Good night; sleep tight; don't let the bed bugs bite!

Good night; sleep tight; don’t let the bed bugs bite!

We’ve all heard the rhyme at some point in our lives. But could we all recognize a bed bug when we’ve seen one? Learn more about these hitchhikers, how to prevent them, and what to do if you’ve found yourself sharing a room with them.

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans. Adult bed bugs look similar to an apple seed, and are reddish-brown in color. Bed bug nymphs differ from adults in that they are often much smaller (1 millimeter) and may appear clear or tan in color. There have been cases where Carpet Beetles have been mistaken for bed bugs. If you look for signs of bed bugs, but can’t seem to find any, Carpet Beetle larvae could be the culprit. 

How do you get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are extremely adept hitchhikers. They travel in luggage, on clothing, and inside furniture or other items that have been in infested areas. Bed bugs aren’t limited to just homes and hotel rooms. They can be found in train cars, office buildings, and airplanes, too. Other places where people are at rest for a period of time are at risk, too. In multiple unit housing facilities (apartments, town homes, etc.), bed bugs will often infest surrounding units and will readily travel 5-20 feet from an established harborage to feed on a host.

How do I know if I have Bed Bugs?

The first sign of a possible bed bug infestation are small bites on your body. Another common sign is the presence of dark ink-like stains on the mattress or bedding materials and on furniture itself. Skins that are shed from bed bugs during the molting process may also be found near to where they hide. It’s important to note, however, that while some people show symptoms resulting from bed bug bites, many will observe no symptoms at all.

While bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, they are most active at night, and due to their nature, they are often not seen during the day. Because they are small and flat, bed bugs are able to squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices on mattresses and box springs, behind headboards, and inside furniture, sometimes making them virtually undetectable.

How do I get rid of Bed Bugs?

Getting rid of bed bugs on your own will never be as effective as seeking the help of a professional pest management provider. At American Pest, we understand how stressful having bed bugs can be. If you suspect that bed bugs are the cause for itchy, red welts on your skin, don’t panic. Rest assured that the professionals at American Pest can walk you through the treatment process. To schedule an inspection, contact American Pest today.