Bed bug biting skin When people think of bed bugs, they often imagine small, blood-feeding creatures that bite people while they sleep, and this description is quite accurate. Given their name, it’s easy to assume that bed bugs only live in mattresses and other bedding, however, this is a misconception. The truth is that it’s not just dwellings with beds that can have these pests. Bed bugs can be found in many places including all kinds of Reno businesses.

While bed bugs do often infest bedding, they can also live on all kinds of upholstered furniture such as chairs and couches as well as in curtains and even tiny cracks in walls. Because of this, businesses including hotels, healthcare facilities, laundromats, retail, and many more can have bed bug infestations.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are tiny pests, but they can be seen with the human eye. You aren’t likely to notice bed bug infestations while you're out and about unless you're paying very close attention. But, if you do suspect your home or business could be infested, you can look out for tiny, reddish-brown bugs that are about the size and shape of an apple seed when fully grown.

How Do Bed Bugs Get Around?

Unlike some pests, like ticks, bed bugs don’t attach themselves to a living host to move around, but they do act as hitchhikers of sorts. They can grab a ride on all kinds of items such as backpacks, purses, and luggage, and from there they can be brought into homes, apartments, businesses, and more.

Because of the way they are spread, bed bug infestations are common in many places. And, while they generally prefer beds, even businesses without furniture can have an infestation. Some places are generally known as bed bug hot spots and are common locations to find infestations. These places include hotels, airports, bus stations, offices, gyms, shopping centers, schools, libraries, and some healthcare facilities.

Common Signs Of Bed Bugs

To identify bed bug infestations early on, it’s a good idea to know some early signs of an infestation, especially those that are specific to businesses. Some of the most common bed bug indicators include:

Brown smear marks are often indicators of bed bugs. These can be found on walls, around upholstered furniture, or even near electrical sockets as this is a place bed bugs can hide.
Bite marks are another. Pay attention to employees and if they have reported any bites appearing. Bed bug bite marks are small and often appear in a line or zig-zag pattern.
Finally, strange, musty odors can indicate bed bugs.

It’s also a good idea to tell employees to be on the lookout for bed bugs at home as well as in the workplace as an infestation in an employee’s home could lead to bed bugs being brought into work.

What Should You Do If You Have Bed Bugs In Your Business?

For both home and business owners, the truth is that bed bugs are a difficult pest to prevent because they can be picked up in so many places and spread around so easily. If you are dealing with a bed bug infestation in your Reno, Nevada business, let the experts at Pestmaster® Services take care of the problem.

Our commercial pest control options will completely eradicate the bed bug infestation, and we can also provide ongoing assistance to keep them from coming back. Reach out to us today to request your free quote and get started protecting your business.