Bed bugs are the most persistent pest that can change your peaceful life into a nightmare. Their small size makes them hide easily in small cracks in walls or windows, which is why they are difficult to detect. Their identification at an early stage and quick action measures are required to make your space bug-free. The following are the most common ways to spot and control them.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown pests. They’re nocturnal, so are only visible at night when they come out to suck the blood of human hosts. They are difficult to detect as they are equal to the size of an apple seed. Due to their small size, they can easily hide in the following places:
- Mattresses and bed frames
- Furniture joints and drawer corners
- Baseboards and wall cracks
- Behind picture frames
Signs of Bed Bug Infestation:
- Bite marks:
One of the common signs of bed bug infestation is unexplained red, itchy marks on your body due to their bites. They often appear in lines or clusters. It is initially painless but can become itchy or even worsen later. They can also cause allergic reactions.
- Visual inspection:
One of the most significant methods is to look for bed bugs in dark areas or cracks. They are hard to see as they are the size of an apple seed. They mostly hide in mattresses, box springs, furniture frames, and wall cavities. Make sure to check your luggage and clothes after traveling, as they are most common to bring home while traveling.
- Blood stains:
After sucking blood or due to crushed bed bugs, your bed sheet or pillowcase may have rusty or reddish stains spots.
- Bed bug dropping:
Bed bugs drop their fecal spots as dark and small spots. If you notice any unusual dark spot on your mattress or wall, it’s a clear sign of bed bug infestation.
- Shed skin:
As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeleton with time. You may notice a tiny pale yellow shredded skin near bed bug hiding spots.
- Live sighting:
If infestation is at a large scale, you may notice bed bugs crawling on your mattress, furniture, or walls, usually at night and sometimes during the day, too.
Prevention Method for Bed Bugs:
- Regular cleaning:
Clean your living space regularly. Vacuum floors and carpets daily to remove any bugs. Wash bed-sheets, pillowcases, and clothes in hot water to kill any bed bugs hiding in them.
- Inspect second-hand furniture:
The most common way of invading bed bugs in the home is through second-hand furniture. Due to their small size, they can easily hide in the cervix of chairs, furniture, and bed frames. Be vigilant and thoroughly inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it to your home.
- Be aware after traveling:
Hotels are the most common places for bed bug infestation. Thoroughly inspect your hotel room before setting in. Keep your luggage off the floor or carpet and away from the bed to avoid bed bugs taking a trip to your home. After unpacking your luggage, put your clothes in the washer and wash them with hot water to kill any bed bugs that you might have to bring with you.
- Declutter:
They’re masters of hiding because of their tiny size. So they can easily hide in piles of paper, pipes, and boxes. Remove all the clutter from your home to keep them away from your home.
- Use Bed bug traps and covers:
Bed bug traps are one of the significant methods for bed bug control. They don’t kill them, though, but detect the presence of infestation in your home. Invest in buying mattress covers and pillowcases that are resistant to bed bugs and don’t allow them to move in or out.
Professional Bed Bug Control:
If all your DIY methods attempt to control bed bugs fails, then don’t wait for them to take over your home. You need urgent professional help. Search for a licensed pest exterminator company near you.
ASM Bed bug Control Service:
ASM Pest exterminator makes your search an end. We provide effective and swift service to keep your home bug-free. Our experts provide customized services according to your needs. We use eco-friendly methods to keep your house and environment safe. Our bed bug control services eliminate them and ensure they never make a comeback to your home.
Remember, after identification, quick action is required. You can use DIY methods considering the severity of the infestation. But if you notice any alarming situation, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest exterminator.
Are you deprived of sleep because of this pest? Then what are you waiting for? Call ASM to regain your peaceful sleep!