What Should I Do if I Just Found Out I Have Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are one of the most dreaded pests that can invade your home. Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, but they can cause several health problems, including skin rashes, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. However, if you think you might have bed bugs, don't panic! There are some simple steps you can take to get rid of them.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on human blood.  They are reddish-brown in color, oval in shape, and about 1/4 of an inch long. Bedbugs are active at night and hide during the day in cracks and crevices, such as beds, mattresses, headboards, dressers, baseboards, and behind pictures. Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, but they can cause itching and swelling in some people. If you think you have bed bugs, it is important to contact a pest control professional for treatment.

Signs of bed bug infestation:

1. Bloodstains on sheets or pillowcases

2. Rust-colored spots on bedding or furniture (this is bedbug feces)

3. Tiny black dots on walls or ceilings (bedbugs leave behind small droppings)

4. Small, reddish-brown bugs in cracks and crevices.

5. Tiny, brown eggs on surfaces near where people sleep.

6. A sweet, musty odor coming from infested furniture.

7. Black streaks or smears on walls or mattresses.

8. Itchy, red bites on the skin that may appear in a line or cluster.

Getting rid of bed bugs

Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pests to get rid of. They are small, secretive, and can live for up to a year without feeding. If you think you have bed bugs, here are some tips to help you eliminate them.

• First, clean all infested areas thoroughly. This includes vacuuming all cracks and crevices, washing all bedding and clothing in hot water, and steaming furniture.

• Next, use a product that contains an insecticide explicitly designed for bed bugs. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and apply it to all areas where bed bugs may be hiding.

• Finally, monitor the situation closely and be patient. It may take several weeks or even months to eliminate all the bed bugs completely. But if you stick with it, this can be effective.

Preventing bed bug infestations

These pests are notoriously difficult to control once they become established in a home, so it is vital to take steps to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Some ways to avoid bed bug infestations include:

1. Keep your home clean and clutter-free. Bedbugs are attracted to dirt and cluttered environments, so a clean and organized home is less likely to be attractive to them.

2. Inspect secondhand furniture and clothing before bringing it into your home. Bedbugs can hitchhike into your home on used furniture and clothing, so it’s important to inspect these items carefully before bringing them inside.

3. Vacuum regularly and empty the vacuum bag after each use. This will help to remove any bed bugs that may be present in your home.

4. Be aware when using laundry mats. Bed bugs can easily hitch a ride on laundry items and spread. To avoid introducing bed bugs into your home, inspect your laundry before taking it into the laundry mat. Look for signs of bedbugs, such as small brown spots or red welts on your clothing. If you see any suspicious marks, do not put the item in the washer or dryer. Instead, wash it in hot water at home and dry it on high heat.

In conclusion, bed bugs are definitely creepy and can be a real pain to deal with. But don't worry, Environmentally Considered Pest Control is here to help! We'll get rid of those bed bugs for you so you can sleep soundly again. Give us a call today!