Author: Nicholas Martin

“What can I put on my body to prevent bed bug bites?” ― people ask when they find red spots on their bodies. Bed bugs are common household problems. The difficulty is that they do not appear during the day but attack at night when you sleep.

It is difficult to confuse the consequences of a bedbug attack with anything else. The insect makes several bites, leaving trails of red dots on your body. Bite sites can itch, cause a lot of discomfort and lead to serious illness. So, you shouldn’t hesitate to deal with the issue of extermination.

Skin remedies for bed bug bites

How do bed bugs bites feel? The first thing that will bother you is the itching. The bite site will also become red and inflamed. Unlike mosquito bites, bug bites can be smaller and more clustered on the body.

If insects bother you in bed or have caught you unawares in a hotel, some bed bugs deterrents will repel them.

• Essential oils. Essential oils have properties that help in insect control. There is no guarantee that the pest will die, but at least it will be frightened by the smell and will not be able to bite you. You can use tea trees, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils as natural repellents. Don’t apply them to the body in their pure form, but rather add a few drops of water and spray on your skin.
• Coconut oil. Girls often use this product for various beauty procedures. If coconut oil happens to be in your cosmetic bag, it can fit as a repellent against bedbugs. But if you will use it for the first time, please note that coconut oil has a thick consistency, and it should be used with caution by people with problematic skin.
• Medical alcohol. In direct contact with rubbing alcohol, insects die. But you can apply it to your skin to keep bed bugs away.
• Vinegar. Bed bugs hate its pungent smell, so if you apply vinegar to your body, the insects will likely leave you. Mix the vinegar with water and apply it to the skin with a cotton pad or sprayer.
• Bed bug spray repellent. You can buy these sprays at a store or drugstore. They contain chemical or natural insecticides. Repellent can also be in the form of an ointment.

These products will help you protect your body from bites wherever you encounter them. You can also take them with you, for example, when you travel to avoid becoming a victim of hotel bed bugs.

How to protect yourself from bed bugs while sleeping

Following a few simple safety rules will protect you from bed bug bites. Never sleep directly on a mattress, but make sure you use a mattress cover. The fact is that bed bugs can bite the skin but not the fabric. If you don’t have a mattress cover, use an extra sheet. Sleep in pajamas that completely cover your body. That creates an additional barrier to the insects.

If you find a bed bug in your bed, wash all bedding at the highest possible temperature and dry it thoroughly. Also, vacuum the mattress regularly, paying exceptional attention to cracks. Since insects cannot tolerate high temperatures, you can use a steam cleaner to clean the bed.

Repellents natural vs. chemical

The choice of a deterrent for bed bugs is a matter of personal preference. After all, some people strive to use only natural products and very rarely use chemicals. You also need to understand the extent of the problem of bed bugs in the house.

Essential oils of peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus repel insects. But this product does not fit people with allergies and can be toxic to pets. Besides, if bed bugs are out of control, natural repellents may have a different effect. In this case, you can buy a product that contains insecticides and is safe for humans.

Safety of repellents for the skin

A wide range of repellents is available so you can choose the safest one. Manufacturers produce goods suitable for different categories of people: children, pregnant women, allergic people, and so on. But like many products, repellents should not be applied to damaged skin, such as open wounds.

What can bed bugs do to you?

The first problem that bothers people affected by bedbugs is the presence of red spots on the body and the face. In addition, bite marks are itchy and can ruin the quality of life. For example, itching can interfere with normal sleep. That causes a person to become irritable.

But bed bugs can cause more severe damage to human health. People prone to allergies may feel a swollen throat and shortness of breath. Coughing, runny nose, and swelling of the face can also be an allergic reaction to an insect bite. A bedbug bite leaves a wound on the skin where dirt can enter and cause blood poisoning.

If bed bugs bite you, you should first wash the bites well with soap and water. This way, you can prevent the spread of germs. As for bed bug bite treatment on the skin, you can go to the pharmacy for an ointment to speed up the healing. If severe itching bothers you, anoint the bite site with a menthol product.

FAQ About Bed Bug Precaution

I hope you found this article helpful and now know what to do if you find bed bugs in your bed. I also want to summarize all the information in answers to common questions.

Is there a lotion that repels bed bugs?

Since insects can’t stand the smell of essential oils, lotion containing tea tree oil, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can serve as a natural repellent. Bed bugs won’t die from the smell, but they won’t want to bite you.

What do bed bugs hate the most?

Pests most dislike the pungent smells of the essential oils of lavender, tea tree, etc. That is why they are included in natural repellents. Also, pests do not like alcohol and die from direct contact with it.

How do you keep bedbugs from biting you?

You should use bed bug repellents to protect yourself from bed bug bites. A mattress cover or extra sheets will also make it difficult for bed bugs to move around. To prevent pests from multiplying, you should vacuum your bed regularly.

You Can Get Rid of Bed Bugs

I don’t hide that fighting bed bugs is a long and unpleasant process. Sometimes you may need the help of professionals. While disinfecting, treating, and cleaning your mattress, you need to protect yourself from more bites. Repellents or home remedies present in every home can help you with this.

Have you ever had a bedbug bite? Share your experiences.

Also read:

References:

• Bed bug bites: What you need to know: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318083
• Bed bug control techniques: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug_control_techniques#Essential_oils
• Bed Bugs: A Public Health Issue: https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/bed-bugs-public-health-issue

Bed bugs are a big problem for people. You may not suspect that you have insects during the day. In the morning, you wake up with bite marks and itching all over your body. Pests are hard to find because of their small size and ability to hide in hard-to-reach places.

