Discovering a bed bug infestation is one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. These tiny insects feed off blood and can be extremely difficult to find and kill. They can survive up to a year without feeding, and a female can lay hundreds of eggs before she dies--all of which are just as hardy and difficult to kill as an adult bed bug. Everyone knows how much of a nuisance they can be, but you may be surprised to learn they aren’t as dangerous as many people believe. Bed Bug Bites Since bed bugs are parasites, most people expect them to carry diseases from person to person. After all, other blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes and ticks can cause severe and even life-threatening diseases. However, bed bugs are not known to carry any diseases and their bites rarely cause a severe reaction. This does not, however, mean that you should let a bed bug infestation go unchecked. Bed bugs can cause dozens or hundreds of itchy, painful bites every night, which can still cause great discomfort and make the sufferers miserable. Structural Damage Another common concern with insect infestations in the home is the damage they might do to the structure itself. Luckily, bed bugs have no interest in feeding on wood or any other substances present in your home--they are strict blood-eaters. They will not cause structural damage, although they can often be found in the same types of areas as other more damaging insects--look for them in cracks in your walls or other small, dark hiding places. Pesticides By far the biggest danger from bed bugs is the use of pesticides and other dangerous chemicals to kill them. Not only are these chemicals potentially harmful to you and your family, they are extremely ineffective at killing bed bugs. The best way to kill bed bugs is through exposure to high temperatures over a sustained period of time. Washing and drying your bedding on the highest possible heat setting, for example, is the best way to get rid of the ones hanging out in your bed. For larger areas of infestation, look for bed bug heat equipment for sale in St. Louis. Bed Bugs and Pets If people aren’t around, bed bugs will feed on dogs, cats, and other animals instead. As with people, their bites are rarely dangerous, and unlike pests such as fleas and ticks, bed bugs won’t live and breed in your pet’s coat. They’d rather stay hidden in floors and walls during the day and come out at night to feed. The biggest danger to pets is accidentally ingesting toxic pesticides, which is why looking for bed bug heat equipment for sale in St. Louis is the best way to get rid of a bed bug infestation.
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