Bed bugs are particularly tricky. They are smart, clever, cunning, and elusive. Worst of all, these pests are incredibly resilient.
Bed bugs can live for several months before they need to feed on a human host again and survive even the coldest and hottest temperatures. While there are some pest control DIY methods that can provide a short-term solution, there is no home remedy for bed bugs.
Do you have a bedbug problem? Here are some signs of an infestation and what you can do to get rid of these bloodsuckers.
If you know you have bed bugs and want them gone ASAP, contact us here!
Why are Bed Bugs Such a Big Problem?
Like we said, bed bugs are pretty resilient. They are smart enough to stay hidden during the daytime and often find shelter in mattress crevices, box springs, baseboards, or other inconspicuous areas. They are often tempted out of their hiding spots by the carbon dioxide we exhale as we sleep at night.
They can also bite you repeatedly, and you’ll never suspect anything. The components in bed bug saliva act as an anesthetic and promote increased blood flow where they are feeding, making the process quick and painless.
How Do You Know If You Have Bed Bugs?
One of the most obvious signs of a bed bug infestation is their bites. If you wake up with itchy areas on your body or find clusters of small red bites, this is likely a sign of bedbugs. Other signs may include:
- Tiny bloodstains on your sheets or pillowcase
- Dark or rusty spots (bed bug excrement) on sheets or mattresses
- Bed bug fecal spots, eggs, or shed skins in the areas that may hide bed bugs
Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped, and brownish in color. They are usually about the size of an apple seed but will grow and take on a reddish hue after they’ve fed.
If you suspect an infestation, check your sheets, mattress, and bed frame for signs of these bugs. Also, check the area around your bed, including nightstands, carpet edges, and even clothing.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
While we always recommend professional pest control if you want a complete and long-lasting solution, bed bug infestations are one of the times this is most important.
If you find bed bugs, one of the first things you can do is wash your sheets, bedding, linens, curtains, and clothes in hot water and dry them on the highest setting. Shoes, stuffed animals, and other items that can’t go in the washer can be tossed in the dryer for 30-40 minutes on high heat.
Vacuum carpets and surfaces where you’ve found or suspect bed bugs. After vacuuming, immediately empty the cleaner bag and place it in an outdoor trash can.
These tips are great starting points, but if you miss even one, the infestation starts all over again.
Waynes has an extensive bed bug treatment process to target and remove any evidence of bed bugs in every room of your home. Our Service Professionals evaluate the extent of the problem and are thorough in treating every potentially infected service.
If you think you might have a bed bug problem, don’t wait! Contact us here or call us today at 866WAYNES1.
