Bed Bugs

Human bed bugs change shape and color as they feed. Photos courtesy Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University.

Bed bugs have been around for many, many years. They are small, flat wingless insects that are reddish-brown in color and approximately one-quarter inch long. They hide during the day on beds, mattress seams, box springs, bed frames and can even hide in cracks in the wall. Bed bugs are small but can move rapidly. Bed bugs like to come out at night and feed on blood. They are not known to spread any diseases to humans however some people can be allergic to their bites.

Bed bugs can enter homes by being transferred through things that were once in an infested area. Such as used furniture from another infested home. They can climb onto luggage from infested hotel rooms and ride back into your home. Purses, backpacks, or any other items that have been placed in an infested area can transfer bed bugs anywhere.

Here are some tips to prevent bed bugs from invading your home. When staying in a hotel, place your bag on a suitcase stand instead of the bed or floor. Keep this rack away from the walls or furniture. When arriving home be sure to wash any clothing or bags taken on the trip right away. Putting them into the hot dryer also helps ensure that you lower the risk of bed bugs surviving. Inspect any furniture before bringing it into the house.

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if you have a bed bug problem as they are amazing at hiding. Thorough inspections are a must in determining if you do have bed bugs. You can recognize them by seeing them, their shed skins, or their droppings in mattress seams. You can also see tiny blood stains on sheets.

Getting rid of a bed bug infestation is not easy, but there are steps you can take to control the problem. You can clean and get rid of any clutter, mainly in bedrooms. Moving the bed away from walls is always a good idea. Vacuuming the entire room including the walls, windows, floors, and beds every day. Make sure to get the sides and seams of mattresses, box springs, and furniture. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag into the outside garbage.

You can also wash sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and bed skirts, then put in the hot dryer for at least thirty minutes. Try using mattress and box spring covers, ones particularly for dust-mite control, and use duct tape over the zippers. Seal any cracks or crevices and any openings where pipes or wires come into the home.

Fighting bed bugs can seem like a never-ending battle. Sometimes you just can not get rid of them on your own. Luckily Allpro Pest Control specializes in these daunting insects. Call us today to get rid of these pesky bugs and become headache-free in your own home. Click here to schedule your appointment today.