While most insects you encounter in Ontario are harmless and usually do not interact with people, others depend on blood meals to survive. You may think of mosquitoes or fleas as examples, but bed bugs, which are widespread throughout North America, are becoming problematic for many people and their pets as well. These insects feed off your dog, cat or small mammal if given the chance. We at Truly Nolen have a few tips to help you recognize an infestation, learn whether your pet is being troubled by bed bugs and determine when you may need assistance with bed bug removal in Kitchener.

Bed Bug Behaviour 

Bed bugs can invade your home in a number of ways, including hitching a ride on luggage from a hotel or someone else’s property, but they can also find a path indoors on your pet. While these intruders do not live on your pet like fleas and ticks, they can travel from place to place and then feed on your cherished animals at night. They can affect a variety of pets and are usually not picky about where they get their meal, especially since they can survive 6 to 12 months without a host.

As bed bugs feed on your pets, they may leave signs of their presence. Learning to spot these symptoms can help gauge the seriousness of the invasion and the need for assistance with their removal.

Bed Bug Symptoms 

Bed bugs are adept at hiding during the day and can be very difficult to spot. They may conceal themselves in or around your animal’s sleeping area, including:

• Quilt or bedding lining 
• Behind electrical outlet plates 
• Behind drapes or within their seams
• Stitching or seams of pet beds 

They may spend time resting, breeding and moulting in these areas and come out at night to feed on your pet. Fortunately, they may leave behind signs that allow you to identify them.

One of the most obvious symptoms of bed bugs in your pet’s bedding is bites on the animal’s body. Check for small red bumps, blood smears or other signs of irritation. The spots may resemble flea bites, but unlike fleas, you may not find actual insects hiding in your pet’s fur. Bed bugs also moult as they feed, so you may find discarded exoskeletons in your pet’s bedding as well. This insect’s feces is also noticeable since it is rust-coloured from the blood they ingest. If you find any of these signs, you may have a bed bug infestation and need to control it as soon as possible to protect your pet’s health.

Bed Bug Removal Tips 

Before you take steps to remove bed bugs from your pet’s sleeping area, it is important to remember that these insects are opportunists and can travel from one area of the house to another on the pet’s bedding or your clothing. It is wise to wear gloves and other protective clothing while you handle any dog or cat beds. Bundle them into a plastic bag and carry them to the laundry room for immediate washing. Use hot water and dry the bedding on high heat to kill any bugs that may be hiding in it.

Our Truly Nolen technicians can also assist you with bed bug removal Kitchener with a variety of identification and removal services, including the use of a fine mist that reaches crevices and other small spaces where these insects hide during the day. Our assistance, along with an in-depth cleansing of your pet’s space, can help eradicate these bugs and give your dog, cat or small mammal relief from their bites.

Bed bugs can be difficult to battle on your own because of their adaptability. Contact us today at Truly Nolen and take the necessary steps to protect the health and well-being of your beloved family pets.