Identifying the Threat

The Pest of the 21st Century

Bed bugs are back! Due to the increased travel, lack of public awareness, and the evolved resistance of bed bugs to pesticides, bed bugs infestations are occurring at never before seen rates. These blood-feeding parasites are being seen all over the country – in homes, hotels, hospitals, and every other place imaginable.

According to a July 2010 MSNBC report, bed bugs have increased 500% in recent years. Metro areas, such as Washington DC, have seen even higher infestation rates.

Bed bugs are parasites that feed on human blood. They are hitchhikers that enter rooms by riding in luggage and on clothing. Cleanliness and income level do not insulate you from the bed bug threat – infestations occur even in the most spotless and upscale homes, hotel rooms and businesses.

Once bed bugs find a host, they rapidly multiply. A female bed bug will lay up to 5 eggs each day, causing exponential growth. However, their nocturnal habits, small size, and hiding places make them difficult to detect – they often go unnoticed until the infestation is out of hand. This is why our detection services are crucial to eradicating the problem.