Wishing to solve the problem, people take ill-considered actions that do more harm than good. In this article, I will discuss the benefits and disadvantages of one of the most popular methods and answer the question: “Does alcohol kill bed bugs?”

Is alcohol effective against bed bugs?

To the question, “Does alcohol kill bed bugs’ eggs and insects themselves?” I would answer yes. But when people ask me, “Is alcohol effective in controlling insects?” I confidently answer no. Alcohol can kill the insect on direct contact. It eats away the bed bug’s outer shell, gets inside, and dries it out.

But despite its properties, this product will only help get rid of some insects at a time because you will not be able to provide direct contact. Bed bugs hide in hard-to-reach places, so you can’t detect all the insects. Also, one female can lay several hundred eggs, so if you kill a hundred or two hundred insects in one treatment, you are still in the same place.

Does 91 alcohol kill bed bugs?

Pursuing the desire to get rid of insects as quickly as possible, people may buy the product with the highest concentration of alcohol. A solution with a concentration of 70% to 91% isopropyl works better on bed bugs. But as practice shows, even the most concentrated alcohol can’t destroy all insects on direct contact.

The difference between alcohol and rubbing alcohol

Both types of alcohol have strong antiseptic properties, so they are used in medicine. The main difference between medical alcohol and simple alcohol is the concentration. Alcohol contains no additives, so its concentration is 100%. Medical alcohol is a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water, so the concentration may vary.

Rubbing alcohol is an ordinary medicine in the home medicine cabinet. It is used as an antiseptic, wound treatment, etc. Isopropyl alcohol is more dangerous for home use because of its chemical composition. However, it is used for technical purposes and is also added to fragrances, paints, cosmetics, and household chemicals.

Precautions for the use of alcohol

Using alcohol to exterminate bed bugs can be dangerous for people and animals. The liquid evaporates quickly, and its fumes are toxic in large quantities. If you spray alcohol and it gets in your eyes, it can cause blindness. In addition, alcohol is a flammable agent, so a fire can occur.

Concentrated alcohol can also damage your furniture and leave stains on your walls. Paint changes color from contact with isopropyl alcohol.

Simply put, the alcohol does not stay on the surface of the mattress for very long but evaporates almost immediately. Thus, it does far more harm to your health than good in the fight against bed bugs.

Other methods of bedbug control

There are alternative methods that can help exterminate insects in a faster and safer way.

• Vacuuming. It is necessary to vacuum not just the bed’s surface but all the crevices where insects can potentially hide.
• Washing things at high temperatures. Bed bugs die at 110-120 °F. Wash bedding as well as blankets and pillows if possible. Some quilts and pillows cannot be washed in the washing machine but should be dry-cleaned.
• Use a steam cleaner. It’s great if you have a steam cleaner in your house. You can use it before/after you vacuum for a lasting effect.
• Professional products. You can buy insecticides. They have a better effect than using alcohol. But chemicals should be used with great caution because they can be toxic.
• Turn to professionals. That will undoubtedly save you time, as professionals can rid your home of insects even in one visit.

Make a good habit of using pillows and mattress covers. Even a simple mattress cover that attaches to the bed legs will suffice. These things have a dense fabric that will be a barrier to insects.

FAQ About Alcohol and Bedbugs

This section is for you if you don’t like to read much and need a quick answer.

What instantly kills bed bugs?

Insects instantly die in contact with insecticides contained in special sprays. The insects die at high temperatures, 110 °F or higher. That is why high-temperature washing or shampooing is considered an effective method of controlling insects.

Does alcohol kill bed bugs instantly?

Yes, it does. Alcohol kills the insect because it destroys the carapace and insides of the bedbug in contact with its body. But you can achieve this effect only with direct contact and a high concentration of alcohol.

Does 91% of rubbing alcohol kill bed bugs?

Yes, isopropyl alcohol 70 to 91% is more effective on insects than alcohol with a lower concentration. But you must use it with great caution because concentrated alcohol can ruin your belongings and harm your health and your pets.

Proceed With Caution

I understand the inconvenience of having bed bugs in your home. In desperation, you may be ready to use aggressive means to get rid of pests faster.

I hope my article helped debunk the myths about this popular remedy, and now you know how to act so as not to harm yourself in the first place. Try to resort to more humane and effective means, such as steam cleaning and washing items. Or, you can always entrust this challenging matter to professionals.

Have you ever used rubbing alcohol to get rid of insects? What do you think of it?

Also read:

References:

• How to Find Bed Bugs: https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs
• Isopropyl alcohol: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcohol
• Rubbing alcohol: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubbing_alcohol

You may wake up in the morning and be horrified to find that bed bugs have bitten you. Naturally, you wonder where they could have come from in your house because this problem has never happened before.

Then you start to get rid of them by yourself using the strongest remedy, but the insects not only do not disappear but also multiply with great speed. Understanding how pests reproduce will help you take control of the situation and get rid of the insects. Are bedbugs asexual, and how do insects breed? Find out from this article!

Bed bugs have flat, vast bodies measuring 3 to 5 mm. When the insect eats, the body is round and has a red hue. To a person seeing insects for the first time, they appear to be the same. Indeed, the difference may not be clear to many people, but it is there. The male’s body is more elongated and smaller than the female’s.

Bed bug breeding is not seasonal; it occurs year-round. The only essential condition for insects to reproduce is to eat enough food. That is why insects come to you almost every night to feed on your blood. That is how they get their strength to sustain life and hatch offspring.

