If you suspect you have some unwelcome visitors at your home, it’s time to learn how to get rid of bed bugs so you can get back to living in peace.
If you fear you might have bed bugs, don’t panic; instead, take a deep breath and trust that there are proven methods for extermination. And before you start pointing fingers at the reason behind the infestation, know that fewer than 10 percent of the critters people identify as bed bugs actually are bed bugs.
Although these infestations are relatively uncommon, it still brings peace of mind when you know how to handle them.
Keep reading to learn all about bed bugs and the powerful methods that will stop them in their tracks and get rid of them for good.
What Is a Bed Bug?
Bed bugs have been around for at least 3,300 years and are found in virtually every place people tend to gather, including residences, schools, hotels, offices, stores, and public transportation. These ravenous bugs are most commonly found in beds because they feed on blood and constantly need food.
Bed bugs travel by latching onto clothing, luggage, or linens while enjoying the ride to their destination. Due to their ease of traveling, bed bugs can spread quite easily. Their bites can also be difficult to recognize, making it even easier for an infestation to occur.
Humans are not the only victims of bed bug attacks; bed bugs attach to all warm-blooded animals. When a human host isn’t available, bed bugs will turn to alternate sources, such as dogs, cats, birds, or rodents. They have also been known to hitchhike on a family pet for transportation to humans.
Signs of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are known for their ability to hide, making them difficult to find at first. That being said, it’s essential to understand the warning signs of bed bugs so you can take appropriate action if necessary.
The easiest identifiers of bed bugs are small brown spots on the mattress, furniture, or walls. These little brown spots are bed bug droppings.
Another way to identify bed bugs is by observing the tiny bites they leave on your body. These bites are usually very itchy and will swell when scratched. The problem with relying on bites alone is that they can take up to three days to appear. This precious time can allow the infestation to grow vastly.
Besides bites and fecal droppings, you can find bed bugs by looking for their molt skins, eggs, or eggshells. Additionally, the bug itself can be seen with the naked eye. Bed bugs are tiny and oval-shaped. Before eating, they’re brown-colored, but afterward, they appear plump and red. Adult bed bugs are the easiest to spot, but babies can also be seen if you look hard enough.
Uncommon Places To Find Bed Bugs
When you find yourself infested with bed bugs, look to the source to eradicate the problem. We’ve already discussed the most common locations for bed bugs to hibernate, but here are some lesser-known places they can be found:
- Stuffed animals – Many children like to travel with their stuffed animals, but they can, unfortunately, be a carrier of bed bugs. Wash stuffed animals frequently in hot water to protect yourself from a potential infestation.
- Fluorescent light bulbs – This hideout is less common, but fluorescent light bulbs provide many hiding places for bed bugs.
- Purses – When shopping or traveling, bed bugs can attach themselves to purses. Typically, they latch on when a purse is set down on the ground for a moment.
- School buses – School buses are another lesser-known area where bed bugs like to congregate. Buses are filled with children who have been to many different places. After hitching a ride on a child, they could hop off and decide to continue their journey with another student.
How To Eradicate Bed Bugs
If you’ve found bed bugs in your home or elsewhere, don’t panic; we’re here to help. If you want to get rid of bed bugs, the first step is finding the source of the infestation. To do so, grab a flashlight and check the following areas closely:
- The seam of your carpet
- Between couch cushions and couch seams
- The seams of your mattress and box spring
- Any cracks in your bed frame or headboard
Use the information mentioned above to spot signs of bed bugs and identify their sneaky location.
The second step is to contain the bed bugs. Containing these pests begins with vacuuming the bugs in the affected areas, dumping the contents into a sealed bag, and disposing of them. This won’t eliminate the problem, but it can help stop the infestation from growing. After vacuuming, wash any blankets or bed sheets in hot water to get rid of any eggs.
After containment, now is the time to kill the bugs. Pesticides are the most common at-home remedy to kill these persistent bugs. Most pesticides are cheap and non-toxic to people and pets.
Occasionally, bed bugs can be immune to certain pesticides. In this case, bug bombs can be an effective alternative. Bug bombs are very efficient but are toxic to humans and animals. When you use them, you’ll need to leave the home while it gets the job done.
Let Summit Lawn & Pest Control Eradicate Your Pests
If you need to get rid of bed bugs in your home, the experts at Summit Lawn & Pest Control are here to save the day. We have a passion for providing fast and affordable home lawn care and pest control services, so you can focus on enjoying your home and yard instead of worrying about pesky insects and bugs.Contact us today if you’re looking for a pest control company with an excellent track record! We’re happy to answer any questions you might have and help you schedule your free assessment. We serve Lehi, American Fork, Provo, Spanish Fork, and all other cities in Utah County, Utah. We look forward to hearing from you!
