Bed bugs are common unwelcome insects that pest control companies often treat. Similar to ticks and fleas, bed bugs primarily feed on blood from animals and humans. These insects are the most active at night and generally avoid coming out during the day to help keep themselves hidden and their preference is to be out of the light. Bed bugs can sometimes be difficult to spot as they are usually around four to five millimeters in length. These small bugs have a flat, oval-shaped body and are very good at hiding in small cracks and crevices.
Bed bugs have the amazing ability to move from one location to the next. Bed bugs are incredibly good at clinging onto clothing, furniture, luggage, or other items that brush past them. This allows bed bugs to travel to various locations and contributes to their rapid spread. Bed bugs are known for their resilience in being able to survive in most conditions. Bed bugs are not typically affected by harsh weather conditions or extreme temperatures. They also can survive several months without a blood meal. This makes it possible for bed bugs to remain hidden until their next host appears.
If you think you may have bed bugs in your home, it is important to do a thorough inspection. Some common signs you can look for are fecal stains on bedding, walls, or mattresses, skin sheds, or live bugs. Oftentimes, bed bugs will create a habitat in small cracks near a bed or sleeping area as they tend to hide and wait for their host to sleep. The first step you can do is to clean all infested bedding, clothing, and fabrics in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting. This will kill bed bugs at all stages of life. While your items are being washed, thoroughly clean and vacuum the area and any surrounding areas. While washing and cleaning can help minimize the number of bugs, it may not guarantee getting rid of all of them.
For extra measures and precautions, using items such as a mattress cover can help prevent bed bugs from surfacing from your mattress. These protective covers trap any existing bed bugs inside and prevent new ones from infesting the mattress. When buying bedding second-hand, it is best to complete a thorough inspection and/or cleansing before bringing the item inside. Always be aware of where your item is coming from and any physical signs you can see on the item(s).
While there are always at-home methods you can perform, the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs in your home is through professional treatments. At Insight Pest Solutions, we use a chemical that kills bed bugs at all stages of life and is also guaranteed kid and pet-friendly. If you are worried about bed bugs in your home, call our office today to set up a bed bug specialty treatment!