How Do Bed Bugs Reproduce: Fast Life Cycle

Understanding the life cycle of the bed bug will help you take control of insect reproduction in your home. There are several stages to an insect’s emergence:

1. The male inseminates the female by piercing her abdomen.
2. After fertilization, the female bedbug tries to find a secluded, dark, and warm place to lay her eggs for the next 6–8 weeks.
3. After one to two weeks, a nymph emerges from the egg.
4. The nymph passes through five stages of maturation into an adult. Under favorable conditions, this process takes up to 5 weeks.
5. The adult is ready to mate, and the cycle repeats.

Now I want to elaborate on some processes.

How do bed bugs have sex?

I have already mentioned that the body of the male bed bug is more pointed because it has a sex organ at the very tip of its tail. The male pierces the female’s lower abdomen with it to fertilize her. This process is called traumatic insemination in bed bugs.

How fast do bed bugs reproduce?

Immediately after mating, the female attempts solitude to lay her eggs. She finds a dark, warm place for herself, where she will be sure that the eggs will be safe. This place can be on the bed, in a crevice on the floor, in the baseboard, and so on. She may lay three to five eggs daily.

Each egg takes one to two weeks to mature before the nymph emerges. The nymph then goes through five stages of maturation. As the insect passes to the next stage, it sheds the old shell. Roughly 5–6 weeks later, the nymph transforms into an adult.

Can bed bugs lay eggs without mating?

There is a myth that a female can produce offspring without the male’s homesteading. But let me clarify this information. Before the female can lay eggs, the male must fertilize her. But during the following weeks, while the female insect is laying eggs, she may be alone. That means that if a pregnant insect enters your home, the spread of pests is unfortunately inevitable.

FAQ on How Do Bed Bugs Mate?

In this section, I have given brief answers to questions about insects, which I get most often.

Can male bed bugs lay eggs?

No, male insects do not lay eggs because they do not have the necessary organs to do so. The male has a sex organ called the aedeagus. It pierces the female’s abdomen to fertilize her.

How many bed bugs does it take to reproduce?

For a female to fertilize, she needs a male. However, the female lays eggs without the male being present. Therefore, an infestation of bed bugs in your home can occur after one individual has appeared.

Can a single bed bug reproduce?

Yes, as I’ve said before, it takes one pregnant female in the house for the insects to start reproducing. Since adult bed bugs can mate with their offspring, this process only gains momentum.

Final Tips

Understanding the fundamental processes of bed bugs will make it easier for you to fight them. Knowing these nuances will prevent you from acting like a blind kitten. Knowing how bed bugs mate and where they lay their eggs will help you proceed so that no insects are left in your home.

Well, if you haven’t already encountered such a problem, at least you know how insects get into your home. Because being informed means being armed.

Have you ever had to deal with bed bugs? Tell us about what it was like.

Also read:

References:

• BED BUGS: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/bed-bugs-treatment
• What Do Baby Bed Bugs Look Like: https://www.orkincanada.ca/blog/baby-bed-bugs-nymphs/
• WHAT DO BED BUGS LOOK LIKE: https://www.wittpm.com/what-do-bed-bugs-look-like

There are many ways to get rid of pesky bed bugs. All of them have their pros and cons. By the way, these pests can quickly develop resistance to those agents that, until recently, killed them instantly, for example, pyrethroids. Therefore, people are looking for other effective options.

One such product is bed bug silica gel. While it has been used by professionals and homeowners for over 60 years, many people don’t know about it. In this article, I will tell you why this powder is so good, its disadvantages, and how it kills annoying parasites.

• Silica gel is a mammal-safe, relatively inexpensive, and effective treatment.
• It quickly kills bed bugs and has a residual effect that works as a preventative.
• Usually made of sand and kills insects by dehydrating their bodies.
• The most effective form of this material is dry powder.

What Is Silica Gel?

The word ‘gel’ can be misleading, as it is actually a very fine, light, non-crystalline white powder. It is made from silicon dioxide but, unlike diatomaceous earth, is of synthetic origin. The most common material for making a powder is sand. If you apply this dust in its pure form, its particles will hang in the air, as they are very light.

This greatly complicates the treatment of all areas infested with bed bugs. Therefore, many formulations have additives that solve this problem (for example, petroleum distillate). For ease of application, you can also purchase a liquid spray or dilute the powder with water to make a suspension.

The material has many uses. Since this product is an effective desiccant, it is used in various forms (balls, granules, powder) to get rid of insects and put in boxes with new shoes, clothes, or electronics. It is also widely used in manufacturing cosmetics, medicines, and even foods.

Does Silica Gel Kill Bed Bugs?

Silica gel bed bug killer is an effective remedy to control these wingless insects. Scientific studies have shown that it reduces bed bug populations faster than using diatomaceous earth. This powder kills even generations that have developed resistance to pesticides. It is also worth noting that silica gel does not kill pest eggs, so you should combine this method of getting rid of bed bugs with others.

You can select the more convenient format for you to work with. However, dust in its pure form is much more effective. According to University of Kentucky researchers, if a suspension or spray is used, the bed bug population is reduced by an average of 35% after 1–2 weeks. Dry powder results in more bug mortality ― you can get rid of about 82% of bed bugs in a week.

How Does Silica Gel Help Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

While both diatomaceous earth and silica gel will eventually kill pests from dehydration, these products work differently. Diatomaceous earth, when in contact with the exoskeleton of a bed bug, abrades it, depriving the wax layer.

Without this protective layer on the body’s surface, the insect slowly dies from moisture loss. In contrast, silica gel is a powerful desiccant and immediately absorbs moisture from the bug’s body when it comes into contact with dust. It also actively absorbs protective wax from the body of the pest.

How to use silica gel for bed bugs

I have a lot of experience getting rid of pests and recommend using dry powder if you want to kill bed bugs quickly. If you still prefer using it with water, the application rules are the same as for dust.

