If you feel like every time you turn around there is another news story about bed bugs, it is only because there is. It's true. Bed bug infestations seem to be popping up everywhere. And, this is a problem that has many angles. Some news reports focus on the dangers of improper bed bug treatments that have resulted in a loss of property or a loss of human life. Some focus on the legal struggles that result from infestations that occur in apartment buildings or assisted living centers. Some stories focus on strange locations bed bugs have shown up unexpectedly, such as police call centers, movie theaters, libraries, and retail stores. There are articles that cover everything from the psychological trauma of getting bed bugs, to speculations that bed bugs may now be linked to chagas disease. The news media's fascination with bed bugs seems to know no bounds. But, putting aside all of the hype and all of the different news angles, what do we really need to know about bed bugs. Let's take a look.
The more we know about bed bugs, the safer we are. Bed bugs depend on our ignorance to live, feed, breed, and spread. The more we know about them, the more we are able to stop them at every turn. And, the most important thing you need to know is what signs bed bugs give us of their presence. This will help you to quickly recognize an infestation in your home, to seek an immediate solution, and give you the knowledge you need to stop bed bugs from hitchhiking into your home in the first place.
Signs you may have bed bugs in your home
Red or brown blood stains on fabrics and furniture
Bed bugs dribble from their mouthparts and also excrete blood in their droppings. When they do, it will leave stains. Fresh stains will be red but, most often, stains are found once they have dried. This will make them appear tan to brown.
Shed insect skins
As a bed bug develops, it sheds its cuticle. These skins can be found where bed bugs live, and where they feed.
Black feces
Bed bugs leave their droppings everywhere. They may appear as patches of black on mattresses, box springs, and furniture, black streaks on pillowcases, sheets, baseboards, and outlet covers, or tiny black droppings littered in areas where these bugs travel.
White eggs
A bed bug egg is only about 1mm. That is just about the size of the tip on a pen. These eggs will be in tiny batches or littered about.
Live bed bugs
Obviously, the biggest sign of all is to actually see a bed bug. But, these pests are often mistaken for other bugs. Be aware that a bed bug has six legs, two antennae, and three body parts. It ranges from 1mm to 4.5mm in length, has creases on its abdomen, and a see-through skin that will allow you to see its black, coated interior, or your blood inside it. Bed bugs begin a pale color and go from tan to rusty-brown as they develop.
Bites
We hope you don't find out you have bed bugs by seeing bites. Bed bug bites vary from almost undetectable to large painful welts. There are many factors that determine how bad bites will be. One distinguishing trait is that each individual bed bug will usually feed about three times, in succession. This will create a path on the skin. Recognizing this pattern can help you differentiate these bites from the bite wounds of other bugs.
Places in your home where you're likely to find signs of a bed bug infestation
Bed bugs have locations they prefer. Look for them in the creases of mattresses, box springs, bags, luggage, clothing, the stitching of upholstered furniture, and more. When checking a bed frame, be sure to look in every recess. Whether you are searching your home, sleeping accommodations, a taxi cab interior, your seat at the movie theater, or the home of a friend, use a flashlight and be thorough. If bed bugs are present, you should see one or more of the signs listed above.
Professional bed bug control in New Jersey
If you find bed bugs in your home, contact a professional. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to eradicate without an education in the entomology of these insects and an understanding of advanced pest control methods that work to completely exterminate them.
If you're in our New Jersey service area, let the experts here at Arrow Pest Control resolve your issue with a wide range of bed bug protocols for every level of infestation. When you need discreet, effective, bed bug remediation, you can trust Arrow Pest Control.
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