You may recall when you were a kid and your parents would tell you “Goodnight, Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite”. This little saying could not be truer for some residents of the Collinsville, IL area. These annoying pests are found in warm and semi-dark areas; however, they are commonly found in bedding and on mattresses. They are nearly invisible to most human sites; these micro pests are able to thrive almost anywhere. They are especially prevalent in college dormitories, hotel rooms, and even in your own home.
How Do You Properly Identify a Bed Bug?
Bed bugs can be hard to identify as they are small and sneaky. It can be hard to catch an infestation, as you may not notice it until it becomes a larger problem. Here are some things to look out for when trying to spot one of these pests in your home:
- Color: Reddish-brown or brown
- Size: 1/4 of an inch long (comparable to an apple seed)
- Shape: Oval, long, and flat
- Other Features: Six legs and two antennae
Also, the younger pests or eggs can end up having a smaller size and are a more milk-white color.
If you are unable to properly identify these small creatures, you may instead notice some of the things that they leave behind. Check for signs of:
- Bed Bug Bites on a Pet or Person
- Dark Spots (a common sign of feces)
- Reddish or Rust-colored stains on mattresses.
Although a bite may not be the best way to identify an infestation, as they can be confused with mosquito bites. The bites cause an itching sensation, and they do not cause any known infections or diseases.
How to Prevent Them from Entering Your Home?
Since the number of reasons that you find bed bugs in your home is previously infected people or furniture, we have listed some precautions that you should take in order to prevent these pests from getting into your home.
- Inspect Secondhand Furniture: When you buy secondhand furniture you can be saving a ton of money. However, sometimes previous owners of these furniture pieces may have had a bed bug problem. Make sure to check along the seams of upholstery, and do not purchase a mattress secondhand.
- Make Sure to Regularly Check Bedding: This does not have to be a task you do every day, but when you wash your bedding, make sure to take the time and inspect the current state of your bed. If you see signs of these pests, remove your bedding and place it in the washer on the highest heat and cycle setting that your bedding will allow. The water and heat combination should kill all of the bugs that may be hiding in your bedding.
If you find signs of a bed bug infestation in your home, make sure to give our team at Brady Pest & Termite Management a call today!