1. Use a soft brush to apply the powder. It often comes with a product. You can use a duster to apply the product in hard-to-reach places, as well as in cracks and crevices.
2. Silica gel is safe for pets and humans, but there is a risk of dust inhalation, which is not very useful. Therefore, before treating your home, put a mask on your face. Dust can also irritate the skin a little as it is a desiccant. Don’t forget to wear gloves.
3. It is not necessary to use a lot of powder. Even a thin layer can kill an insect on contact. Apply desiccant for bed bugs evenly.
4. Part of the bed bug population may simply move to another room if you treat one bedroom. Therefore, you should think about where to apply the powder throughout the house to intercept the movement of insects.
5. The most suitable places that you need to treat are:

• Flooring transitions and skirting boards;
• Window and door frames;
• Around the perimeter of your bed, at its headboard, under the bed;
• On the floor under other furniture;
• At the joints of furniture;
• Internal drawers of cabinets and bedside tables;
• Carpets;
• The back surface of paintings and photos in frames;
• Electrical sockets.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Silica Gel Bed Bug Powder

Using any method to get rid of bed bugs has pros and cons. That is why professionals recommend considering which options are more suitable for you and combining several of them.

Advantages

• Effectively and quickly kills pests;
• It is non-toxic to mammals;
• The powder can be applied into narrow crevices and cracks where bed bugs hide;
• After treating your home, silica gel (depending on the humidity in the room) works as a preventative for a long time. The residual effect can last up to 12 months;
• Compared to many other methods, this one is inexpensive;
• These insects cannot develop resistance to the exposure of their bodies to silica.

Disadvantages

• The use of powder results in more bed bug mortality than the application of a suspension;
• Does not kill eggs;
• For the powder to kill an insect, it must come into contact with it;
• Dust in the air can irritate your eyes. There is also a small risk of inhalation, so remember to wear a mask, goggles, and gloves before use.

FAQ on Silica Gel Bed Bugs Control

For those who first hear about this method of getting rid of bed bugs, there are many questions about the appropriateness of its use and effectiveness.

Does silica gel get rid of bed bugs?

Yes, this is an effective way to get rid of these pests. In addition, this product is safe for people and their pets. The use of silica gel guarantees high population mortality for several days after dusting. However, it does not kill eggs.

How do you use silica gel for bed bugs?

You can use a suspension or dry powder. The powder gives the best results. Simply apply the material in a thin layer throughout your home. Treat the floor under furniture, baseboards, sockets, drawers, and cabinets, cracks, and small gaps.

Is silica gel the same as diatomaceous earth?

These two products are made up of silicon dioxide. But diatomaceous earth is extracted from the fossilized remains of algae, and silica gel is synthesized from the sand. Diatomaceous earth traumatizes the bug’s exoskeleton when the silica gel works as an absorbent.

Simple Solution to a Complex Problem

Those who have ever dealt with bed bugs know that getting rid of them can be a costly and difficult process. Silica gel is a simple and easy method to kill these insects.

However, not everyone knows about it. In any case, you should consider not only the obvious advantages of this method but also its disadvantages. To successfully get rid of the population of bed bugs in the house, I recommend a combination of several remedies.

Do you use multiple methods when getting rid of pests in your home, or do you test them one at a time?

Also read:

References

• Bed bug resistance to insecticides is widespread: https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/bed-bug-resistance-insecticides-widespread-0
• Diatomaceous Earth: http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html
• Bed Bugs: Biology and Public Health Risk: https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/bedbug.html
• The toxicological mode of action and the safety of synthetic amorphous silica-a nanostructured material: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22349641/

Fleas are those insects that will be very annoying and interfere in the house. A flea can give birth to about 40–50 eggs a day in one day. Some fleas can lay up to 500 eggs in a month! It’s just huge. Therefore, it is essential to know how to get rid of fleas. In this text, I will talk about how does ammonia kill fleas. This information will be helpful to everyone. At the end of the article, I will answer questions that might arise.

Ammonia contains carbon with nitrogen components, which allows you to kill insects quickly. You can also use ammonia to remove fleas from animals. But you must be very careful because some animals may be sick from the smell. Ammonia is also considered an excellent home remedy for fleas in the yard.

You need to use the correct dosage and be careful. The solution is simple to make. Take 3-5 drops of ammonia and dissolve them in a small bottle of water. Rubbing alcohol kill fleas if it has a high concentration of alcohol. The method is not as effective as ammonia, but you can also try it out.

How to Use Ammonia to Get Rid of Fleas

You must use ammonia carefully because you can get sick from the high concentration of this substance. It is best to wear respirators and take all family members outside, including pets. Here are some steps you can use.

• Pour ammonia into a spray bottle after filling it with water;
• Wear a respirator;
• Remove all people and animals from the premises;
• Spray blog sites;
• Do not enter the premises for 2–3 hours;
• Ventilate the room;
• Vacuum the splashed area (it is best to use a vacuum cleaner that cleans with water).

If this method does not help, you could use special tools. Actions when spraying with alcohol are the same as with ammonia. They will alcohol kill ticks. This method is not as effective, but worth a try.

If none of these methods fit, then you should try special tools. In their composition, they have substances that will kill fleas. If fleas still appear, then it is worth calling specialists. They will help to get rid of fleas forever.

How to Prevent Fleas

Most often, fleas appear through your pet, so all recommendations will focus on this. If you cannot get rid of fleas and they attack your pet strongly, you should contact your veterinarian. Here are some recommendations:

• Wash your pet after the street immediately;
• Spray your pet with an extraordinary flea remedy before a walk;
• After walking, bathe the pet bed;
• If you can’t wash it, hang the item in direct sunlight.

