How to Tell if You Have Bed Bugs
Have you ever woken up with bites on your skin that you can’t explain? If so, you may be wondering if you have bed bugs. Read on for a guide on how to tell if you have bed bugs, as well as what to do about them.
Bed bugs are small, flightless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. These pests are usually active at night and hide in cracks and crevices during the day. Bed bugs are found in a variety of places, including homes, apartments, hotels, and even hospitals. While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable.
Signs You May Have Bed Bugs
The first step in addressing a potential bed bug infestation is to identify the signs that you may have bed bugs. These include:
- Bites on the skin that appear in a line or cluster – these bites are often itchy and can resemble mosquito bites or hives.
- Dark or reddish stains on your sheets or mattress – these stains are caused by bed bug feces and can be an indication that there is an infestation in your home.
- White egg casings or molted skin sheds – these may be found in cracks and crevices where bed bugs are hiding during the day.
- A sweet, musty smell – this smell is caused by the bed bug scent glands and may be an indication that there is a large infestation present.
If you detect any of these, it’s critical to act right away. The sooner you address an infestation, the easier it will be to kill bed bugs.
How to Check for Bed Bugs?
Once you’ve determined that there is a possibility you have bed bugs, it’s time to start checking for them. Be sure to check the following:
- In the folds of your mattress
- Underneath your sheets
- In the cracks of your headboard
- Behind wall hangings
- In any other cracks or crevices in your bedroom furniture
If you see any bed bugs or evidence of them (e.g., bites on your skin, fecal stains), it’s important to take action right away to prevent them from spreading.
What to Do Next
There are a few things you should do if you think you have bed bugs:
- Wash all of your linens and clothing in hot water and dry them on high heat. This will kill any adult bugs or their eggs that may be present.
- Vacuum all areas of your home thoroughly, paying special attention to cracks and crevices where bed bugs may hide during the day.
- Throw out any items that cannot be washed or vacuumed (e.g., stuffed animals, pillows).
- Contact a professional pest control company to treat your home to kill bed bugs. A professional will have access to powerful pesticides that will kill bed bugs living in your home.
How to Kill Bed Bugs
Once you’ve identified an infestation and contacted a professional pest control company, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your situation. This plan may include utilizing pesticides, heat treatments, or freezing temperatures to kill bed bugs present in your home. In some cases, multiple treatments may be necessary to completely eliminate an infestation. Once the treatment plan has been completed, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations from occurring. Some things you can do include:
- Vacuuming regularly
- Washing linens frequently
- Keeping clutter to a minimum
- Inspecting second hand furniture before bringing it into your home
- Regularly checking for signs of bed bugs
Although rare, finding evidence of a potential bed bug issue in your home can be alarming! By taking quick action and implementing some preventative measures moving forward though, getting rid of them –and preventing them from returning –isn’t as difficult as one might think!
Don’t Let Bed Bugs Win!
Looking for a reliable and effective bed bug extermination service? Look no further than the Bed Bug Barbeque! Our team of experienced professionals will work diligently to quickly kill bed bugs present in your home. Contact us today for a free consultation!
