It’s always distressing to discover a bug infestation in your home or business. Of course, you don’t want any pest invading the threshold of your home, there’s nothing quite as upsetting as learning you have bed bugs. Different types of bed bugs can be both a hassle to deal with as well as a health hazard. Bed bug bites can cause itchy welts, rashes, and skin irritation, among other symptoms. But some individuals can have more severe reactions with more dangerous symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swollen tongue, or irregular heartbeat, to name a few.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a bed bug infestation, the first step in getting rid of bed bugs is to contact a reliable pest control company in Central Arkansas. Bug Masters’ professional bed bug exterminators in Little Rock can identify the breed of bed bug and the best way to eradicate the infestation. Let our team help you take back control of your home or business. Contact us today!
What Are the Most Common Types of Bed Bugs?
There are nearly 90 discovered breeds and types of bed bugs known currently; however, there are only a few known types of bed bugs that feed on humans. The types of bed bugs that are native to Arkansas or can easily make their way to Arkansas are the following.
The Common Bed Bug (Cimex Lectularius)
The most widespread bed bug is the common bed bug or the cimex lectularius, which literally translates to “bug of the bed.” This species is native to North America and Europe, meaning that if you have a bed bug infestation in Little Rock or the surrounding area, this is likely the insect you are dealing with.
The common bed bug takes up residence in your bed and can be difficult to find during the day because they come out at night to feed on the individual sleeping in the bed. These bites show themselves as itchy small marks that cause skin irritation and can be unpleasant to deal with from a comfort level.
The Tropical Bed Bug (C. Hemipterus)
Similar to the common bed bug, the tropical bed bug shares most of the same traits as its American cousin but is more often found in warmer lush climates in the South or other tropical countries. While this species isn’t native to Arkansas, there have been known occurrences of individuals bringing them back from vacation, especially if they were traveling to a developing country – or even Florida.
Swallow and Bat Bugs (L. Boueti)
While they are often mistaken for bed bugs, swallow bugs or bat bugs are far less common in your bedroom. Typically these insects feed on bats or swallows, though if there is a scarcity of either animal, these bugs might move inside and feed on humans if they can’t find a more suitable host.
If these insects are in your bed, their presence is a signifier that you might have another infestation to worry about, as the most common cause for bat bugs to find their way into your home or bedroom is if you have bats in your attic. Bat bugs can migrate down and take up residence in your mattress and bedroom, spreading in nearly the exact same method as bed bugs.
Because bat bugs and bed bugs look nearly identical to the naked eye, the cause of a bat bug infestation can go unnoticed, and they can easily return if the bat infestation is left untreated. That’s why, no matter what species of bug has infested your bed, it is important to have a professional take a look to confirm the exact type of bug it is and present a permanent solution to getting rid of the pest once and for all.
Poultry Bug (Also Known as the Mexican Chicken Bug)
Another bug often misidentified as a bed bug is the poultry bug. As the name might suggest, this bug feeds off of chickens and other farm poultry, but it will feed off human hosts and infest a mattress in a similar fashion. The poultry bug was formerly more exclusively found on farms or other agricultural settings, but in recent years has been known to travel to human dwellings such as hotels and apartments.
Contact Our Pest Control Company for Help
While a bed bug infestation is linked to the mattress of a bed, bed bugs spread throughout the entire property, meaning if you have a common bed bug infestation, you’re going to need a thorough deep clean as well as pest control to rid your property of bed bugs completely.
Whether you’re dealing with bed bugs, bat bugs, or poultry bugs in your home or business, you can count on Bug Masters! Our team utilizes effective bed bug heat treatment to eliminate bed bugs and their larvae quickly and efficiently. We provide exceptional pest control for residential and commercial clients throughout Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana year-round. Contact us today!
