Signs of Bed Bugs
Bed bug activity has increased over the last several years, so you’re probably already aware of how tenacious and harmful these pests can be. It’s important to know the bed bug signs in order to catch their presence early and protect your family. Unfortunately, an infestation can happen to anyone.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
This question can leave people pulling their hair out. What do bed bugs look like? Well, they tend to have small, wingless, oval-shaped bodies. They are usually brown and flat but may turn red and be rounder in appearance right after feeding. Adult bed bugs can be seen by the naked eye and measure from four to five mm. They can flatten themselves to the width of a credit card, thus their ability to inhabit almost any crack or crevice in a room, even the head of a screw.
Nymphs (newly hatched bed bugs) are as small as the head of a pin and appear white or tan until they feed. Like ticks, they feed on blood – usually human blood, but they will find other hosts when necessary.
Signs of Bed Bugs
It cannot be overstated how helpful it is to catch a bed bug infestation early. During normal household cleaning and on laundry day, look for tiny reddish or rusty stains on fabric. This could indicate bed bug excrement or crushed bug bodies. Also keep an eye out for the actual bugs themselves and their eggs, eggshells, or the pale-yellow husks that molting nymphs leave behind. When not feeding on you during the night, bed bugs will be found near and within any seam or crack in a room, for instance, cracks where walls meet the floor, within electrical sockets, and around ventilation and plumbing. Also look within the seams, joints, or cracks in furniture, fabric, and mattresses.
And don’t forget to search for signs when traveling. Many people can trace their recent infestation directly from a recent trip. Some simple precautions, such as storing your luggage in the bathroom while traveling and washing all clothes upon return, will protect your home.
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs bites leave signs anywhere on the body where the skin is exposed, such as back, neck, face, arms, or legs. Most people do not feel the bites when they occur but will see the effects within a few days. Luckily, symptoms typically fade after a week or so if no further irritation occurs.
Bites will look fairly round, with redness, itchiness, and inflammation. Discomfort could grow to a burning painful sensation, and people with hypersensitivity may experience hives or blisters. Other bite indicators include zigzag or line patterns of bites, bites that are raised bumps with a clear center, or a bulls-eye pattern with a dark center and lighter swollen skin around it.
Solving a Bed Bug Infestation
Luckily, we now have strong, safe, and highly efficient treatments for eradicating bed bugs, such as comprehensive heat application and even K-9 strategies. Seeking powerful help early on will save you weeks or months of discomfort and stress.
Why Choose Exclusive Pest Control?
EPC is committed to quality pest control. We will provide you and your family with superior care and protection from unwanted pests utilizing state of the art treatment techniques while upholding the highest level of safety standards.
our guarantee
- Highly trained and trustworthy technicians
- Customized Service Plans
- Punctuality
- No Contracts
integrated pest management
The Integrated Pest Management system reduces the negative impacts that may occur on the environment through the use of problem prevention, regular monitoring, correct diagnosis, threshold development, and management methods.
John was very accommodating and went out of his way to satisfy our needs. We intend to keep his service and would highly recommend him to anyone. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Leo W., Goose Creek, SC
For the job I had for EPC I am very satisfied. He has made a huge difference - Unfortunately this house had a roach infestation before, but now we are taking the step to end this nightmare. When I contacted EPC for pest control John was very fast in response, so yes I would refer him to others, prices are good and the service is good as well. John was on time, we are very happy.
Rhonda M., Goose Creek, SC
My experience with Exclusive Pest Control was excellent. John was very professional and friendly. I would use him again and recommend him to others.
Linda J., Goose Creek, SC
John did an excellent job for a very fair price. Highly recommended.
Ben J., Charleston, SC
Being allergic to most bug sprays, I was skeptical about having our yard sprayed. And living in the low country my entire life, I had accepted the fact that mosquitoes are just part of our environment. John came out and sprayed the yard. It was unbelievable! I was literally able to go outside and read a book in the grass. I am a believer!
Laura Watson
John responded immediately by phone and treated my house the next day. He was very professional and advised me with the next steps to take to keep my home protected. I'm a very pleased customer and would hire him again, if needed.
Kelly T., North Charleston, SC
I have been using Exclusive Pest Control for 3 years. We live on the golf course with the marsh behind us. So we have a LOT of mosquitos! John has been wonderful to work with and guarantees his services. Without doubt, I can call on a whim to say the bugs are attacking and he comes to our rescue! I’ve even sent him a text message the day before I am having an event at my home and he is always quick to arrive.
Lisa Cable, Coldwell Banker United
I would highly recommend John McGee and Exclusive Pest Control. They are very thorough and professional. I get reminders when my maintenance is due, instead of a just bill for it and no one ever showing up. He is the only one that has actually kept the mosquitos away. When I need an extra mosquito spray because of all the rain, they are always available to get right out, none of this we’ll be in your area in two weeks.
Darla Hood, Hawaii Destination Expert