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Can Thermal Imaging Be Used To Detect Bed Bugs In A Property?

Extreme Bed Bug Control

Published: April, 2024

Pest control is always evolving. We’re constantly coming up with new ways to fight against pests. One of the latest advances is thermal imaging. This tool is now used to pin point rodents and remove them from properties. But here’s the question: does thermal imaging work to detect bed bugs?

Is it possible to find bed bugs with thermal imaging?

The short answer is no. You see, what you have to understand is that these devices work by picking up heat signatures. This heat comes from the pest’s body. This is why thermal imaging is great for finding things like rats, which are warm blooded.

The problem with insects is that they are cold blooded and do not emit heat. Yes, thermal imaging does work for some pests. This includes things like termites and wasps. These pests cluster together in large numbers and this generates heat which we can then detect with a property bed bug inspection.

This does not happen with bed bugs. These pests do not emit any heat. They’re also extremely tiny. This means that they do not produce large heat signatures. It might be possible, if loads of them were close together, that they will show up, but it is not likely. People will tell you that these devices work with any type of pest. This simply isn’t true.

Don’t forget, the pest control industry is rife with scam artists who try to make money off common bed bug problems. It’s just like those ultra-sonic pest devices. Do not believe anyone who wants to sell you a device that detects bed bugs. There’re almost definitely trying to scam you.

What methods can be used to detect bed bugs?

So how do you find these pests? You’ll have to rely on the old-fashioned methods. To start with, if you have these pests, you’ll find out sooner or later. Bed bugs bite like crazy. This means you’ll wake up with bites in almost no time at all.

Other definite signs include marks on your bedding. The biggest of these are red blood spots. This happens when bed bugs are feeding and blood drips from the bite. Also look for brown spots. These are caused by bed bugs defecating. You may also find shed skin. Something else to look for is smell. Large groups of bed bugs have a sweet smell, similar to berries.

If you detect any of these signs, then look for the bugs. Remove all bedding and inspect it carefully. Also check your mattress and look beneath the bed. If you have a headboard, then check that. Other places to look include side tables and pictures on your walls. These bugs are about the size of an apple seed, so you’ll need to look carefully.

When doing this, also wash your bedding and vacuum the room thoroughly but avoid trying to use DIY gadgets yourself. If the infestation is small, then this might be enough. On the other hand, if the bugs persist, it’s probably best to call in pest control.

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