Such simple methods can help you control fleas. It is important to remember to clean often. This will allow you to notice fleas and quickly get rid of them.

Cleaning should consist of dry and wet cleaning. If you clean with boiling water, you can quickly eliminate the larvae. Since the larva consists of protein, it denatures upon contact with hot water.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ammonia

There are some benefits to consider when choosing whether or not to use ammonia. First of all, I want to talk about the benefits. Then I will tell you about its shortcomings.

Advantages:

• Easy to use;
• Can be bought everywhere;
• Relatively harmless;
• Effective;
• Cheap.

Disadvantages:

• Can poison an animal or a person;
• Caustic, you need to use a respirator;
• You must follow safety rules.

Although there are fewer shortcomings, they are significant. You must strictly adhere to the safety rules, and only after that will the use of ammonia be safe for you.

FAQ

In this part of the text, I will answer questions that might arise while reading. If you still have questions, then ask them in the comments. I will try to answer them, or other users will tell you.

What chemical kills fleas and their eggs?

There are many ways to get rid of fleas at home. For example, you can use ammonia or products that contain permethrin, imidacloprid, or dinotefuran. They will be the most effective.

What kills fleas instantly?

Hot steam or water can instantly kill fleas. The larvae cocoon consists of protein; when interacting with hot water, the protein is destroyed, killing the larvae.

Will vinegar kill fleas?

Apple cider vinegar does not kill fleas, but it can repel them. Fleas do not like the smell and vinegar, which allows you to get rid of them. But there are more effective methods to get rid of fleas.

Do Ammonia Kill Fleas?

There are many ways to eliminate fleas. And I have told one of the simplest and most effective. Will ammonia kill fleas? Yes, and it will easily save you from suffering. It is essential to follow safety precautions when using it.

Also, do not forget to ventilate the room after use. Ammonia may cause dizziness. You can also try to kill fleas with soap. Although the method is not as effective, it is also well-suited.

How do you get rid of fleas? Share your experience in the comments.

Also read:

Bed bugs are spread almost all over the world, so you can find them on any continent. They are unpretentious to the place of living and can survive various conditions. These insects are known for traveling in luggage and selecting cracks in the furniture to live in. This article focuses on the question of the ways they are spread: Do bed bugs jump or fly, and are bed bugs fast movers?

Guide on Key Misconceptions About Bed Bugs

Mixing up a bed bug with a flea or a mite is common for average homeowners. Thus many misconceptions exist about this species. The main myth relates to the way these pests move around and spread.

Do bed bugs jump? Recognizing a pest

Adult bed bugs resemble apple seeds: They have similar sizes and look alike because of their color. These insects are oval and brownish. Immature individuals are smaller; they are almost transparent with a light yellow shade. The way bed bugs move causes a lot of questions about them:

• Do bed bugs crawl fast? Depending on the surface it crosses, an insect can move at a speed of up to four feet per minute.
• How far can a bed bug jump? Though many people think these insects can jump, they have no other way to move except for running.

Legs’ anatomy

The main feature that ensures their spreading is the structure of their limbs. Bed bugs can hold onto any surface due to the small hooks they have on their legs. They allow clinging to the smoothest materials.

Ways bed bugs move

Because of their small and flat bodies, bed bugs can hide in various places. They can handle long periods without any food. Such a combination of features makes it possible for you to face them almost anywhere. Most often, you can meet these insects in temporary accommodations with low sanitary conditions like cheap hostels or dormitories.

These spots pass a lot of people through, thus the possibility to let the pests indoors with someone’s luggage is higher after visiting such places. These insects are hard to find, but you can notice them before they bite you if you know the answers to these common questions and are aware of misconceptions.

• Do bed bugs fall from the ceiling? They can crawl vertical surfaces regardless of their smooth body, so you can easily find some bugs passing the ceiling above your bed.
• Do bed bugs jump on people? These insects can’t jump and don’t constantly live on human skin. Yet, they feed on blood, so you can find them in folds of clothes.
• Can bed bugs jump from person to person? They can crawl from one person to another like any other insect in case of direct contact, but they never jump like fleas.

Which harm do bed bugs bring?

Bed bugs are so small that it is almost impossible to notice them on your skin until they bite you. These insects feed on human and animal blood and cause noticeable irritation. Those who are unlucky to get in an infected bed will be attacked by a nest of bugs and bitten all over the body. However, skin irritation and lack of sleep are the only harm these insects bring since they rarely spread any diseases.

FAQ on Bed Bugs Movement

There are many misconceptions about this kind of pest since they resemble a number of other insects. Here are widespread questions to learn if you suspect your place of harboring bedbugs.

Do bed bugs jump when you touch them?

Bed bugs might resemble fleas, but they only run fast and never jump. However, they feed on human and animal blood, thus any direct contact might finish in an itchy bite.

How easily do bed bugs spread?

These insects are hardy: They can withstand without feeding and hide in the smallest crack for a long time. These pests are usually spread over luggage, thus it is easy to bring them home after passing places with poor sanitary.

Can bed bugs jump on you?

Six short legs allow them to crawl but they never jump. These insects can cling to clothes and reach your skin in this way, provoking irritation with their bites.

Can you feel bed bugs jump on you?

It is as easy to feel a bedbug on your skin as to imagine this feeling. They are too small to recognize them by sensation, so you can easily mix a bug up with the hair of a fold of the fabric.

Rely on True Facts About Bed Bugs

A few misconceptions concern bed bugs. One of the most common ones is that they can jump or fly. The answer lies in how fast bedbugs are: They can cover up to four feet in a minute, creating an illusion that they can move in other ways than crawling if you don’t observe these insects intentionally.

