Bed bugs have become an epidemic across America. Even in “nice” neighborhoods and homes that are regularly cleaned, these tiny, voracious parasites can establish themselves and make their unwilling hosts’ lives miserable. Detecting an infestation is the first step in eradicating these annoying little critters from your life. Even if you are positive you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, getting rid of them can be very challenging and may require professional intervention and maintenance to get them out and keep them out in the future.
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Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites are often the first indicator that people notice when bed bugs move into a home. Perhaps you’ve recently traveled, staying in a hotel, or brought home a new piece of furniture or mattress. Even new furniture can carry in eggs and insects, giving the bugs a chance at gaining a foothold in your home. Bed bugs can travel on nearly any piece of fabric or upholstery, and they do not require constant contact with a host to survive. Unfortunately, bed bug bites are often confused with bites from flies, chiggers, spiders and other insects. Bed bug bites tend to appear in rows. They may be red, raised welts or blisters. Some people report itching without the appearance of a bite. If you are experiencing bite symptoms- actual welts or itching after sleeping, it’s possible that you’re dealing with bed bugs and you should start searching for other signs.
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Sheds and Spots
As they grow, bed bugs molt, or shed their exoskeleton. These exoskeletons appear as tiny clear representations of the bugs themselves. In addition to the shed exoskeletons, you may find spots of dried blood or feces on sheets. The spots may be dark brown or black in color. After feasting on the hosts’ blood, bed bugs excrete the blood, leaving behind tell-tale spots. Search for the spots on sheets and on furniture around the sleeping area.
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Bed Bugs
The most reliable way of discovering a bed bug infestation is to find samples of the bugs themselves. If you can collect samples of the bugs, a professional can tell you for certain exactly what you’re dealing with and how to get rid of them. While bed bugs are secretive by nature, they can be found by carefully examining creases and crevices in and around furniture and the spaces around nearby wall boards. Passive traps placed around furniture and bed legs may also yield results in the form of captured insects. Once you’ve identified your infestation as bed bugs, it’s important to develop a removal and treatment plan to remove the invaders and keep them away.
If you suspect your home is infested with bed bugs or other pests, call Exclusive Pest Control for an evaluation and treatment plan. Don’t let bed bugs take over your home. Call us today.
