Pests We Treat Photo Album: Horrible bed bug infestation in home with elderly people in Lakehurst
I was sent me to a home in Lakehurst. The homeowners contacted Cowleys after noticing that their elderly mother, who resided with them, had these mysterious bites on her arms and legs. Often, unexplained bites are the first sign of bed bug activity. These insects, which feed exclusively on human blood, tend to leave straight rows of bites, unlike other insects that randomly bite in different locations. Bed bug bites are red and often start to itch in a few days to a couple of weeks. The itching can be so bad that the victim will scratch enough to cause breaks in the skin, which leads to infections. Unfortunately, the elderly often are unaware of these bites, especially they are taking corticosteroids like prednisone that suppress a person’s response to allergens.
Bed bugs everywhere in Lakehurst, New Jersey
Before inspecting I questioned all of the home's residence to help my determine those areas of the home that were likely infested. Bed bugs tend to stay near their hosts, so it was important for me to know which bed, sofa, and chair the mother spent most of her time sleeping or resting. Using my flashlight, I thoroughly inspected each piece of furniture, and all nearby potential hiding spots. Bed bugs can be anywhere and everywhere. I looked behind hung pictures, carpet edges, and even behind the electric wall plates. It there is a hole, even as small as an electric outlet or stitching holes in mattresses, bed bugs may be there.
Close up of infestation of bed bugs
Sometimes, bed bugs and evidence of bed bug activity can be difficult to find, especially with infestations in their early stages, However, as you can see in the pictures, this infestation was well-developed with a high bed bug population, and did not require much detective work. Almost every piece of furniture in this home was infested with bed bug eggs, nymphs, and fully gorged adults.
Bed bugs on furniture in Lakehurst, NJ
When dispatched to a possible bed bug infestation, I assume the worst and come prepared. I plugged in my trusty Hepa-Vac and painstakingly vacuumed every seam, crack, undersides of the furniture, exposed wall plates, wall junctures, bed frame, headboards. After making sure I vacuumed up every visible bed bug and bed bug egg, I treated these same harborage areas with a liquid residual application to kill those bugs who managed to escape by Hepa-Vac. Before replacing the electrical wall plates, I applied a residual dust inside the open box. Certain furniture was so deeply infested, I recommended to the homeowners that they throw them out. It simply was not worth the risk of a re-infestation.
Bed bugs on suitcase in Lakehurst
he homeowners were pleased with the time and effort I spent removing as many bed bugs as possible during my initial visit. I thanked them for choosing Cowleys and scheduled their two-week follow up where I'll re-inspect and perform any additional treatments as necessary. I'll stay on the job until this home is bed bug free and no one is waking up with more bites.
Proudly serving Mercer, Ocean, Monmouth, Somerset, & Middlesex County