How Much Does It Cost To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs – CostOwl.com

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Bed bug infestations have been on the rise in the United States for the last couple of decades. Once associated with poor hygiene and poverty, the bugs' resurgence is, according to research, caused by international travel, immigration, changes in pest control practices, and insecticide resistance. Bed bugs live in places where there are ample human and animal hosts such as homes, apartments, hotels, and dormitories. They're difficult to eradicate and exterminator fees often run into the thousands of dollars.

While they don't carry disease, bed bugs present an existential nightmare for most. The surest way to identify an infestation is to find a live bed bug. Adult bugs can be spotted with the unaided eye; they're oval, flat, rusty-colored, and about 5 mm long. After feeding they're slightly more elongated (see a pre and post-feeding bed bug picture here).

Short of finding a live bed bug (which is tough to do because they feed at around 4 a.m. and hide during the day), household members or visitors might notice small, pink, itchy skin welts that resemble mosquito bites. Many bite victims don't react at all, although extreme reactions can lead to asthma, hives, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Other ways to identify bed bugs are their excrement (tiny dark spots), shed beg bug skin, and blood smears from crushed bugs.

If you're like most people, even the slightest evidence of bed bugs is cause to call an exterminator. Here's what to expect once the local bug guy or gal arrives:

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How Much Does It Cost To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs - CostOwl.com