Bed bugs travel quickly from one location to another, often hiding in clothing and suitcases. As a result, they are showing up in new places throughout the US every day.
Here in Dallas, we're no strangers to these parasitic pests, and learning to identify a potential bed bug infestation can be the first step to effective pest control in Dallas homes.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Typically Look Like?
It's not uncommon for people to mistake bed bug bites for mosquito bites or other rashes.
Most people bitten by bed bugs will tell you that the bites are red and itchy but not painful. Other people may experience some pain, soreness, or burning when bed bugs bite them.
Bed bug bites often appear in groups of three or four. These clusters may be redder than other insect bites and will take longer to heal than most bug bites.
How Bed Bugs Travel And Can Infest Your Dallas Home
Since bed bugs can't fly or jump, they crawl from one place to another. They usually come into your home by crawling into suitcases or clothing left behind after a trip.
You can also introduce bed bugs into your home through used furniture or by visiting a friend or family member who has an infestation. They can also hitch a ride in purses, diaper bags, or strollers, then crawl out when someone puts the bag down somewhere, like their car seat or sofa.
Many people don't know they have bed bugs until the problem has gotten out of hand, and they start seeing bites on themselves or their children. By this time, you may have a considerable number of bed bugs living in your house! When it gets to that point, Dallas homeowners need to consider pest control to kill bed bugs.
Can Bed Bugs Be Dangerous?
Bed bugs do not transmit any diseases. The bites themselves are not dangerous, but they can be very itchy and uncomfortable. You should avoid scratching them too much because the bites could become infected.
In rare instances, some people can have an allergic reaction to bed bug bites.
Bed Bug Allergy Symptoms:
- Itchy skin rash (hives)
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, or throat
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
Any number of chemicals found in the pests' saliva can trigger symptoms of a bed bug allergy, and people often experience widely varying reactions.
The itching may be caused by an anticoagulant the bed bugs inject into you to keep your blood flowing while they feed, or it might be a reaction to being punctured by their feeding tube, called a stylet fascicle.
The Best Bed Bug Control Method For Dallas Homes
Bed bugs are a common problem in Dallas homes. These parasites can spread to any part of the house and can be challenging to eliminate. Bed bug control techniques for your home should include professional services.
While you can do things to help prevent bed bugs from entering your home, if you already have them, you need local pest control for bed bugs. Our team at Addison Pest Control has been helping people with their bed bug issues for years, so we know what it takes to get rid of these pests. We offer a variety of services that can help you get rid of your infestation. Addison Pest Control offers free estimates and inspections; contact us today!
We'll come to your home and inspect it for signs of bed bugs. If there are any, we'll use our state-of-the-art treatment process to get rid of them safely. Call us today to learn how pest control can kill bed bugs.