Finding evidence of a bed bug infestation can take a little detective work. In fact, you’ll need a good light source and a little information to identify these apple seed-sized, reddish-brown bloodsuckers. Whether they made their way into your home via luggage, used furniture or some other means, getting rid of bed bugs as quickly as possible will prevent the infestation from worsening. At Advanced IPM, we’ve seen more than our share of bed bugs. Here are some tips.
The Sneaky Bed Bug
Bed bug prevention is the best place to start. Inspecting furniture, both used and new, before bringing it into your home helps to reduce the likelihood of an invasion. Bed bugs often go undetected for long periods of time by hiding in the nooks and crannies of cabinets, shelves, upholstered couches or chairs, and other furnishings. They tend to hide out in groups, usually near where humans sleep. Common spots include baseboards, headboards, and crevices anywhere they can find them.
Call in the Pros
If your attempts at bed bug prevention fail, professional pest control is a must. Bed bugs are often willing to travel as many as 20 feet from their hideouts to feast on the blood of humans or, as a last resort, pets. Younger bed bugs, or nymphs, must feed before molting. Bed bugs molt, or shed their shells, five times during the nymph phase. Raised, red welts, which can be itchy and may appear in a line, may indicate that bed bugs have feasted on your blood. Wash bites with warm, soapy water; apply hydrocortisone cream to prevent itching.
While these bugs are not believed to be disease carriers, allergic reactions can occur. See a doctor if you notice oozing, blistering or a large number of bites. Other signs of a bed bug infestation include shells, dark fecal marks on bedding, and blood spots on your pajamas or clothes.
Bed Bug Control and Prevention
While you can take steps to minimize the risk of bed bugs entering your home, once they are there it is very difficult to get rid of them. That’s when it’s time to turn to the pros at Advanced IPM.
At Advanced IPM, we use a heat treatment to kill bed bugs without damage to your home or belongings. We’ve got the equipment and training to eliminate an infestation without endangering your family or the contents of your home. If you’re in California or Northern Nevada, you can contact Advanced IPM for help. Area residents count on our experienced team of pest control experts to quickly eliminate bed bug infestations in their homes and businesses. Just as importantly, we educate customers on bed bug prevention to ensure their families’ comfort and peace of mind.
