Things to know about bed bugs – Houston Chronicle – Chron.com

By Fernando Ramirez, Chron.com / Houston Chronicle

Photo: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

The summer months are some of the busiest for pest control experts. Staying informed is the best way to prevent infestations.

See what home owners need to know about bed bugs and their infestations.

The summer months are some of the busiest for pest control experts. Staying informed is the best way to prevent infestations.

See what home owners need to know about bed bugs and

Bed bugs measure between 1 to 7millimeters in length, roughly the size of an apple seed. Their semi-transparent eggs measure 1millimeter in length, while juveniles typically measure under 2.5millimeters.

Bed bugs measure between 1 to 7millimeters in length, roughly the size of an apple seed. Their semi-transparent eggs measure 1millimeter in length, while juveniles typically

Bed bugs are typically found in the seams of mattresses, bed frames, couches and box springs. Over time and as an infestation worsens, bed bugs can lay eggs and live just about anywhere in a household.

Bed bugs are typically found in the seams of mattresses, bed frames, couches and box springs. Over time and as an infestation worsens, bed bugs can lay eggs and live just about

The best way to see if a household is infested with bed bugs is by looking for dark or brown stains the bed bug's feces in areas where they're likely to populate. In addition, keep an eye out for the bed bug's eggs, egg shells andmolted exoskeleton shells. Bed bugs also cause a sweet musty odor.

The best way to see if a household is infested with bed bugs is by looking for dark or brown stains the bed bug's feces in areas where they're likely

The Texas Department of State Health Service says over-the-counter foggers and pesticides won't kill bed bugs, and advise victims of bed bug infestations to call a licensed pest control operator.

The Texas Department of State Health Service says over-the-counter foggers and pesticides won't kill bed bugs, and advise victims of bed bug infestations to call a

Adult bed bugs can survive for about five months without feeding. They're slim, small bodies and nocturnal feeding habits can help keep them hidden for long periods of time. In addition, they can survive temperatures of up to122 degrees.

Adult bed bugs can survive for about five months without feeding. They're slim, small bodies and nocturnal feeding habits can help keep them hidden for long periods of time. In

Bed bugs have an anesthetic salvia that makes for a near painless bite.

Bed bugs have an anesthetic salvia that makes for a near painless bite.

A female bed bug can lay about 200 to 250 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs hatch in several days.

A female bed bug can lay about 200 to 250 eggs in her lifetime. The eggs hatch in several days.

Things to know about bed bugs

Summer is drawing to a close and many Texans are returning home after a much-needed vacation.

Unfortunately, travelers may have brought back some tiny unwanted hitchhikers from their travels: bed bugs.

Pest control experts have found that the summer months correlate with a spike in bed bug infestations due to the hot, humid climate and the increase in travel.

A 2015 survey of pest professionals by the National Pest Management Association revealed that nearly two-thirds of experts said summer was the busiest season.

YIKES:Houston is among the most bed bug-infested spots in the nation

Of all the possible pests, from roaches to mice, none are as tough to beat as bed bugs. The harrowing stories of naked families nuking their homes with pesticides and heat are enough to make anyone overly anxious.

Still, the bed bug-paranoia can lead to some seriousmisidentification. One study found that only about a third of travelers were able to actually identify a bed bug from a group of similarly-sized bugs.

So chances are, that six-legged insect in your home is just a June bug not a blood-engorged bed bug.

See above for things to know about bed bugs.

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Things to know about bed bugs - Houston Chronicle - Chron.com