What you need to know about bed bugs...
Bed bugs are small, reddish brown, flat oval, wingless insects that reach about 1/4 inch in length with flat bodies. Bed bugs are parasites and feed on the blood of humans and other animals. Yes, bed bugs can even make your pets miserable.
Where are bed bugs found?
Bed bugs became rare in the 1950's but they have been re-introduced into the US, particularly in ports of entry. Bed bugs can thrive in any environment... even very clean ones. They are easily spread and can live anywhere in a home, hotel, or even in public places such as buses, airports, or train stations. Bed bugs have been showing up in upscale hotels resulting in lawsuits by guests who have suffered serious bites, itching, and skin rashes from their presence.
What are the symptoms of bed bug bites?
Typically, the skin is reddish with small spots that look like mosquito bites or flea bites. Bed bugs don't inject any kind of venom and aren't believed to carry infectious microbes, however, they can induce their own saliva into the bites. The result can be mild to severe itching and vigorous scratching can cause infections. It's easy to mistake bed bug bites for flea bites and, like fleas, will leave dark fecal spots on bed sheets or in their hiding places.
How do I detect a bed bug infestation in my home?
Look for fecal stains, egg cases, and their shed skins on or near beds or in chairs or sofas where you relax. You can find them in drawers, behind pictures or wall paper or just about any crack or crevice, in any room. More than likely you will need professional help to confirm their presence. The most reliable method to date is the use of dogs specially trained to sniff out bed bugs anywhere in any environment. They are 98% effective!
How do I get rid of bed bugs in the home?
Getting rid of bed bugs is very difficult and you must act FAST. Infected mattresses must be discarded if using insecticides. However, there is a new technology that is completely non toxic and freezes bed bugs and their larvae which can be used safely on mattresses. Bell Environmental Services in the New York Metro area has effectively been using 
to treat bed bugs hiding anywhere. Click HERE to learn more...