How do you inspect a room and luggage for bed bugs? Share your tips in the comments.

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Harboring pests at home is a problem a conscious homeowner can hardly ignore. Bed bugs are one of the easiest insects to pick up and the hardest species to remove. This article answers the questions on how to check the furniture for bed bugs, what to do if you find their nest, and whether it is possible to prevent pest infestation.

1. Check if you have skin irritation after sleeping in your bed.
2. Look for alive or dead bugs in fabric folders and structural joints.
3. Pay attention to the stains on the fabric and furniture.
4. Notice if there are any shells, eggs, or nymphs.

How to Check Furniture for Bed Bugs: Bed Bug Infestation 101

Bed bugs have a specific feature: the ability to hide anywhere. Thus accurate inspection of the place you are going to sleep in and leave your clothes is extremely important. Whether it is your home or a hostel room, the guide below can be helpful in both cases.

How to tell if a couch has bed bugs

The first and most reliable signs of pest infestation are insect bites and skin irritation after you contact with damaged furniture. The next step is defining which kind of insects you are dealing with since bed bugs are sometimes mixed up with fleas, or rarer, with cockroaches and dust mites.

1. Try to spot alive insects or search for the dead ones. Bed bugs resemble apple seeds: They are similar in size, shape, and color. Adult individuals have small, flat bodies of brown or dark red shades.
2. It might be difficult to distinguish them from mites at first glance, thus consider the place where you have found an insect. Bed bugs never live on humans but only bite them. If you see an insect latched onto your skin, it is a mite, not a bed bug.
3. Cockroaches can provoke the same skin irritation, but they are bigger and rarely hide for too long.

How to check for bed bugs in furniture

Apart from spotting bed bugs on the furniture, there are a number of other signs that can help you to find out if your place is a breeding ground for them. Any pest leaves traces of its activity: You can notice them with the naked eye if you know what you are looking for:

1. These insects leave feces in any place where they have managed to settle. It is digested blood, yet it gives a strong odor when touched. Their feces are brown and thick spots that grow bigger as an infestation gets more serious.
2. Passing different life stages, the pests change their shells and leave them in their nests. They have curved, transparent membranes, and offsprings are slightly smaller than adult individuals.
3. Eggs and nymphs are harder to find, yet you can still notice them when inspecting your room. They are small, transparent balls with slight yellow shades.

Suspect an infestation? Learn how fast it can grow

Though bed bugs are primarily associated with poor sanitary and cluttered rooms, these pests are not whimsical. The main thing they need to survive is access to food – human or animal blood. Therefore, the first place where they colonize is a bed whichever clean the room is.

• These insects are often brought home in luggage from temporary accommodations like hostels or dormitories. If sanitary in such places is lower than at home, there are risks of omitting pests before they settle and mate.
• Bed bugs in used furniture are also a common issue. Due to the anatomy of their legs, they can cling to any surface, regardless of how smooth it is. This feature, small flat bodies, and the ability to withstand long periods without feeding make it possible for them to hide in the smallest cracks. Used furniture, especially wooden items, might also harbor these insects.

Getting rid of bed bugs

You have to learn how to eliminate these pests immediately when you find out that your furniture is infested. If the nest grows too big, pulling individuals from every crack might become impossible. Heavy layers of feces are a reliable sign of the infestation, so you should consider getting rid of furniture. However, if the damage is not that serious, here are some tips to solve this problem:

• You can place traps around the infected area and leave bait there. It will distract their attention from you and lure insects to the adhesive surface they can’t leave.
• Laundry is an actionable measure to kill them with hot water and remove them from your clothing. Wash it at the highest temperature the fabrics can survive.
• Call for professional help if nothing else works for you.

A heap of questions also concerns how to treat used furniture for bed bugs, yet the main one is if the risks are worth it. Bringing home a potentially infested piece of furniture might put other items at risk. Select second-hand furniture from trustworthy places and prefer smooth surfaces and constructions with minimum joints so that bugs have fewer cracks to hide.

Prevention methods

Compared to most insects, bed bugs have minimal requirements to settle and mate, thus they are easy to pick up, especially if you travel a lot. To prevent bringing these insects to your home from trips, try the tips below:

• Always check your temporary accommodation for them and protect your luggage.
• Wash the clothes you traveled with at the highest temperature.
• Accurate vacuum cleaning can be helpful if you suspect an infestation. This tip concerns both soft and cabinet furniture.
• Use a thick brush with long hair to reach more cracks in wooden furniture.

FAQ on Bed Bugs at Your Home

Seeing the insects’ nest in your bed might provoke panic, but knowing how to deal with it is half of the solution. Here are some practical questions on fighting and preventing an infestation.

How do you find bed bugs on a couch?

If you feel itchy bites and skin irritation, inspect your bed for alive or dead bugs that resemble apple seeds in color and size. You might also find stinky feces, transparent shells, eggs, or nymphs – these are all signs of the infestation.

How do I make sure my furniture doesn’t have bed bugs?

If searching for bugs and their traces of activity gave no results, but you still suspect the pest infestation, clean your furniture before you find clear evidence. Wash fabrics at the highest temperature and vacuum furniture regardless of whether it is soft or cabinet.

Can bed bugs be in wood?

They can crawl on any surface and reach the thinnest gaps, thus wood is a common living environment for them. Old wooden furniture with a lot of cracks might harbor these pests, as well as fabric.

How to clean used furniture to prevent bed bugs?

Cleaning furniture might help you to repel other insects but not bed bugs. They only need access to food and select beds no matter how clean they are. Infestation of other furniture signals this issue has got too serious.

