Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on blood. These wingless, oval-shaped insects are typically a reddish-brown color; however, their coloration becomes redder once they feed. Bed bugs are incredibly small in size, with most bed bugs being about the size of an apple seed.
Bed bugs are notorious “hitchhikers,” meaning it is incredibly easy to pick them up from an infestation site and bring them to your home without realizing it. They can hide in luggage, boxes, clothing, bedding, and more. Within a household or business, bed bugs can travel from an infected room to other rooms in the house with relative ease. Spaces that are small enough to slide a credit card through are typically large enough for bed bugs to hide in, making it difficult to catch these insects at the start of the infestation.
Signs of Infestation and Prevention
Bed bug bites can be an indicator of an infestation. These bites often appear as a line of red bumps or welts. Unlike other parasitic insects, bed bugs do not transmit diseases with their bites; however, bed bug bites can cause other issues. Discomfort, itching, and swelling are common symptoms associated with these bites. While bed bug bites typically appear shortly after the bite is initiated, this isn’t always the case. In some instances, it can take up to 14 days for a mark or welt to appear from a bite. This is why being able to identify other signs of infestation is crucial to get rid of your infestation as soon as possible.
Other indicators include a sweaty or musty smell, small bloodstains on your mattress and/or bedding (pictured on right)), live bugs, and the presence of
small pale eggs. Regularly changing out your bedding and checking your mattress for signs of infestation can be beneficial in identifying early indicators of
infestation. When returning from travel, especially if you suspect you may have been exposed to a bed bug infestation, it is recommended to leave your luggage outside in a safe location for a few days to avoid bringing any stowaway pests into your home.
Importance of Treatment
Attempting to handle a bed bug infestation on your own may seem like a good idea at the time; however, DIY-pest control for an infestation of this kind is never recommended. If bed bug infestations are not properly eliminated, there is a much higher risk of spreading the infestation to other parts of your home or business. Contacting a certified pest control specialist to handle your bed bug infestation is the best way to ensure that your infestation is properly treated.
At Pinpoint Pest Management, our technicians are incredibly experienced in managing bed bug infestations. Our experts will evaluate the extent of your infestation and the locations in which bed bugs are lurking within your home or commercial property. By combining steam treatments with traditional and organic methods, our team at Pinpoint Pest Management will ensure that your bed bug infestation is eliminated.