Bed Bug Control:
Detection, Prevention & Extermination

Name: Bed Bug Control in Newtown
Brand: Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc.

Bed bug infestations have surged across the U.S., with a 71% increase in extermination calls from 2000 to 2005. Unfortunately, no home, business, hospital, school, or hotel is immune. In fact, 20% of the Northeast has reported experiencing or knowing someone dealing with bed bug problems.

Why Are Bed Bugs a Problem?

Bed bugs are prolific breeders. According to the CDC, a single female bed bug can produce up to 5,000 offspring within six months. Once an infestation begins, controlling it alone is nearly impossible. If you see one bed bug, chances are there are dozens more nearby.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Adult bed bugs are small—about 3/16th of an inch (4-5 mm). Their flat, oval bodies allow them to hide in cracks and crevices. They appear rust-brown but turn reddish-brown after feeding.

Why Do Bed Bugs Bite?

Bed bugs are bloodsucking insects that rely solely on blood for survival. The most common species, Cimex lectularius, prefers human blood, while other species may feed on animals.

These pests can survive weeks or even months between feedings.

Do Bed Bugs Carry Diseases?

While bed bugs can carry pathogens, research indicates they do not spread diseases. However, their bites can cause severe itching, allergic reactions, and even secondary infections from excessive scratching.

How to Detect Bed Bugs

Itchy, red bites—especially around the ankles and feet.
Bloodstains on sheets and pillowcases.
Dark fecal stains on mattresses, walls, and furniture.
Musty odor caused by bed bug pheromones.
Shed exoskeletons left behind during molting.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Bed bugs are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day. They commonly hide in:

Mattresses, box springs, and bed frames.
Furniture, upholstery, and carpets.
Electrical outlets and baseboards.
Picture frames, books, and even behind wallpaper.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

Although no method guarantees complete prevention, these steps help reduce the risk of an infestation:

While traveling:
- Inspect hotel rooms—check the mattress, headboard, and furniture before unpacking.
- Store luggage on racks, away from beds and furniture.
- Keep clothing sealed in travel bags instead of using hotel dressers.
- Place all belongings in a sealed plastic bag before heading home.
- Launder all clothes immediately after returning.
At home:
- Use bed bug-proof encasements on mattresses and pillows.
- Avoid second-hand furniture and clothing unless properly treated.

Effective Bed Bug Control Methods

Despite new technologies, conventional extermination methods remain the most effective for eliminating bed bugs. Here's why:

Crack and Crevice Treatment: Targets hard-to-reach hiding spots that other methods may miss.
Residual Protection: Professional treatments eliminate existing bed bugs and help prevent future infestations.

Professional Bed Bug Extermination

DIY solutions often fail against bed bugs, as this species has developed resistance to many over-the-counter treatments. Hiring a certified pest control service ensures complete eradication.

Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc. has been eliminating bed bug infestations for nearly 30 years. Our licensed exterminators use professional-grade treatments and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, including follow-up treatments as needed.