BED BUG FACTS:
BED BUG MYTHS:
SIZE of a Bed Bug
Adults grow to 4–5 mm in length and 1.5–3 mm wide
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Size of a bed bug during its life cycle stages
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About the BITES
What Bed Bug Bites Look Like
Bed bug bite symptoms are itchy red welts or puffed up swelling of the bite area. The bite mark can appear within a day or several days after the bite. The harm to humans is generally inflammation from allergic response to the bed bug saliva.
Treating Bites
Do not scratch or itch the bite. This can push the pathogens deeper into the skin thereby causing even more swelling and inflammation. Wash the bite with warm soapy water then apply a hydrocortisone cream such as an Antihistamine or corticosteroid.
Bed bug bite symptoms are itchy red welts or puffed up swelling of the bite area. The bite mark can appear within a day or several days after the bite. The harm to humans is generally inflammation from allergic response to the bed bug saliva.
Treating Bites
Do not scratch or itch the bite. This can push the pathogens deeper into the skin thereby causing even more swelling and inflammation. Wash the bite with warm soapy water then apply a hydrocortisone cream such as an Antihistamine or corticosteroid.
"Bed Bug Sniffing" DOGS
Know this upfront:
- Canine scent detection can be an effective inspection method
- Dogs, just like humans, are not perfect and thus are not 100% reliable
- Many factors need to be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of a canine scent detection service for bed bugs
QUESTIONS TO ASK A COMPANY THAT USES DOGS TO INSPECT:
- How frequently do the dogs have false positive alerts (this means that the dog alerts to the presence of bedbugs in situations where bedbugs are not present).
- How often (what percent of time) do your dog(s) fail to find bed bugs?
DOUBTS ON THE RISE
ARTICLES:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/nyregion/12bedbugs.html
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120217/NEWS01/702179912
COST TO INSPECT:
DOGS - $150+ PER HOUR - depending upon the company
Professionally trained HUMAN - $FREE
