Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Detection / Identification of bed bugs
Is this bug what I fear it is? [a: female bed bug]
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digicrat
newbite
Joined: Jun '12
Posts: 7offline
Posted 11 months ago
Mon Jun 18 2012 23:38:53
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The lighting isn't the greatest (even with the flash), but I caught this bugger on my pillow when changing the sheets.
For scale, it's on a sheet of standard looseleaf paper. See here to more readily view the image at full size.When I killed it later, it made a disproportionately large (reddish) mess. I've seen one or two others in the vicinity (at different times), but this is the first one I was cognizant and quick enough to try to catch/photograph.
I just returned from a 2-week trip abroad last week. I really hope I'm wrong about what this is ... I haven't seen any other known bedbug signs yet.
Any ID or recommendations would be appreciated.
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 2,508offline
Posted 11 months ago
Tue Jun 19 2012 0:56:15
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Sorry but that's pretty much a bed bug.
You need to review the resources pages here and search the article "Over 201 Things to know About Bed Bugs."
Inspect your mattress, box spring and bed frame for the telltale signs of bed bugs.
From the information you've provided above I would not be surprised if you find a number of bed bugs.
Check out bed bug images so you will know what you're looking for. Telltale signs include: eggs, fecal stains, live bugs, shed skins and carcasses.
Good luck and we will answer your questions when posted.
Hope this helps ! paul b.
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digicrat
newbite
Joined: Jun '12
Posts: 7offline
Posted 11 months ago
Tue Jun 19 2012 11:59:57
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Not a productive day at work so far, but I've been continuing to read up.
I did a quick inspection of my room last night after my discovery, but a more detailed inspection will have to wait until tonight. I have an Ikea bedframe, so there's no box-spring and the mattress was already in a mattress protector (it was strongly recommended to maintain the warranty when I bought it last year). I haven't noticed any bite marks on myself (I live alone), and couldn't find anything on the mattress/bedframe yesterday.
The entire house is carpeted though, so I'm guessing in all likelihood they are hiding in or under the carpet. From what I'm reading, buying a steam cleaner might be prudent (and might also help me finally clean the concrete floor in the basement while I'm at it). While not cheap, this one from Amazon sounds good on my initial searches.
I'm assuming that finding a good exterminator is still the best first step - even if I'm lucky and these were just a few stray ones that got picked off my suitcase (I can still hope).
My first thought was to call the exterminator I need to call anyway to renew the termite warranty on the house, but it sounds like I'd be better off trying to find someone more experienced in bedbugs. Any recommendations (besides which questions to ask from the FAQS), on how to choose a good one? I'm in the DC-Baltimore area; I'm thinking of calling http://www.americanpest.net/bed-bug-services whom look good from what I've seen so far on their site and via Google, though I'm not sure if I should call today, or wait until I've had a chance to do a more thorough inspection of my own tonight [and continue reading up on it].
thanks again,
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loubugs
old timer
Joined: Mar '07
Posts: 1,639online
Posted 11 months ago
Tue Jun 19 2012 12:37:11
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That's a female.
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oldtimer
Joined: Nov '11
Posts: 2,508offline
Posted 11 months ago
Tue Jun 19 2012 12:41:38
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Thanks Lou !
By the way, can you share some of the visual characteristics that you use in determining male or female for the edification of others who would benefit.
Have a great day ! pb
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old timer
Joined: Apr '07
Posts: 595offline
Posted 11 months ago
Tue Jun 19 2012 18:43:10
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It has a rounded abdomen. Males have a somewhat pointed abdomen.
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digicrat
newbite
Joined: Jun '12
Posts: 7offline
Posted 11 months ago
Tue Jun 19 2012 19:43:28
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Thanks for the info. I don't suppose it makes much of a difference if what I saw was a male or a female though?
I just made an appointment with an Exterminator to have a K9 team out on Friday [earlier if they have a cancellation] to confirm my diagnosis, and see how far they've spread. Inspection/treatment is definitely not cheap - $250 for the k9 team, $250-350 per room for a chemical treatment [based on size, though that could be higher if they consider my bedroom+open loft as 2 rooms that need treating]. They also offer full-house heat treatment which costs a minimum of $1200, perhaps as much as $2600 based on my sqft. If they find them only in the bedroom I'll probably go for the cheaper chemical treatment ... though if they've spread elsewhere, such as my living room, I may be forced to go the heat-treatment route.
Does that sound reasonable (price/plan)?
I'm still in the process of re-laundering any clothes/linens that haven't been neatly put away ... and hoping that washing + my old (not so hot) dryer is up to the task of killing any eggs. I'm leaving any newly laundered items in my basement laundry room for now in a plastic bin, taking out what I need as I go. I'm also about to purchase that steam cleaner recommended in the FAQs as an extra line of defense.
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brekat
newbite
Joined: Jun '12
Posts: 9offline
Posted 11 months ago
Tue Jun 19 2012 21:39:23
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Hi there,
I am having a K9 out to check my place tomorrow and all your quoted prices sound dead on for reputable work. I am using one of two recommended companies for the k9 inspection and a one hour check will cost me $225.00, IF the k9 alerts to bed bugs then I am choosing thermal treatment (we have a single family home so I am confident we could kill them all quickly without reinfestation), anyhow I have been quoted $1500 for my 1100 square foot bungalow and a minimum of $1200 for only the bedrooms, (makes more sense to spend $300 extra and boil the whole house!). Hope that helps in regards to fair prices - I am in the Edmonton area.
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