Bed bugs have existed for millennia and unfortunately coexisted with humans for as long as we've roamed the earth. They are a minuscule quarter of an inch in size, flat and reddish brown in color (unless they've recently fed), and experts at staying out of sight.
A single female will lay hundreds of eggs during its lifetime, which mature into full-grown, ready-to-reproduce bugs that increase the infestation within less than a month.
Bed bugs usually hide in cracks and crevices of the bed or in the bedding itself, coming out at night to feed on human and animal blood (very Bram Staker-like).
If you suspect you might be dealing with a bed bug infestation getting in touch with a Mobile pest control professional is recommended; but first, let's take a look at how to identify a bed bug infestation and how to prevent bed bugs from getting into you Mobile home in the first place.
Easy-To-Spot Signs Of Bed Bugs In Your Home
If you wake up itching from numerous bed bug bites on your body, you might justifiably suspect an infestation. Some of the other signs of bed bugs include:
- Spots of blood on your bedding and your body.
- Bed bug excrement on the wall, bedding, or clothes that are usually dark red or brown.
- Bed bug egg shells and shed skins found in bed bug hiding areas.
- A musty, unpleasant odor that bed bugs produce and excrete from their scent glands.
If you suspect a bed bug infestation in Mobile, immediately strip the bed and check the bedding carefully for bed bugs and their young (nymphs), then follow up by going through the nooks and crevasses of the bed itself.
Next, check the surrounding areas, including inside books, carpets, and clothing.
If you're unsure if the signs are pointing to a bed bug infestation in Mobile, get in touch with a bed bug pest control professional near you. They'll be happy to point you in the right direction to get the situation under control.
The Problems A Bed Bug Infestation Can Create In Your House
While bed bugs are not known to transfer any contagious diseases to humans or the animals they prey on, allergic reactions are very common.
You can identify a bed bug bite by paying attention to the following symptoms around the affected area:
- Swelling and reddish welts on the skin
- Itching or burning sensation
- Bed bug bite rash or straight lines on the site of multiple bites.
If you suspect that you have received multiple bites and have blisters, swelling, or any other signs of a severe allergic reaction, contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
Recent studies identified a connection between bed bug bites and allergic reactions, including asthma, so if you are known to have asthmatic episodes, a bed bug infestation presents additional risks.
Bed bug bites can easily get infected, so if you suspect bed bug bites, an application of antiseptic cream is a good idea. Antihistamines can help with itching and inflammation.
All The Ways Bed Bugs Can Get Into Your Home
Thanks to their flattened bodies, bed bugs can fit through barely noticeable cracks and crevices, and while they don't usually travel far on their own, it's very easy to bring them into your home unknowingly.
The following are just a few ways these crafty blood-feeding pests can find you and smuggle themselves into your home:
- Used clothing
- Secondhand furniture and appliances
- When staying at a hospital or visiting a gym
- From a movie theater and airplane seat
- Sharing laundry facilities
- Cracks in your walls (if you're living in an apartment)
- Library books
If being wary of these bed bug infiltration highways didn't do the trick and you realize your house is infested with bed bugs-it's time to get in touch with bed bug control services in Mobile and let them take care of the infestation.
The Best Bed Bug Control For Your Home
A seasoned pest control professional can spot early signs of an infestation. They rely on their experience to determine how to get rid of bed bugs permanently from your Mobile home and how to prevent bed bugs from infesting your house again.
If you suspect your house has a bed bug problem-get in touch with an experienced bed bug control professional at EnSec Pest & Lawn today!