It’s important to prevent bed bug infestations by inspecting second-hand furniture and bedding before bringing them home. When you travel, keep your luggage off the bed and floor. Last but not least, develop the habit of vacuuming and cleaning your property regularly.
Understanding Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be found in many places, including beds, mattresses, and furniture. They feed on human blood, usually at night, and are able to survive for long periods of time without a meal. They are tiny, reddish-brown insects, usually about the size of an apple seed and they can be hard to spot. They can hide in tiny cracks and crevices and can be transported easily in luggage, clothing, and furniture.
While most bed bugs do not spread diseases, they are known to trigger certain health issues. The bites from bed bugs can cause itching, redness, or an allergic reaction. Scratching these bites can lead to secondary skin infections. Additionally, the presence of bed bugs may cause anxiety, stress, and sleep disruption among building occupants.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
- Small black or brown fecal spots, which are bed bug droppings.
- Small white eggs or eggshells, which are about the size of a pinhead. They can be found in the seams of mattresses or other furniture.
- Live bed bugs or their shed exoskeletons in the seams of furniture.
- Blood stains on sheets or mattress covers, which can be caused by crushed bed bugs.
- Bites on the skin, which appear as small, red, itchy welts.
- Sweet, musty odor, which is caused by the pheromones that bed bugs release.
Because not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, the absence of bites doesn’t mean there’s no infestation. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company for help.
Schwartz Exterminating Can Help Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Property
At Schwartz Exterminating, our experienced pest control team can conduct thorough inspections of our customers’ properties and identify potential entry points and areas where pests are active. From baits and traps to pesticides and other humane control methods, our pest control company can deal with any infestations and help you maintain a pest-free environment.
