What are bed bugs? Bed bugs are small insects with a flat, oval-style body that primarily feed on human blood—typically while their victims sleep. Bed bugs are a common concern in homes, hotels, dormitories, and other settings. Prevalent in the U.S. before World War II, bed bugs largely vanished as more effective pesticides entered the market; however, these pests reemerged in the 1990s.
Do you suspect a problem with bed bugs? A professional Hampton Roads pest control company understands how you get rid of bed bugs efficiently and is the recommended course of action for these concerns.
Easy-To-Spot Signs Of Bed Bugs In Your Home
Are you wondering how to spot bed bugs and the possible signs that indicate their presence? Some of the indications that suggest a problem include:
- Look for minor red blood stains or dark smears of excrement on pillowcases, sheets, and other bedding materials.
- Bed bugs generate small white eggs that you will often find in the bed area.
- A musty odor commonly develops.
- A small line of small red bites on your skin
Bed bugs are largely nocturnal pests that remain hidden during the day and emerge at night. They will typically find crevices below baseboards or burrow into clothing, rugs, or other materials and go undetected.
The Symptoms Of A Bed Bug Bite
Fortunately, bed bugs will not spread diseases in a manner that others, such as fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes, may. When bed bugs approach a human or animal seeking a blood meal, they pierce the skin and excrete a substance that has an anesthetic effect, which usually ensures the victim will not detect the activity of the bug. Although many bed bug bites result in very minimal symptoms, other individuals will notice tiny red marks that often itch and swell.
Bite victims should avoid scratching excessively at areas of irritated skin, as this action might open a small wound that is susceptible to secondary infection. Bed bugs may potentially bite any areas of the body but usually choose the regions such as the face, arms, or legs. They may not pursue a blood meal every night and will potentially go days or weeks between feedings.
Bite victims that experience adverse symptoms may apply topical creams that reduce the itching or an oral antihistamine. Many people also find that using ice on the irritated area of the skin will provide some relief.
Why DIY Bed Bug Control Is A Waste Of Time And Money
Although often marketed as “simple and easy” solutions to bed bug invasions, many do-it-yourself options sold in local retail stores are insufficient against larger, more developed bed bug infestations that have expanded within interior areas of a home. Many of these mass-marketed products, including aerosol sprays, traps, and bait stations, will generate short-term results and could contain harmful chemical mixtures.
A local pest control company has the proper equipment for successfully ousting bed bugs from the property.
Call The Pros At The First Sign Of Bed Bugs In Your Home
The specialists with PESTOUT know how to deal with bed bugs that infiltrate homes and will explain the best ways how to avoid bed bugs. Keep in mind that our technicians inspect the hard-to-reach areas within walls where these creatures might hide. Our experts use many of the latest treatment options that exist in the market today that are both safe and effective. We always back the quality of our work with a satisfaction guarantee.
We invite you to contact our team today for a consultation. Remember to inquire about our various year-round pest control plans, such as our Four-Season Quarterly Service and Special Winter Service offerings that ensure your property remains free of pests.