Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to remove. Once infested, these pests can be found in beds, furniture, clothing, and more! If you suspect that you have bed bugs, it’s best to identify them and act quick. Here’s a breakdown of common bed bug signs, where they came from, and how you can prevent them.
What Are Bed Bug Signs?
First, what are bed bugs? Bed bugs are flat, Appleseed-sized insects with a horizontal ridge across their body. These pests don’t have wings but can move extremely fast. A major sign you have bed bugs is mosquito-like bites all over your skin after sleeping. Noticing that your sheets, mattress, or both have rusty, reddish-brown stains is a common bed bug sign. These stains indicate that a bed bug has been crushed. Other signs include spotting their eggs or eggshells (around 1 mm in size), their yellow skins shed by the nymphs, and live bed bugs.
Where Did They Come From?
Notorious for hitchhiking and traveling long distances, bed bugs will latch onto clothes, second-hand furniture, linens, and suitcases. This makes the spread of these pests extremely easy. Hotel rooms are a common place bed bugs infest, as there are plenty of people coming and going. It’s essential to thoroughly inspect the hotel beds and pillows before sleeping at a hotel.
What Should I Do If I Have Bed Bugs?
If you have a bed bug infestation, it’s best to get rid of them immediately. A common do-it-yourself method is utilizing heat and chemicals. Since bed bugs don’t prefer hot temperatures, throwing the infested items in a dryer on high heat could remove them. While this can help to an extent, for a larger infestation, it’s best to contact your local pest control company who can help remove them. These professionals will help you decide the best treatment and prevention plan for your home.
