Often, the presence of pests in a home indicates that it’s dirty. This isn’t always true. Unlike rodents or cockroaches, bed bugs are not attracted to dust.
Bed bugs do not search for dirt, dust, or even food as other common pests do in unclean homes. As long as there are hiding places and humans to feed on nearby, bed bugs can infest even the most pristine home.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
If you suspect a bed bug infestation, here are some signs that confirm it:
Droppings
Most pests leave behind droppings, and bed bugs are no exception. Their droppings stain bed linens and can be found under the bed or on the sofa or carpet. They appear in clusters of dark-colored spots that look like rust or ink stains.
Bloodstains
Since bed bugs feed on human blood, they leave behind stains if they get smashed. These bloodstains are easily visible on lighter-colored bed sheets.
Red, Itchy Bite Marks
Bed bugs are nocturnal and feed at night while their human hosts sleep.
Their beak-like mouthpiece pierces the skin and draws blood. During the feeding process, bed bugs also inject saliva into their host. The saliva numbs the host at the time of the bite but later results in an itchy, red bite mark.
Seeing Adult Bed Bugs
Adult bed bugs are usually brown and oval-shaped if they have not fed recently. They look like apple seeds and become reddish-brown after a blood meal.
Eggs, Shells, and Casings
Bed bugs lay one to five eggs a day. These small, milky-white eggs are usually in clusters and surrounded by a sticky substance. You can find them in cracks and crevices or between the headboard and the mattress.
Usually, eggs accompany empty casings. After an egg hatches, the larva will feed on blood and molt. Bed bugs shed their skin casings as they molt. Finding eggs and empty casings is a sign of a bad bed bug infestation.
Bed Bug Myths
When we think about bed bugs, especially if you’ve never had them or known anyone who has, it’s easy to assume they’re a sign of poor hygiene, dangerous, or maybe even easy to treat on your own. Below are the answers to those and other common myths.
Bed Bugs Are a Result of Poor Hygiene
Bed bugs in a home do not mean that home is dirty. They feed on human blood and are not attracted by food or garbage. In fact, they can be transferred into your home through furniture, from traveling, and in many other ways. Once they’re in your home, they can then continue to spread unnoticed for quite some time. Once you notice them, though, it’s important to call a professional right away.
Bed Bugs Are Not Visible to the Naked Eye
While they are incredibly small, bed bugs are insects that are completely visible to the naked eye. However, they hide during the day and only come out at night. Eggs are harder to see but adults resemble an apple seed in size and color which makes them very easy to spot with the naked eye.
Bed Bugs are Dangerous
Bed bugs are not considered dangerous. They don’t cause any known illnesses. The most common issue with bed bugs is itching—at worst, you might have an allergic reaction in the case of a severe infestation.
Bed Bugs Are Only Found Around Beds
This is not true. You can also find bed bugs in walls, ceiling cracks, clothes, bags, and shoes. It’s not uncommon for bed bugs to spread throughout a home and lay eggs in light sockets and other out-of-the-way areas. This is one of the main reasons they’re so challenging to get rid of without professional help.
DIY Treatments Work on Bed Bugs
DIY treatments help reduce the number of bed bugs but are often only a temporary solution. For a more effective solution, call Romney Pest Control. Our professionals can get rid of bed bugs fast and keep them from coming back.
Bed Bug Prevention Tips
Bed bugs are great at hitch-hiking, attaching themselves to anything and anyone, from friends and relatives to public seating and furniture. If you are in a place where bed bugs could be present, be vigilant and avoid any chance for them to latch on to you or your things. Here are some preventative measures:
- Use a sealed plastic bag for laundry items.
- Put your bags on tile flooring or in the bathroom in hotels.
- Beware of adult bed bugs and check for any signs of their presence.
- Use a luggage rack if possible.
- Before bringing a second-hand item into your home, inspect it thoroughly.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
If you discover bed bugs or their droppings in your home, you have to act quickly to eradicate them. Bed bugs are difficult to get rid of, so you should let the experts take care of them for you.
At Romney Pest Control we offer effective and reliable bed bug solutions. Contact us today to get started with a free quote!
