Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, leaving itchy and irritating bites. They are most active in August and September, making them a concern for summer travel. Once in your home, they are difficult to get rid of, so prevention should be the first line of defense against bed bugs. Use this guide to bed-bug proof your summer plans.
How Do Bed Bugs Spread?
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers! They love to travel in suitcases, backpacks, and used furniture. You can pick them up when staying in hotels, taking public transportation, or visiting friends and family who might have an infestation. Once they’re in your home, they can quickly spread to other rooms.
Bed Bug Bites and Health
While bed bugs don’t carry diseases, their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable. Some people have allergic reactions to the bites, which can cause swelling and redness. Scratching the bites can also lead to infections.
How to Check for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are masters at concealing themselves. They’re tiny and flat, so they can squeeze into the smallest cracks and crevices. Common hiding spots include:
- Mattress seams and box springs
- Furniture cracks and crevices
- Bed frames and headboards
- Nightstands and dressers
- Picture frames and electrical outlets
You likely won’t spot live bed bugs, however. Instead, look for husks and brown stains from crushed bugs.
Learn more about preventing infestation and how to check for bed bugs here.
The Bed Bug Life Cycle
Female bed bugs can lay up to seven eggs a day. The eggs hatch into tiny nymphs that look like smaller versions of adult bed bugs. These nymphs go through several stages before becoming adults. The whole life cycle can take several months, which makes getting rid of them tough.
How to Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home
The best way to deal with bed bugs is to prevent them from coming into your home in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Inspect hotel rooms: Check for signs of bed bugs before settling in.
- Wash new or used clothing: This helps kill any hitchhiking bed bugs.
- Vacuum regularly: This can help remove bed bugs and their eggs.
- Reduce clutter: Clutter provides hiding places for bed bugs.
Learn more about bed bugs here.
What to Do if You Find Bed Bugs
If you think you have bed bugs, it’s important to act fast. DIY treatments can be difficult and often don’t work. Professional pest control services for bed bugs, like Masters Pest Control, have the experience and tools to get rid of bed bugs for good.
Don’t let bed bugs ruin your peace of mind. Contact Masters Pest Control today for expert bed bug treatment.