Bed Bug
Extermination

Call the Professionals to Get Rid of Your Pest Problem

Expert Bed Bug Extermination

Springfield, IL

Bed Bugs, or Cimicidae, are small parasitic insects. The most common type is Cimex lectularius. The term usually refers to species that prefer to feed on human blood. All insects in this family live by feeding exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Bed bugs feed on blood and can live for several months without an adequate food supply. Females can lay up to 500 eggs over a lifetime. Bed bugs are adept hitchhikers. They travel in luggage, on clothing, and inside furniture or other items that have been in infested areas. They are found in homes, apartment & office buildings, hotels, train cars, airplanes, and many other places where people rest for a period of time. In multiple-unit housing facilities, bed bugs will often infest surrounding units, and in single-family homes, it is also common for bed bugs to be found in living rooms as well as bedrooms and laundry areas.

Woman in bedroom grossed out by bed bug walking on her bed - Springfield, IL
Bed bug infestation extermination service man in gloves and safety glasses inspecting infected mattress sheets and blanket bedding with a powerful flashlight preparing to exterminate the bugs - Springfield, IL

Where are Bed Bugs Found?

Bed bugs have existed for hundreds of years and are most often found in temperate climates worldwide. The common bed bug that has adapted to human environments has the scientific name of Cimex. Bed bugs can often swarm bird nests and feed on household pets. However, their typical source of nutrition is human blood. They can be found in unusual places, typically in mattresses, small cracks, comforters, and bed sheets. Bed bugs are worldwide travelers that can be transported via luggage, clothes, bedding, or furniture. You may have a bed bug problem and don’t even know it. That’s why it’s important to look for the signs and consult with professionals about how to treat an infestation.

bed bug bites on child's legs - exposed to bed bugs, household pests - bed bug extermination - Springfield, IL

Signs, Symptoms, Health Risks

Several health effects may occur due to bed bugs, including skin rashes, psychological effects, and allergic symptoms. Diagnosis involves both finding bed bugs and the occurrence of compatible symptoms. Treatment is otherwise symptomatic. The greatest risk posed by bedbugs is the irritation of bites. Bed bug bites do not typically become visible until a day or more after the insect’s feeding, at which point large welts can appear. These will gradually reduce in size, becoming small, red marks. There may be health concerns about spotting on mattresses infested with bed bugs. While it is difficult to link diseases to spotted mattresses directly, it is recommended that spotted mattresses be replaced, even after bed bugs have been eradicated.

Environ Pest Elimination using industrial heat to rid residential home of bed bugs and other pests - Springfield, IL

Treatment

There are many methods to consider for the treatment of bed bugs. Common practices include using residual insecticide applications, exposure to extreme temperatures, or fumigation. It is important to know that in many situations, a combination of procedures may be used to ensure the highest efficacy in eliminating bed bugs—as when used alone, some products and procedures may not be effective on all stages of bed bugs. However, the most effective bed bug extermination methods are those administered by pest control professionals. If you want a thorough treatment that results in the total eradication of your pest problem, call the professionals. We’ll ensure you get the best results and peace of mind.

Environ Pest Elimination using industrial heat to rid residential home of bed bugs and other pests - Springfield, IL

Thermal Remediation

An advanced technology known as Thermal Remediation (heat treatment) is a safe, efficient, and effective solution for controlling bed bugs. Specialized mobile heating units are used within bed bug-infested areas to heat and maintain air temperatures between 120°F to 135°F—the temperature range known to kill all stages of bed bug development. Thermal remediation is the preferred treatment process for completely eliminating bed bugs because it is safe, effective, and efficient. It is an environmentally responsible solution, the process only takes one day and one treatment, and it will kill all stages of bed bug life, including the eggs. It is the most thorough treatment we offer and will guarantee you the best results. No bed bug or egg will survive to cause you further stress. Our goal is total eradication.

FAQs

How do you get bed bugs?

Bed bugs are adept hitchhikers. They travel in luggage, on clothing, and inside furniture or other items that have been in infested areas. They are found in homes, apartment & office buildings, hotels, train cars, airplanes, and many other places where people rest for a period of time. In multiple-unit housing facilities, bed bugs will often infest surrounding units, and in single-family homes, it is also common for bed bugs to be found in living rooms as well as bedrooms and laundry areas.

How do I know if I had bed bugs?

While bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, they are most active at night, and due to their cryptic nature, they are not often seen during the day. Because bed bugs are small and flat, they can squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices on the mattress and box spring, behind headboards, and inside furniture, sometimes making them virtually undetectable. Except for seeing live or dead bed bugs, one common sign is the presence of dark ink-like stains on the mattress or bedding materials and on the furniture itself. Skins shed from bed bugs during the molting process may also be found near where they hide. It is important to know and understand that while some people show symptoms resulting from bed bug bites, many will observe no symptoms at all.

What are the health risks with bed bugs?

A bed bug bite can affect each individual differently. The response to a bite can range from no physical symptoms or signs to a small bite mark or even a significant allergic reaction. Bed bugs are generally not considered dangerous to humans; however, you may need medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction to several bites. Thankfully, bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Instead, they can be more of a mere annoyance because their bites can cause itching and loss of sleep. If you don’t monitor yourself carefully, sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can result in a chance of a secondary skin infection.

How are bed bug bites treated and prevented?

Bed bug bites usually do not pose any significant medical threat. The best way to treat a bite is to avoid scratching the affected area and instead apply antiseptic creams or lotions. You could also take an antihistamine. Insecticide spraying is commonly used to treat bed bug infestations. If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, contact your landlord or a professional pest control company that has experience treating bed bugs. Regular inspection for signs of an infestation is the most effective way to prevent a bed bug infestation from happening to you.

How much does a heat treatment cost?

Several factors impact the cost of thermal remediation treatments, including the severity of the infestation and the number and sizes of the rooms that need to be treated. For a friendly, no-obligation estimate customized to your unique situation, please contact Environ Pest Elimination today.

How do I schedule a heat treatment?

Scheduling a bed bug heat treatment is easy—simply contact Environ to request a needs assessment and to schedule treatment. At Environ Pest Elimination, we pride ourselves on our speed and delivery of service. Therefore, we aspire to take care of the problem as quickly as possible with the sensitivity and professionalism you can always count on.

What is canine detection?

The road to complete bed bug elimination begins with properly identifying infested areas. While adult bed bugs may be easier to identify, bed bug nymphs and eggs are very difficult to locate, especially in early or light infestations. With an adept sense of smell, K-9 scent detection dogs possess the unique ability to detect bed bugs quickly and efficiently, with little disruption to your home, office or hotel room.

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