Bedbugs have been around since the early existence of human life. They are tiny brownish-red insects that survive by drawing blood from humans and animals. They do not fly but instead, move quickly over flat surfaces. Bedbugs do bite but do not carry harmful diseases. If you are new to understanding bedbugs, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about these small creatures.
Where Can You Find Bedbugs?
These tiny insects can sneak into your home through luggage, clothing, and used furniture. Bedbugs do not nest but instead, live in packs. Once they enter your home, they prefer to stay in bed frames, headboards, mattresses, and box springs. If they survive long enough in your home, they will migrate to other rooms in your house, apartment, or hotel.
How to Know if You Have a Bedbug Bite
Bites from bedbugs look similar to mosquito bites. You may misdiagnose your bedbug bites like mosquito bites. Just like mosquitoes, these pests leave red, itchy welts anywhere on exposed skin. The main difference between these two types of pests is that mosquitoes bite at any time of day whereas bedbugs are only active at night.
How to Know You Have a Bedbug Infestation
To truly know if you have a bedbug problem, you have to find and identify the bugs yourself. However, there are a few warning signs that can help discover if you have bedbugs or not. The most common sign of a bedbug infestation is waking up with red bumps all over your body after bringing home old or used furniture. Other infestation signs include blood stains on your bedding, dark rusty spots on bedding or walls, eggshells, or a musty odor.
How to Get Rid of Bedbugs?
The easiest way to rid your home of bedbugs is to contact a professional pest control company. However, there are a few steps you can take on your own. First, you need to throw away the furniture the bedbugs are hiding in. Second, you need to wash all bedding, curtains, linens, towels, and clothing in hot water and then dry on the highest temperature setting. If you have shoes and stuffed animals that cannot be washed, then place them in the dryer for 30 minutes.
Just because bedbugs are hard to spot doesn’t mean you can’t prepare your home. Contact Presto Pest Control for your yearly pest control inspection.