Checking Your Home for Safety

Bed bugs don’t belong to pests that spread diseases. The main troubles you can face when contacting them are skin irritation, lack of sleep, and a strong odor if the infestation went too far. Removing them requires a lot of patience and might still be unsuccessful, thus it is crucial to find the nest in the early stages of its development.

Which signs of infestation do you pay attention to? Please share your observations.

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Does UV light kill bed bugs? It’s not a good idea to exterminate them with UV light. Although it’s not the best treatment option, utilizing a handheld bed bug spray is preferable to using UV. When there is any form of light nearby, they burrow back into their hiding places far too quickly.

Keep on reading to find out how you can use UV light against these annoying insects. You will also find an instruction for detecting and killing bed bugs with UV light in this article.

Does UV light kill bed bugs?

While UV light is suitable for identifying and deterring bugs, you should remember that it won’t effectively kill them. You might be aware that they prefer the dark and will try to avoid being exposed to light at all costs, but there is no proof that exposure to light can kill them.

The primary cause is a temperature rise. To create enough heat to kill bed bugs, you should use a UV lamp on them for quite some time. In addition, they are photosensitive, like many other bugs, so UV light can frighten them and make them flee in another direction.

However, that doesn’t imply that employing a UV lamp would be wise. There are sufficient reasons against its use:

• Bed bugs might react to UV light in the same way they do to ordinary light;
• The pests cannot remain stationary and exposed to the elements for that long;
• Long before the UV light had a chance to do its full damage, they would flee;
• Some of them might hide during the entire procedure. They wouldn’t be affected in any way;
• They might hide in places that you are unaware of. They might be residing in your furniture while you are preoccupied with your bedding.

You can eliminate these insects by using a mixture of heat (at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit) and contact or residual insecticides (such as powders) to all furniture, cracks, and crevices. If you only start getting rid of them and want to make sure that the used methods work, regular inspections under a UV light will reveal even the most concealed bed bugs in any of their phases of development.

Is it possible to detect bed bugs with ultraviolet light?

Using UV light for bed bug detection is one of several technologies to identify the presence of these pests. It is possible because their outer layers fluoresce when it’s on. The effectiveness of the tool for detecting these insects depends on the effort put into thoroughly combing over every surface and every spot.

When looking for them using a UV light, it’s important to carefully scan every surface to locate an active infestation. What do bed bugs look like under UV light? The adult species are visible to the naked eye. They are 6-7mm in length, oval-shaped, and flat.

How to detect and kill bedbugs with ultraviolet light: Step-by-step guide

If utilized properly, UV light can still be a helpful addition to other methods of eliminating bed bugs. Therefore, I will demonstrate more in-depth procedures to assist you in getting rid of them. It’s a tough fight to rid your home of these insects, but I hope these tips will help.

Step 1: Arrange the room

Before you start looking, you should clean up your apartment. Clear up any clutter. If you store books, clothing, or boxes beneath mattresses or other hiding spots, you need to remove them and put them in plastic containers. Seal all possible escape routes.

To successfully exterminate bed bugs, you must first prevent them from escaping in any way they can. The most crucial detail is located under the doors. Cover it up with some clothing. They can use any openings in the wall or sideboard as an exit route. Position the bed in the center of the room. Keeping the bed in a separate room from other pieces of furniture is the best way to stop its spread.

Step 2: Detecting bed bugs with a UV light

Not only should you look for actual bed bugs but also for their shed skins, eggs, droppings, and nests. Everything becomes fluorescent when exposed to ultraviolet light. Get rid of the linens and seal them in bags. You can also place them in a transparent plastic container for subsequent inspection of your bed linens.

The bed itself, including the mattress and frame, is where you should spend most of your time detecting bed bugs with UV light. Inspect the underside, sides, and back of the mattress, as well as any zippers or buttons by flipping it over. Any crease in the mattress might serve as a covert hideout. Turn the bed over and look at the underside once you check the mattress.

Places like joints, holes, and gaps require special attention: In these areas, they produce their offspring. Continue searching other pieces of furniture in the room for any hiding spots. The bedroom is an ideal place to get started before venturing out into the rest of your house.

Step 3: Trap the bug infestation

You have to capture bed bugs once you identify them to get rid of them. Using a vacuum cleaner to capture these insects is quick and simple. Run the vacuum over all flooring, baseboards, box springs, frames, and other furniture where bugs are likely to hide. Seal the vacuum bag and throw it away. After that, carefully clean the vacuum.

Step 4: Kill bed bugs

Chemical-free extermination of these creatures is also a reasonable step to consider. To clean bedding and clothing, run the washer using high-temperature settings for 30 to 40 minutes. Next, dry it for around 30 minutes using a dryer set to its maximum heat setting.

Steam their hiding spots with a vapor steam cleaner. A vapor steam cleaner is another effective tool for eliminating them. This model of vacuum can produce steam at temperatures between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to kill these bugs. Since it generates high temperatures with no moisture vapor, this device is excellent for disinfecting.

Put these contaminated goods in sealed bags and abandon them in the sunshine. However, it might take 2–5 months to effectively eliminate bugs that have been locked in. Freeze these sacks with bugs at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not disturb them for at least four days.

FAQ About Using UV Light on Bed Bugs

Here are some common questions you might be wondering about. Ask me in the comments if you want me to answer anything else related to these creatures.

How can I get rid of bed bugs fast and permanently?

After vacuuming the affected areas, wash and dry the contaminated clothing, bedding, and other textiles in hot water and on a high heat setting in the dryer. If you need to get rid of bed bugs but can’t wash and dry an item, steam is your best bet.

Can bed bugs be detected by black light?

