It's likely that at some point in your life, you've heard the phrase "don't let the bed bugs bite". This is usually in reference to getting a good night's sleep, but in this article, we're going to look at this phrase a little more literally. Let's take a look at how to identify bed bugs and how to avoid them in your home so you can keep those bed bugs from biting.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs are dark mahogany after a blood meal, and the eggs are small; approximately one millimeter The smaller bed bugs, or nymphs, are smaller versions of the adults. They require a blood meal in order to reproduce. Their bites become itchy welts; however, they are not known to transmit any diseases.
Bed Bug Habits
Since bed bugs are almost as flat as a piece of paper, they can hang out in almost any crack or crevice. Some of these places are tufts and folds of the mattress, headboard cracks and crevices, box springs, screw holes, behind wallpaper, chips of paint, electrical outlet covers, inside picture frames, and under carpeting, just to name a few. In fact, there are very few places bed bugs can’t hide.
These bugs are nocturnal (active at night) and feed on any warm-bodied animal, which includes us. They live close to their blood meal and are mostly found near beds, cribs, or other sleeping places. However, they are also seen in furniture, TVs, cable boxes, and luggage; you name and it, and they can be there. It is important to understand that bed bug infestations are not associated with unsanitary conditions.
How Can I Prevent Bed Bugs?
Being aware of your surroundings can prevent bed bugs. First, you need to steer away from used mattresses or box springs. Bed bugs are known hitchhikers. If these used mattresses/box springs were exposed to bed bugs before being purchased, there is a good chance you will see them too. Used mattresses and box springs increase your risk of having bed bugs. Secondly, when traveling, be careful of where you stay because they might have bed bugs. If you sleep at places known to have bed bugs, your risk increases. These bugs can easily crawl into your luggage, backpacks, and travel bags and can be brought back home with you. Make sure you know what to look for and how to protect yourself from bed bugs while traveling.
If you think you may have bed bugs in your home or business, contact Parkway Pest Services today to find out how we can help rid your home of these pests. We offer effective bed bug extermination services to help resolve bed bug problems.