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All You Need To Know About Bed Bugs
All You Need To Know About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small but very annoying insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They normally have a flat and brown body the size of an apple seed, but after they feed, they swell up and turn a reddish colour. They cannot fly, but they do move really fast over walls, ceilings and other surfaces – which makes them hard to catch.
The female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs over her lifetime, and these are very tiny. So these nasty insects can multiply very fast and quickly invade your home. They need about 1 month to develop fully and be able to produce a new generation.
Luckily for humans, they do not transmit any diseases. Yet they are still unpleasant and nobody wants to have bugs in their home, sucking the blood of their family members and pets. So make sure to call Safeguard Pest Control as soon as you notice any signs of bed bugs.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
There are many ways for these tiny insects to reach your home, whether that is through clothes, luggage or used mattresses that are already infested. Thanks to their flat bodies and small size, they can easily fit into tiny spaces. Compared to other pests like ants or termites, they do not build a nest, but they do like to live in groups.
They prefer to have their own hiding place, which is usually the mattress of the bed, thus their name. They may also be found in box springs, bed frames and other hiding spots on the bed or near it. This allows them to have easy access to humans and bite them during the night.
If they are not taken care of in time, they can spread through the entire room, and even apartment. They will hide in any small hole or protected area. Some people associate bed bugs with dirty homes, but that is just a myth. They only feed on blood and they can be found both in very clean and very dirty rooms.
When Do Bed Bugs Bite?
As already mentioned, these tiny creatures like to crawl out of their hiding spots during the night, when people are sleeping. Once they reach a host, they pierce the skin and use their long beak to suck blood. Their feasting lasts between 3 and 10 minutes, and once they are full they go back to their hiding spot.
The bites of bed bugs do not hurt, but they do transform into itchy welts. Unlike fleas who prefer to bite around the ankles, bed bugs are not fussy eaters and will feed on any exposed parts of the body. The bites of fleas have a red spot in the centre, but those of bed bugs do not.
Bed bugs bites are usually mistaken with mosquito bites. In order to identify the source and be sure about it, you must find the insects first. So if you wake up with red itching spots on your body, make sure to search on the bed, the mattress and nearby hiding spots. Extra precaution is needed when you buy a used mattress, bed or other piece of furniture.
Signs of Infestation
The signs that you may have bed bugs in your home are:
- Red and itchy marks on your body
- Stains of blood on the sheets and pillow cases
- Small spots of bed bug excrements on the sheets, walls or nearby surfaces
- Eggs shells or shed skin
- A musty odour in the room. This happens because of the scent glands of the bed bugs
If you think that your bed is infested, remove the sheets and check for any of the above mentioned signs. Look for the insects themselves, for spots of blood or excrements. Look at the wood framing as well and make sure to inspect every small and hidden area.
Also look inside of books, old radios, carpets and even in some electrical outlets. And don’t forget about the closet, as bed bugs can hide in clothes as well. If you are not sure about being able to detect them or the thought of finding bugs and excrements doesn’t sound too pleasing, then just call a specialist.
Safeguard Pest Control is here to help you detect and get rid of bed bugs once and for all. Our experienced technicians will begin by inspecting your entire home and finding all the sources. Then we will tell you upfront the procedures that need to be done and the total costs.
Treatments for Bed Bugs
Besides the professional treatment that will be applied by our technicians, you should also:
- Clean the bed sheets, curtains, stuffed animals and clothes in hot water. Items that can’t be washed, should be placed in the dryer for at least 30 minutes
- Use a brush to scrub the mattress and then vacuum it. This way you will remove any eggs inside the surface
- Vacuum the bed and the entire room on a regular basis, and then immediately throw away the contents of the vacuum, in an outdoor garbage can
- Cover your mattress or box spring with a tight sealed cover. Do not open it for at least 1 year, because that’s how long these insects can survive without feeding
- Get rid of the clutter around the bed and fix any cracks and holes
- If none of these solutions help, you may need to dispose of the mattress and invest in a new one.
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