Bed bugs are common pests known to hide in couches and mattresses. The National Pest Association states that 92% of infestations are discovered after bites appear. There are many ways to prevent and remove bed bugs from your home.
How Do I Know If I Have Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on blood, leaving behind nasty, itchy bites. They tend to be left in a cluster or line and may be accompanied by a rash. While not dangerous, these bites may cause a severe allergic reaction in some cases. In this instance, it’s advised to seek medical attention.
About the size of an apple seed, these bugs can go undetected for weeks at a time. Some discover an infestation after being bitten. Others have reported a foul odor on their sheets. Signs to look out for include:
- Small Bloodstains
- Reddish Stains
- Fecal Stains
- Eggs
- Shell Casings
These bugs are visible to the naked eye. If you spot a brown, oval-shaped insect on your sheets, it’s time to call pest control.
What Is The Main Cause Of Bed Bugs?
Contrary to common belief, bed bugs aren’t attracted to filth. Clutter only allows them to hide and go undetected. In fact, they can be found in even the cleanest of homes.
Bed bugs are hitchhikers. They can sneak into your home from many places, most notably from:
- Hotels/ Motels
- Public Transport
- Second-hand Stores
- Others’ Homes
- Work
Due to their small size, it’s often difficult to tell where bed bugs may be hiding. Public places are where most people pick up these pests. Bed bugs can hitch a ride on items placed on infected areas, such as luggage in hotel rooms.
Once they’re in your home, you may not notice until you wake up with bites. Be aware of the signs of bed bugs when in public places, and note any musty odors.
How Do You Deter Bed Bugs?
Aside from watching for the signs of these insects in public places, there are several ways to prevent a bed bug infestation in your home. Here are six ways to deter bed bugs:
Store Clothing in Vacuum Sealed Bags
Storing your clothes in vacuum-sealed bags is a good habit when traveling. This will stop bed bugs and other pests from hitching a ride in your luggage. As most cases of bed bugs originate from hotels, this is a good prevention practice.
Vacuum Often
Should bed bugs enter your home, vacuuming can save you from an infestation. Besides mattresses, bed bugs can hide in carpets and couches. After vacuuming, make sure to properly remove the waste so that the bugs don’t find their way back inside.
Clean Cluttered Areas
While messes don’t attract bed bugs, it offers a prime place for them to hide. Clutter against walls is especially at risk for these pests to sneak into. The more cluttered your home, the more difficult it will be to get rid of an infestation should it happen.
Cover Mattress
As their name implies, bed bugs are primarily found in beds. Covering your mattress completely can help protect it from an infestation. Ensure that the coverings are durable and securely cover the mattress. Any folds or holes near the zipper can let in bed bugs.
Check Pets for Bugs
These pests don’t only go after humans. Dogs and cats can carry bed bugs on them, as well. This could not only result in an infestation, but your pets could also get bit up. Regularly check your pets for any signs of bugs before they’re let inside.
Check Secondhand Items
Finally, be sure to thoroughly inspect any secondhand items. Furniture, clothing, and electronics from previous owners could carry bed bugs. A quick check of these items can prevent the need to call pest control.
How Do You Remove Bed Bugs?
Bed bug removal depends on the severity of the infestation. After identifying the areas of infection, you can use a variety of bug sprays and traps to get rid of the pests.
But sometimes the infestation won’t be so easily dealt with. Bed bug pest control can prove difficult with how small the insects are. Contact Apple Pest Control today for a professional inspection and extermination!
