We Clean and Sanitize your Mattresses
Our Hot Steam Cleaning Method with Heat over 208 Degrees, combined with our quick drying "DriMaster" Cleaning Method, allows you to use your bedding within One or Two Hours after Cleaning! Our Sanitizing Method can assure you of a Safe and Healthy Sleep! The Formula that we use will not only kill bacteria, but will kill BED BUGS also. There is presently a BED BUG EPIDEMIC in the United States. If you suspect or have already determined that BedBugs are in your house, Call Me, On the Mattress Today!
Here is Information regarding Bed Bugs
Bedbugs
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, wingless insects found all over the world. They are nocturnal parasites, which means they rest during the day and are active at night feeding on the blood of humans. Bedbugs prefer to hide in bedding and on mattresses where they have ready access to a source of food.
Bedbugs have highly developed mouth parts that can pierce skin. Their bite is painless but becomes itchy and swells into a reddened wheal. Unlike the random pattern of bites made by mosquitoes, bedbugs tend to leave orderly rows.
Although bedbugs can harbor diseases in their bodies, transmission to humans is considered highly unlikely. For this reason they are not considered dangerous, unless a person is allergic to them. However their presence can be distressing and their bites can be highly irritating.
Characteristics of the bedbug
The characteristics of a bedbug include:
Wingless
Half a centimetre long
Flat, oval-shaped body
Six legs
Light brown in color, changing to rust–red after a meal of blood
Squat head
Large antennae
Large mandibles, or mouth parts
Complex life-cycle involving many stages of development
Ability to survive without feeding for months at a time
Susceptible to extremes of temperature.
Humans are the preferred host
Bedbugs live exclusively on blood. They prefer human blood but will feed on other mammals if necessary.
Bedbugs are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide in expired air, which is how they find their host. Bedbugs commonly target the shoulders and arms.
During feeding, the bedbug's proboscis (feeding organ) swings forwards and downward to pierce the skin of the victim. Saliva (containing an anticoagulant) is then injected, which is the cause of an allergic reaction in some people. Bedbugs take around five to 10 minutes to feed. As the bedbug engorges with blood, its coloring changes from light brown to rust–red.
Common hiding spots
The living areas favoured by bedbugs include:
Mattresses, particularly along the seams.
Bedding such as sheets and blankets.
Beneath loosened edges of wallpaper.
Between the cracks of wooden floors.
In wall cracks or crevices.
Carpet.
Furniture, particularly in seams and cracks.
Causes of infestation
Bedbugs often hide in luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture. They are most often found in dwellings with a high rate of occupant turnover such as hotels, motels, hostels, shelters and apartment complexes.
Any household can be invaded by bedbugs, but high standards of hygiene can discourage bedbugs from spreading widely throughout a home.
Recognizing an infestation
The first indication of a bedbug infestation may be the presence of bites on family members. However, a thorough inspection of your premises, especially the common hiding spots may also reveal:
- The bedbugs themselves, although due to their size they are often hard to see.
- Small bloodstains from crushed bugs on sheets or mattresses.
- Rusty or dark spots of bug excrement on mattresses, bedding and walls.
- An offensive, sweet, musty odour from their scent glands which may be detected when infestations are severe.
Avoiding an infestation
In general, bedbugs enter your home in luggage, or on secondhand items such as bedding and furniture. Taking care with these items, in addition to high standards of hygiene and housekeeping, should help to minimise the chance of an infestation in your home.
Symptoms of a bedbug bite
The bite of a bedbug has certain features, including:
- Large wheals which reduce to a red mark then gradually fade over a few days
- Made in orderly rows
- Itchiness
- Reddening of the skin
- Localised swelling
- Formation of blisters
- Small loss of skin tissue in some cases.
Treating bites
Bedbugs are not known to transmit any blood-borne diseases. However the bites can be itchy and distressing.
Suggestions to treat bedbug bites include:
- Resist the urge to scratch.
- Use calamine lotion or anesthetic creams to treat the itching.
- Wash the bites with antiseptic soap to reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply an icepack frequently to help relieve swelling.
- Take pain-killing medication if symptoms are severe.
See your doctor if the bite develops an infection.
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