How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are small, brown bugs about the size of apple seeds. The babies, called nymphs, eat blood meals to complete their life cycles, causing serious problems for humans. On the bright side, they don’t transmit diseases. But on the downside, they can produce three or more generations per year making it essential to take immediate action the second you spot one.
How do bed bugs find their way into your home?
- Traveling from other infested areas
- Hitching a ride on used furniture or other household items
- Moving between rooms in multi-unit buildings, such as hotels and apartments
Once these bugs get in, they will lay hundreds of eggs over a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of an infestation.
Do I have a bed bug infestation?
The following are a few signs that you may have an infestation.
- Blood stains on your bed sheets or pillow case
- Dark, rusty spots on bed sheets, pillowcases, cloths, or walls
- Egg shells and skins where bud bugs hide
- A smelly odor from bug’s scent glans
- Bites that resemble that of a mosquito found in clusters on your body
Start by making sure they don’t enter your home in the first place by implementing a few preventative measures. For example, never bring in mattresses, bed skirts or bed sheets from off the street, which could be infested with them. Additionally, check all used or rented furniture for bedbugs before bringing them in. Finally, keep suitcases off the floor when on vacation and don’t forget to inspect them before leaving.
If you think you may have a bedbug problem, wash your clothes on a hot setting or store them in a bag until you can. Getting rid of bed bugs is a task you don’t want to take on by yourself. These relentless pests can be a real challenge to deal with.
