffering from bed bug bites may experience insomnia, stress, depression, and social isolation. In addition, bed bugs can be challenging to detect and control, making it essential for homeowners and businesses to be vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent infestations.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are a type of parasitic insect that are reddish-brown in color and approximately 3/16 of an inch long. They have a flat, oval shape, and once fed, they become plump and red. The primary source of nutrition for these insects is human blood; however, they can also consume the blood of various other creatures, including poultry, mice, rats, canaries, dogs, and cats, as needed.
Female bed bugs have a reproductive capacity of laying approximately 1 to 5 eggs on a daily basis and can produce a total of 200 to 500 eggs throughout their lifespan. The eggs hatch in approximately seven days and reach adulthood in about 21 days. Typically, bed bugs conceal themselves during daylight hours and emerge at night to seek sustenance from hosts, which can include humans, birds, and domestic animals.
Feeding only takes about 10 minutes and is usually unnoticed by the host. Afterward, the bite may become inflamed and itch, but many people never react. If no food source is available, adult bed bugs sometimes can wait for over 500 days.
Frequently asked questions
Bed bugs can be found in various locations, leaving behind telltale signs such as blood stains, droppings, and eggs. Some common places to check for these signs include the mattress and box springs, the seams and tufts of mattresses, sheets, pillowcases, and upholstered furniture. Crevices and cracks in furniture and the baseboards of walls can also be potential hiding spots for bed bugs.
Bed bugs have not been shown to transmit disease, but they do cause a variety of negative physical health, mental health, and economic consequences. Bed bug bites can be very itchy and irritating. Most welts heal in a few days but in unusual cases, the welt may persist for several weeks. Usually, an anti-itching ointment will help, but if bed frame bites become infected, people should see their doctor. The anxiety about being bitten can lead to sleeplessness, which can affect one’s well-being. Properly responding to bed bugs helps to keep anxiety in check. Some people become so desperate that they use illegal or excessive amounts of pesticides that can lead to poisoning.
Bed bugs are hard to control without help from a licensed commercial pesticide applicator. These professionals are trained to detect and isolate bed bug infestations, which gives them a better chance for success. Professional bed bug treatment and treatments usually cost several hundred dollars a visit. Even though it’s costly, hiring an experienced professional may be the best way to get rid of bed bugs quickly and safely.
Bed bugs can enter your home or establishment by latching onto used furniture, bed sheets, luggage, and clothing, and by traveling along connecting pipes and wiring. To prevent bed bugs from entering your home, consider the following preventative measures:
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
Bed bugs are a common problem that can infest your home, causing discomfort and inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several DIY solutions and preventative measures you can take to get rid of bed bugs and prevent future infestations. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Reduce hiding places: Bed bugs love to hide in clutter, so removing any unnecessary items can reduce their hiding places. Be sure to thoroughly check all items for bed bugs before storing them away and check again before returning them to your hotel room or establishment.
Clean and disinfect: Wipe off dead bugs, blood stains, eggs, and droppings with hot soapy water. Wash all items showing any signs of bed bugs or bug stains in hot water (140° F) and dry them on the highest setting for at least 20 minutes. Other clean items suspected of having bed bugs should be placed in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes to kill bed bugs. After drying, store items in sealed plastic bags until you are sure you have gotten rid of bed bugs. Vacuum carpets, floors, bed frames, furniture, cracks, and crevices daily, using the brush and crevice tools. Empty the vacuum or seal and dispose of its bag outside of your establishment after each use.
Enclose infested mattresses and box springs: Use a cover that is labeled “allergen rated”, “for dust mites” or “for bed bugs” for at least a full year. Periodically check for rips or openings in protective cover and tape or seal them as they occur.
Seal cracks and crevices: Repair cracks in plaster, repair or remove any loose wallpaper, and tighten light switch covers. Apply caulk to seal crevices and joints in baseboards and gaps on shelving or cabinets.
If your DIY efforts are not successful in eliminating bed bugs, it is recommended to contact a professional pest control service such as Heatwave. They provide a full range of pest control services to meet your needs, including residential and commercial pest control. Utilizing technology to its fullest potential to solve your pest control issues quickly and effectively. For more information about bed bug control services or to schedule a free consultation with Heatwave, visit their website or reach out to them directly. Taking action to eliminate bed bugs can bring peace of mind and ensure a comfortable living environment.
Professional bed bug control process
Bed bug control inspection
Our licensed pest control technicians perform a comprehensive inspection to to accurately detect bed bugs in a efficient and effective manner. During the inspection, we will:
- Properly identify bed bugs.
- Detect each area that can be potentially harnessing bed bugs
- Address any questions or concerns you may have about the inspection or treatment process
Based on the findings, the technician will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific infestation and any factors that make your property vulnerable to a pest problem. We will provide you with an estimate for the treatment plan, and schedule your service upon your approval.Bed bug control treatment
At Heat Wave, we understand that every bed bug infestation is different, which is why we offer two types of bed bug solutions to fit your needs:
Follow-up
At Heat Wave, we understand that bed bug infestations can be persistent and difficult to completely eradicate. That's why we provide 2-week follow-up services after our initial treatment to ensure that the infestation has been fully eliminated.
We are committed to providing our clients with long-lasting results and peace of mind knowing that their property is protected against bed bug infestations.
Warranty
How can I prevent bed bugs?
To prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress and box spring at home, it is essential to reduce the places where they can hide. Some tips include:
Be Careful About What You Bring Into Your Home
One of the most common ways bed bugs enter a home is through infested items. To prevent bed bugs from infesting your home, it is important to be careful about what you bring into your home. Some tips include:
Contact a pest control company
If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home or business, it is important to take action and contact a pest control company. Heat Wave is a reliable pest control company in Austin, Texas that provides effective pest control and bed bug control services with the latest technology and amazing customer service. We use Thermal Remediation Bed Bug Heat Treatment by heating up your home or office to a temperature range of 120-135 Fahrenheit. This may sound extreme, but it’s actually the most efficient way to get rid of bud bugs while minimizing the use of pesticides. And let’s be real, nobody wants to douse their home in toxic chemicals, right?
So, if you’re dealing with bed bugs and you want a safe and effective solution that solves the problem for good, give us a call. Trust us, you’ll sleep a lot easier once those little critters are gone.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife provides information on bed bugs, including how to identify and control them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a helpful page on bed bugs, which includes information on how to prevent bed bug infestations and what to do if you find bed bugs in your home.
In conclusion, preventing bed bugs from infesting your home requires taking proactive steps such as reducing places where bed bugs can hide and being careful about what you bring into your home. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control company like Heat Wave for effective and safe solutions. By taking these steps and utilizing available resources, you can successfully prevent and deal with bed bugs in Austin, Texas.