Bed bugs are small, oval shape, brownish insects that cause itching. These parasitic insects are often found in bedrooms and make your mattresses their home. They feed on blood (humans and pets) while people are sleeping. Adult bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed and have flat bodies. However, their bodies swell and turn reddish after feeding on blood.
In this article, we have covered some common questions about bed bugs. This information will surely help you get rid of these parasitic insects.
What are the signs of bed bugs?
The most common sign of bed bugs is bloodstains. Since they feed on blood, they often get crushed and thus leave stains on bed sheets. You can also identify a bed bug infestation after sighting droppings or an adult bedbug.
How to identify a bed bug?
Adult bed bugs are thin, flat, and about 6mm in size. As highlighted, they are brownish insects that are hard to see. However, you can easily sight them against a dark background. Their eggs are pearly white and range around 1mm in size. The larvae are usually creamy in color and turn reddish after feeding.
Are bed bugs harmful to your health?
Surprisingly, bed bugs are not a common disease spreader. However, they might transmit secondary bacterial infections as they feed on both humans and animals. The most harmful impact of bedbugs is psychological as they cause mental stress. Their bites can cause itching and irritation resulting in restless sleep at night.
Is a bed bug bite harmful?
Most people do not feel any pain as a result of Bed bug biting. It only causes harm when the biting area develops a blister or welt. However, the blisters or welts may lead to swelling, inflammation, or secondary bacterial infection.
How do you know if you have been bitten by bed bugs?
As highlighted most people do not experience a body reaction. The most a person can experience is a reddish itchy lump. The lumps can form in a cluster and range in size from 0.5 to 1cm. However, it is not possible to tell whether the blister is a result of bed bug biting. Other insect bites can also be the reason for a welt.
How long do bed bugs live?
Bed bugs can survive on their own for a long period of time. The lifespan of a bed bug varies depending on gender as females tend to live longer. Still, an average bedbug can live up to more than a year.
How fast do bed bugs reproduce?
Bed bugs reproduce quickly as a female insect can lay up to five eggs a day. Each egg will hatch within two weeks which means a bed bug infestation can escalate expeditiously. If you do not address the bed bug infestation right away, just two insects can reproduce more than 13000 bed bugs in six months
How do bed bugs spread?
Bed bugs tend to stay in your bed but lack of a host can make them travel. They can migrate to nearby rooms in search of a host. Since they do not have wings, they crawl from one place to another. However, the most common way of bed bug spread is through the movement of infested items.
Bed bugs are often names hitchhikers as they hide in luggage or clothes. Thus, when a person moves, these parasite insects travel with him/her.
What are common hiding places of bed bugs?
Although named bed bugs, these insects tend to disperse after feeding. They can be found anywhere within the six feet radius of the host. These parasites tend to hide in cracks, electronics outlets, under wallpaper edges, and in carpet edges. However, you can also found them hiding in box springs, mattresses, and headboards.
How to get rid of bed bugs at home?
Getting rid of bed bugs can be hard and a time taking process. So, the best way to avoid an infestation is prevention. You must check your hotel room for a beg bug infestation if you are staying outside. After traveling, launder your clothes with warm water and clean your luggage properly.
Can you get rid of bed bugs on your own?
Yes, you can get rid of bedbugs on your own, but it is a challenging task. This also depends on the degree of infestations as you can control a severe infestation. You can use a properly labeled insecticide after consultation. Using strong scented essential oils can also help you keep bedbugs away from your bedroom.
You can also use steam to kill bed bugs by following recommended instructions. However, this will require specific equipment and a certain level of expertise.
Should you hire pest control services for bed bug infestation?
It is wide to hire a good pest control company if the bed bug infestation is beyond moderate level. A severe infestation might require multiple methods and insecticide products. This can be frustrating as well as challenging for a homeowner. That’s why we recommend you contact specialized exterminators with proper skills and equipment.
