It’s no secret; when it comes to home-invading pests, bed bugs are some of the most difficult to get rid of. What’s worse, the longer they are allowed to exist in a home, the harder the infestation becomes to control and eliminate. Therefore, if you want to limit your exposure to these parasitic pests, you need to be able to identify the signs of a bed bug infestation in your Dallas home so that you can nip it in the bud before it’s too late. Don’t let bed bugs take over your home. Learn the signs of an infestation now.
The Bed Bug Need-to-Knows
Bed bugs are small ovular bugs that are sometimes compared to apple seeds because of their shape and reddish-brown color. Although their bodies are flat before feeding, bed bugs will swell up and turn to a deep reddish-purple after feeding.
Bed bugs are parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and some birds, although their favorite source of food is humans. As such, bed bugs like to hang out in areas that have a lot of people coming and going on a daily basis such as transportation hubs, lodging establishments, schools, and hospitals. These areas are known to be bed bug hotspots.
The most common way for bed bugs to get into a home is by hitching a ride on an unsuspecting human who has picked up the pests in a bed bug hotspot and then transported them back to the home. Because of this, bed bugs are sometimes referred to as blood-sucking hitchhikers. Additionally, you should always exercise caution when venturing into bed bug hotspots. This means not sitting directly on the ground; refraining from placing your belongings on the ground; and inspecting hotel rooms for bed bugs before using them.
Once in a home, bed bugs will usually nest around beds and in mattresses and box springs. This is because bed bugs are nocturnal, and these locations provide them with easy access to sleeping humans upon whom they can feed. Although a bed bug infestation may start around a bed, if they are not dealt with promptly, they can spread throughout the home, which makes removing them even more challenging.
Signs Of A Bed Bug Infestation
More often than not, the first sign of a bed bug infestation is the appearance of bite marks somewhere on your body, especially after sleeping in your bed. The bites can leave itchy red welts, and they are usually in a linear formation rather than randomly placed. If you do have bed bug bites on your body, be mindful not to scratch them as this can lead to secondary infections.
In addition, to bite marks on your body, there are other signs that you can look for to see if bed bugs have invaded your home. These include:
Rust-like stains from bed bug feces on your bed sheets or pillowcases.
Bloodstains on your bedding or other upholstered furniture.
A musty odor coming from around your bed or upholstered furniture.
The appearance of bed bug exoskeletons on your bedding, mattresses, or furniture.
What To Do If You Spot Bed Bug Signs In You Home
Remember, when it comes to preventing the spread of bed bugs in a home, time is a factor. Therefore, if you notice any of the signs of a bed bug infestation in your home, don’t delay, and contact the trained professionals here at Addison Pest Control right away to discuss your bed bug control options.
Here at Addison Pest Control, our certified technicians are fully equipped with the requisite experience and expertise to effectively eliminate any bed bug infestation with which you are currently dealing. So, don’t lose any sleep over these parasitic pests. Give us a call today.