One of the most stressful pests to discover in your home is bed bugs. Although these troublesome insects don't carry or spread diseases, their bites can cause anxiety and fear. They are also extremely hard to eliminate without the help of an exterminator. Keep reading to learn more about bed bugs and what you can do to keep them away from your property.
How To Identify A Bed Bug
Bed bugs have a similar appearance to ticks and mites but are significantly larger. When unfed, adult insects are a mahogany brown color, and after feeding, they become more reddish-brown. Bed bugs have six legs, two antennae, and a pair of non-functional wing pads. A fully-grown bed bug is about a quarter of an inch in size. Young insects, or nymphs, are much smaller and harder to detect with the naked eye. They are also colorless.
What makes bed bugs a worrisome pest is the way they feed on human hosts. One of the most significant signs of a bed bug infestation is noticing bites on your body. These bugs tend to hide out of sight until nighttime, feeding on their victims as they sleep. It is rare for an individual to feel when a bed bug bites them. However, they will feel itchy afterward. Bed bug bites are small, red bumps. They also typically occur in a linear pattern. If you notice these bites on yourself or your family members, it's time to call an exterminator skilled in bed bug pest control near you, like Rescue 1 Pest & Termite Control.
The Symptoms Of A Bed Bug Infestation
Once bed bugs have made their way into your home, they will quickly spread out and hide in every corner. These elusive pests often remain undetected for long periods of time, allowing them to take advantage of their rapid reproductive cycle. This can quickly evolve into a huge problem, so it's important to recognize the signs of a potential infestation.
In addition to spotting bed bug bites on your body, here are some other signs these pests have taken over your property:
- Discovering live bed bugs or nymphs
- Bloodstains on bedding or clothing
- An unpleasant, musty odor that smells like moldy laundry or rust
- Pinhead-sized, white eggs clustered in the seams of furniture, mattresses, or box springs
- Shed bed bug body parts or casings from molting
- Dark brown or black smearing on bedding, mattresses, and clothing (fecal stains)
Contact a pest control professional to get things under control at the first signs of bed bugs in your home.
How Bed Bugs Find Their Way Into Our Homes
Bed bugs are known for being expert travelers. One of the main ways they travel from place to place is by hitching a ride on an unsuspecting passenger on an airplane or mode of public transportation. You can find bed bugs anywhere humans inhabit, including buses, subways, and trains. Public places like theaters and schools may also harbor these pests.
Hotels are notorious for bed bug infestations, so always check your room and bedding thoroughly after checking in. As a precautionary measure, avoid placing luggage and belongings on the floor. Bed bugs also enjoy hiding in antique furniture and other used goods. Always perform a full inspection on any vintage or thrift store items before purchasing or leaving the store.
How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Your Home For Good
Rescue 1 Pest & Termite Control has been a leading provider of pest control in New Haven County since 2017. We have over 30 years of combined experience keeping area properties pest-free. We'll begin bed bug treatment in your home with a thorough inspection to fully diagnose the problem. Afterward, we'll come up with a customized solution to eliminate existing bugs and prevent them from returning. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.