Checking for Bed Bugs: A Common Pest in the Tri-State Area

Summer and fall are both high risk seasons for bed bugs in the tri-state area. Returning from vacation and sending your kids off to school are a couple situations where bed bugs might hitch a ride into your home. Masters Pest Control can help treat or prevent bedbug problems, but first, you’ll need to be able to recognize the signs of an infestation.

One should always be cautious about possible bed bug infestations. Bed bugs are particularly tricky to get rid of. Not only that, but several myths persist about bed bugs – read some common ones by clicking here. It’s important to learn how to identify any signs of bed bugs so you can get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Adult bed bugs are dark reddish brown and about the size of an apple seed. Young bed bugs (called nymphs) are smaller, translucent or whitish-yellow. Bed bug eggs are tiny and pearl-white. Adult bed bugs can be seen by the naked eye, and oftentimes they leave rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses from feeding on blood. Small dark spots of excrement might also be found. Bites that appear while you sleep are another tell-tale sign of this pest. Bed bugs feed primarily at night, so if you wake up to several bites that weren’t there before, there’s cause for concern. Click here to read more on bed bugs.

When you’re traveling, it’s important to inspect any room where you’ll be staying for the presence of bed bugs. The flashlight on your phone is very useful for illuminating any dark corners under beds or behind furniture. You may find bed bugs in the seams of chairs and couches, between cushions, or in the folds of curtains. Check under drawers, beds, or chairs very carefully. The junction of the wall and ceiling is another possible hiding place. Once you’ve returned, inspect your suitcases and anything inside extremely carefully.

Bed bugs aren’t fast, but they are amazing hitchhikers. They are also very resilient creatures and can travel as far as 20 feet from their hiding places to find a host to feed on. These pests can survive temperatures as low as 46°F and as high as 100°F. Since they are so good at hiding and reproduce prolifically, calling a professional pest removal service is a must.

Masters Pest Control has been in business for over 35 years, so our team has decades of experience in eradicating even the worst pests. We offer full-service pest control and prevention. Our team is friendly, helpful, and thorough. Get the peace of mind that comes with living in a pest-free environment. Call us today at 877-546-9575.