How to Detect and Eliminate Bed Bugs.
The Nightmare of Bed Bugs.
Imagine hosting a fun party at home, enjoying a movie with your best friends. Everyone’s relaxing under cozy blankets when suddenly, the scratching starts. First, it’s just one friend, then another, until soon, everyone is feeling uncomfortable. You turn on the lights to check, and the horror is clear—tiny, reddish-brown insects are crawling everywhere. Bed bugs!
If you've ever encountered these pesky critters, you know how frustrating and unsettling they can be. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about bed bugs—how they sneak into your clean home, how to spot an infestation early, and why professional pest control is the best solution to get rid of them.
Bed Bug Facts You Should Know
Before diving into how to deal with bed bugs, let’s get to know these sneaky pests a little better:
- They Can’t Jump or Fly: Unlike some pests, bed bugs don’t jump or fly. They have flat, narrow bodies that allow them to slip into tiny cracks and crevices, making them incredibly difficult to spot.
- They Can Live Without Feeding: Bed bugs are capable of surviving for several months without a meal. During this time, they digest the blood they’ve already consumed, mate, and lay thousands of eggs.
- They Only Feed on Blood: Bed bugs need a blood meal to survive. While they don’t transmit diseases, their bites can be itchy and irritating, leaving unsightly marks on your skin.
- They’re Sneaky Travelers: Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They can sneak into your home via your luggage, clothes, or used furniture. They are skilled at hiding during the day and come out at night to feed.
- They’re Attracted to Carbon Dioxide: Bed bugs are drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale, and they are also lured by body heat, making it easy for them to find their next meal while you’re asleep.
How Bed Bugs Enter Your Home
Even the cleanest homes are vulnerable to a bed bug infestation. These pests are excellent at sneaking in unnoticed. Here are some common ways they may hitch a ride into your home:
- Traveling: If you stay in a hotel or visit a friend’s home with an infestation, you may unknowingly bring bed bugs home in your luggage, clothing, or personal items.
- Second-Hand Furniture: Used furniture, especially mattresses, can harbor bed bugs. They hide in the seams, cushions, and cracks, and if you don’t inspect carefully, they can easily make their way into your home.
- Crawling: Bed bugs can crawl between rooms in multi-unit buildings, spreading from one apartment or office to another.
Some places where bed bugs are commonly found include:
- Public transport
- Offices, schools, and universities
- Hospitals and libraries
- Daycare centers
- A friend’s house
Common Bed Bug Hiding Spots
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that fit into incredibly tiny spaces. They like to hide during the day and only come out at night to feed. Check these common hiding spots if you suspect an infestation:
- Cracks in walls and wooden furniture
- Seams and folds of your mattress and bedding
- Furniture crevices
- Behind baseboards or wall hangings
- Bags, purses, and luggage
- Under the seats or cushions in your home
How to Inspect for Bed Bugs
To be sure that your home is infested with bed bugs, it’s best to conduct a thorough inspection. Here’s how you can check for the telltale signs:
- Blood Stains: Look for small, unexplained blood stains on your pillow or bedding.
- Tiny Insects: Search for small, reddish-brown bugs (bed bugs) hiding in cracks, seams, or crevices.
- Fecal Spots: Bed bugs leave behind dark, speck-like droppings. These spots are often found on your bedding, walls, or furniture.
- Shed Exoskeletons: Bed bugs molt as they grow. Look for shed skin in places where they hide.
- Eggs and Empty Eggshells: Check for tiny white eggs or empty eggshells.
- Musty Odor: A musty, coriander-like smell is a telltale sign that bed bugs have invaded.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Although professional pest control is the most effective way to handle a bed bug infestation, you can take some DIY measures to reduce their numbers:
- Inspect and Identify: Carefully check all areas where you suspect bed bugs may be hiding. Be sure to note the type of infestation.
- Contain the Infestation: Seal off the infested areas to prevent the bugs from spreading.
- Wash Clothing: Wash all clothing, bedding, and fabric in hot water to kill any bed bugs or eggs. Dispose of items that cannot be treated.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks or openings in the walls, floor, and around furniture to prevent bed bugs from entering.
- Use High Heat or Chemical Treatments: Treat your home with a combination of heat and chemical treatments to kill bed bugs. Use bed bug sprays and steam treatments on mattresses, furniture, and carpets.
DIY bed bug control requires patience and persistence. It can take several weeks to fully eradicate the infestation, and some methods may not work on severe infestations. For best results, professional pest control is recommended.
Why Professional Bed Bug Control is the Best Option
Bed bug infestations are difficult to control with DIY methods. These pests are highly resilient and can survive most home treatments, allowing them to continue thriving and spreading. That’s why professional bed bug control is essential.
Our licensed pest control experts are trained to handle bed bug infestations of all sizes. When you contact us, we will:
- Conduct a thorough inspection to assess the level of infestation.
- Identify all hiding spots and recommend the best treatment options.
- Apply the most effective treatments to exterminate the bed bugs and prevent re-infestation.
Don’t wait until the infestation becomes unbearable. Contact our experts today to ensure your home is bed bug-free.