Frequently Asked Questions
What do bed bugs look like?
Adult bed bugs are straw-colored to reddish-brown, oval-bodies, wingless insects about the size of a pencil eraser. Their eggs are white, slightly pear-shaped and about as long as a pinhead. Eggs are found in crevices in clusters of 10-50. Newly hatched bed bugs are nearly colorless but otherwise resemble the adults, only smaller.
Where do bed bugs hide?
Bed bugs like to hide in the seams and tufts of mattresses, luggage, backpacks and other cloth items. They can also hide in cracks in the bed frame, gaps behind baseboards, pictures and other small areas. They do NOT stay on people like lice, ticks or mites.
Can you tell a bed bug bite from other insect bites?
No, bed bug bites look like bites of other blood-feeding insects, such as mosquitoes, fleas, biting gnats, or mites.
I couldn’t find any bed bugs but I think I have them. Can pesticides be used just in case?
No, before you treat for bed bugs with pesticides you want to find and identify them because bed bugs require pesticides that say they can be used on bed bugs. Also the improper use of pesticides can pose a risk to your health. However, it is a good idea to:
- Remove all clutter from the room
- Make sure the bed (mattress and bedsprings) and all bedding (sheets, blankets, and bed skirt) don't touch the floor
- Thoroughly vacuum the room (empty vacuum immediately after use)
- Seal or repair peeling wallpaper, cracks in the floor boards and openings around pipes, wires or other utilities coming into your home.
Does insect repellent before bed or sleeping with the lights on work?
No, the use of insect repellents is not recommended and sleeping with the lights on doesn't work either.
My place has been sprayed but I’m still experiencing the welts. Does this mean they are back?
Bites that went away and now are back can be a sign that the bed bugs are still there. However, there is some information suggesting that lesions can re-appear long after someone has been bitten and that a person can be sensitive to dead bugs. Still, getting rid of bed bugs after they have invaded a home takes time and lots of cleaning to penetrate all of their hiding places. Never rely on just spraying to take care of the problem and never assume a bite is from bed bugs unless the bugs have been identified.
Do bed bugs spread disease to humans?
Bed bugs have never been known to transmit disease. Although, bed bugs have tested positive for disease, studies have shown they do not transmit disease.
Where did they come from?
Bed bugs are hitch hikers and have been found anywhere humans are. Bed bugs have been found in places such as motels, hotels, homes, apartments, schools, dormitories, and all types of transportation. They can hide in couches, chairs, dressers, night stands, electronic devices (alarm clocks and radios), behind light switch plate, luggage, backpacks and all types of clothing.
What do I do if I find bed bug in a hotel, motel or apartment that is in the City of Albuquerque?
- Notify the manager
- Ask for their bed bug management plan
- Follow all the instructions of their bed bug management plan
I used a bug bomb but I still have them, what do I do?
First, check to see if the bug bomb specifically states it kill bed bugs and remember that pesticides alone are not enough to rid a household of bed bugs. No matter what you will need to re-clean everything and find a pesticide specific to kill bed bugs. If you used a pesticide that states it kills bed bugs, then you may want to try a different one after you have thoroughly clean your home. Also, don't forget to clean out your vacuum cleaner after each use as they can crawl out of your vacuum and back into your home if you don't take step to remove them from your vacuum.
I’ve told my landlord about the bed bug problem and they came and sprayed but I’m still having a problem. What do I do now?
Notify your landlord that the you're still having problems so you can work together to solve the problem as it may take several attempts to rid your home of these pests.