Bed bugs can be a real nuisance and a challenge to eliminate. Here you'll find all you need to know about these pests and how to rid yourself of them.
About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are brown insects with oval-shaped bodies. They live off the blood of animals or humans. Adults have flattened bodies about 5.5 mm long. Pestguide mentions that after they eat, their bodies swell and turn a reddish color.
Contrary to what some may believe, having these critters in the house is not a sign of dirtiness. They live only on blood and can often be found in very clean environments.
Bed bug bodies are very flat. Thus, they can fit in tiny spaces about the thickness of a credit card. They usually live in groups in hiding places like headboards, bed frames, box springs, and mattresses.
How to Know If You Have an Infestation
Type and Location of Bites
Most bed bug bites do not hurt at first but later turn red and itchy. While flea bites are mostly around the ankles, bed bug bites can be on any area of skin that is exposed while sleeping. Flea bites have a red center, but bed bug bites do not.
New itchy spots on your body when you wake up can be indicators of bed bugs. This is especially true if you recently purchased used furniture.
Other Evidence
You may find the following clues that you have bed bugs:
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Blood spots on pillowcases or sheets
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Dark or rust-colored stains from the insects' feces on sheets, pillowcases, mattresses, and walls
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Excrement spots, eggshells, or shed skins in areas where the bugs hide
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An unpleasant, musty smell from their scent glands
Finding the Bugs
If you think you may have bed bugs, remove all bedclothes and check it for the insects or their feces. Take off the dust cover and check the seams in the wood frame of the bed and box spring. You may need to remove the fabric that's stapled to the wood frame.
Check all around the bed and inside any objects near it. Don't forget the edge of the carpet and inside electrical outlets.
Look inside your closet, as these bugs can attach themselves to clothing. If you're still unsure whether you have an infestation, contact an exterminator.
Steps to Removal
To rid yourself of the bed bugs, you need to clean all the places where they live. These include:
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Bedclothes, curtains, clothing - Wash in hot water and dry on the hottest setting.
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Stuffed animals, shoes, and other items that can't be washed - Place in the dryer and run for 30 minutes on high.
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Mattress - Scrub seams with a stiff brush, then vacuum.
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Bed and surrounding area - Vacuum frequently. When you finish, put the vacuum cleaner bag inside a plastic bag in your outdoor garbage can.
You will also want to take these measures to ensure the insects are eliminated:
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Cover your mattress and box springs with a zippered cover that has a tight weave. This will keep bed bugs from passing. Keep the cover on your mattress for at least a year.
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Glue down any peeling wallpaper and repair cracked plaster. This will get rid of their hiding places.
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Remove any clutter around your bed.
Extermination
The above steps will help control the insects, but pesticides may also be necessary. You can use them yourself if you're sure you can do so safely. Otherwise, call an exterminator.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. They can hide in tiny spaces, making it difficult to find them. However, there are practical measures that can be taken to eliminate them if needed.
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