bed bugs on bed

Bed bugs are external parasites, but unlike similar pests such as fleas and ticks, bed bugs don’t live on the host. However, they tend to place themselves strategically throughout a home for easy access to food, strictly blood meals for bed bugs. This is why this pest is most commonly found around beds. They come out of hiding at night and feed when people are sleeping. Other common locations are in upholstered furniture and around pet beds.

Many people believe bed bugs are too small to see, but the truth is they are about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs have a flat and oval-shaped body that is one-fourth of an inch long. They are reddish, brown but will appear redder and swollen after taking a blood meal.

The Signs Of Infestation

Telltale signs of a bed bug infestation are:

Finding bites that occur in clusters around the face, neck, hands, arms, and shoulders. Bed bug bites are small red bumps that may become irritated.
Along with bites, you may see reddish-brown blood staining on your sheets.
You may also see fecal stringing on your sheets left by the pest.
Bed bug eggs are about 1mm long and white. They are in clusters.
Nymphs look like adult bed bugs but are smaller and bright red.
A musty smell may also accompany a bed bug infestation and will become worse as the infestation does.

You are not likely to see adult bed bugs as the first sign of a problem because they are nocturnal in nature and can hide in small spaces, such as the seams of your bedding. Most Central New York residents can agree that avoiding a bed bug infestation is best, which is why you should be aware of how they start, why they are difficult to prevent, and what the best way to remove them is.

Why Bed Bugs Happen

Bed bug infestations are difficult to prevent because they often start with someone accidentally carrying the pest into a house. Most commonly, bed bugs hitch a ride on second-hand items that came from an infested property. It would be best to constantly inspect and thoroughly clean any items before bringing them into your home.

Bed bugs also get inside by:

Picked up in bags or on clothes from restaurants, schools, theaters, hospitals, and other locations.
Public transportation and hubs can be other areas that bed bugs spread quickly through.
This pest can also hitch a ride in suitcases and luggage if you stay in a hotel or motel.

As stated above, bed bug infestations are difficult to prevent. The best way is by carefully inspecting your belongings before returning home, inspecting your hotel room before putting your bags down, and reducing the number of second-hand items you bring inside. If you think preventing bed bugs is complicated, wait until you are trying to get rid of an infestation on your own; it is nearly impossible to do.

Why Professional Bed Bug Control Is Best

Professional bed bug control is the most efficient way to get rid of an infestation. Professionals target the pest at every life stage to ensure eggs don’t hatch and become a problem.

If you live in Central New York, contact Pestmaster® Services today to get rid of bed bugs in your home. Our bed bug control process includes a thorough inspection to confirm you have a bed bug infestation and how widespread it is. We will treat the whole house or room by room and follow up with services one week after the initial treatment to re-treat if necessary. Call us today at Pestmaster® Services to learn more and get started.