Yes, you can see bed bugs and their trail using a black light. The blood stains and fecal matter stains that they leave on your mattress and bed sheets shine bright under a black light. Many insects have phosphors on their shells that absorb ultraviolet light that makes them visible.

Do bed bug eggs glow in black light?

Yes. By shining a dark light, you can view their eggs. The bright light will reveal bed bugs at any stage of their development. Many insect exoskeletons include phosphors that glow fluorescently when exposed to UV light, making them easier to spot.

Not an Effective Killer

Does UV-C light kill bed bugs? While UV light is useful for spotting these pests, direct exposure to them will not kill them. Capturing, isolating them, and shining the light on them to heat them to the point where they die would be a significant amount of labor. UV-detecting lights are therefore ideal for monitoring pests but not for their eradication.

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Bed bugs can survive for long periods without eating anything by lowering their metabolic rate and storing fat. How long can a bedbug survive without food? There are average numbers you will figure out below in the article. Their age, the environment in which bed bugs are located, and humidity affect their lifetime without feeding.

When you consider how long these creatures can go without eating, it becomes clear that starving isn’t an option for getting rid of them. These little bugs will test your endurance to the limit! Read my detailed guide to know some interesting facts about their eating habits.

How long can bed bugs live without food?

How long can a bedbug survive without feeding? These insects can go without feeding anywhere from 20 days to 400 days on average. However, this significantly depends on the environmental settings in which they are located. The optimal temperature range for bed insect survival is between 59 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit. High humidity provides them with the moisture they require, increasing their lifespan.

The bed bug’s age is the primary factor. The nymph stage is when a bed bug is still developing into an adult, but it cannot survive as long as a mature individual does without sustenance.

These creatures consume less energy and can survive longer without feeding in colder environments, such as those provided by air conditioning or by nature. In its adult form, a bed bug can go without dying a full year between meals, which explains the essence of the bed bug life cycle without food.

What do bed bugs eat?

Bed bugs can only consume blood due to the design of their mouth. They lack both teeth and functional mandibles, making chewing impossible. Although other warm-blooded animal blood is okay for them, they still prefer humans.

How long can bed bugs live without a human? When everything else fails, they resort to feasting on your dog, cat, or bird. When alternative food sources are scarce, these bugs sometimes adhere to rodents. Therefore, if they invade your home, you and your family members constitute their main food source.

How often do they eat?

The lifespan of a bed bug without food improves at each successive stage of its existence. Once they reach maturity, they can go a whole year without food. Even without feeding, adults of the bed bug species can survive for up to 18 months without food, according to research.

A bed bug can swallow up blood exceeding its body weight up to six times during a single meal, which is rather remarkable. It takes approximately five minutes for nymphs to finish a meal, whereas, for adults, it takes roughly ten. To digest the blood it has just consumed, the pest withdraws to its hiding place.

Adult bed bugs and nymphs both eat once every five to ten days. Since female bed bugs produce eggs once a day, adult females have a greater feeding requirement than males. It’s safe to assume that you have a significant bed bug population if you wake up itchy from bites caused by them every day.

When still immature, these insects eat more regularly, sometimes even several times a day. However, their feeding frequency is subject to the accessibility of food sources. You should also consider the matter of ambient temperature. This is mostly because they can always go into a dormant-like state if environmental conditions become too harsh.

Is it possible to starve bed bugs?

It’s technically true that starvation can kill them. However, it’s not feasible as a method of bed bug extermination, as it won’t entirely eliminate insects. Why? Due to the following reasons:

• It is not financially viable to leave an apartment uninhabited for long periods because of fears about these bugs. This is especially true when one considers how quickly and easily they can be eliminated by other measures such as steaming.
• No amount of time, however lengthy, can guarantee that they will disappear. To get better food, bed bugs might go to neighboring structures if necessary.
• It takes less time for some bug phases to die than for others since they don’t need food as much. The temperature at which they can continue to live is another factor in their survival. As a result, using it to combat a bed bug infestation is a risky and ineffective task.

Scientists investigating the bed bug’s capacity to survive without nourishment found that the bug’s age was a major factor. How long does it take for bed bugs to starve themselves? Bed bugs that are in the earliest stages of development have a lower chance of survival. In their initial life stage, these insects first die from hunger.

As a rule, they don’t make it through the first month without blood. Both the nymphs and adults are far more resistant to the effects of hunger and can survive without food for months.

FAQ on How Long Can a Bedbug Survive Without Blood

How long will bed bugs live without a host? If you are looking for an answer to this question or some other common queries, check it out below.

How long does it take for bed bugs to die without a host?

A young bed bug can die within a few weeks if they had no host to feed on their blood, but an adult bed bug can live for 4.5 months under ideal conditions of heat and humidity.

How long can a bed bug live in an empty house?

Even in a fully unoccupied home, bed bugs can live for up to 4.5 months. It is normal for them to abandon vacant homes in search of other hosts, usually rodents or birds. They will have little trouble living in a vacant house if they can move elsewhere.

Do bed bugs die if they don’t feed on blood?

Depending on the environment, a bed bug can spend up to 400 days without blood. Nymphs can go longer without meals in their latter stages of development than their younger counterparts, and adults endured living without nourishment in the lab for almost 400 days.

These Little Bugs Will Test Your Endurance

Knowing how long bed bugs can go without eating gives you a sense of how hardy and tenacious these little pests really are. They have a high pain tolerance rate, and they can endure extremes of temperature and hunger. They are fast and good at hiding, which makes them more difficult to control. Luckily, there are many different tools at your disposal to combat an infestation.

What else would you like to know about these insects? Have you faced a bed bug infestation, or have you been looking for preventive measures against these pests? Let me know in the comments below.

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