Bed bugs are among the most irksome pests that could infest your home. Unfortunately, they are usually difficult to detect or catch by the naked eye because of their size, which is only as tiny as that of an apple seed. These sneaky nuisance pests hide in the tiniest cracks or crevices on your walls, drawers, bed, and in any space that allow them easy access to their victims. They move and multiply so fast which is why infestation is very much likely.
Although many assume that this crawlies are normally nocturnal, experts claim that bed bugs could also attack during the day especially when their prospect host isn’t moving (i.e. sleeping). Throughout its lifetime, a bed bug molts five times before reaching its full maturity. In order to survive, it has to gorge on the blood of humans and animals.
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Knowing the Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Home
It is important to recognize the presence of bed bugs in your home. Sometimes, bed bug bites are usually mistaken to be mosquito bites. However, there are distinct signs that would tell you that these annoying little critters are making your home their own as well.
Exoskeletons
Because they shed five times prior to reaching their full adulthood stage, bed bugs leave behind reddish-brown translucent skins called exoskeletons. So, once you notice molted skins lying on areas in your bedroom like the mattresses, it is a sign your home has become a bed bug haven.
Musty Odor
Bed bugs excrete chemicals called pheromones, whose stink bears resemblance to the unpleasant smell of old and uncleaned locker rooms or the moldy scent of rotten wood or wet damp towels that have been left for days. Thus, never ignore that odd musty stench that keeps lingering in your household. You may be sharing a home with bed bugs!
Blood Stains
Bed bugs are voracious bloodsuckers. One indication that you have bed bugs at home is the bloodstains either on your beddings or your pajamas probably because the bugs have spilled blood while feeding on their host or you have accidentally rolled over them in your sleep.
Black/Dark Brown Manure
Besides blood stains, you may also find some fecal matter that is rusty or black in color being smeared on your mattresses or anywhere in your home. These are excrements coming from the bed bugs.
Itchy Bite Marks
Bites made by bed bugs can be easily distinguished because they often come in clusters of three to five red bite marks or flat welts in straight or zigzag patterns. Most of all, their bites are extremely itchy that may trigger you to scratch like crazy. Be careful though as bed bug bites may lead to a skin infection if not properly treated.
Treating Bed Bug Bites
While other people may only show mild or even zero reactions to bed bug bites, there are those who have serious reactions such as allergies, inflammation, or skin infection. The good news is that these pests do not carry or transmit viruses or diseases. Still, if you suspect being bitten by these ectoparasites, consider the following remedies:
- Avoid scratching the bites.
- Wash the bites with soap and water to disinfect.
- Apply corticosteroid cream, calamine lotion, or even essential oils on the bite mark to relieve itch.
- Take antihistamines in case of allergic reaction or prescribed antiseptic or antibiotic in case of infection.
Bed Bug Removal
Knowing how irritating bed bugs can be, you must take the necessary steps to get rid of these nuisances. The most common and effective, as well as non-toxic, method to eliminate bed bugs from your home is bed bug heat treatment. No matter where this crawlies are hiding or tucked away, heat treatment will definitely find them and kill them for good. However, removing bed bugs through heat treatment is something that should only be performed by pest control professionals.
Regardless of whether they are harmless or not, bed bugs should still be exterminated from your property as early as possible unless you enjoy their bites. No matter how hygienic you are or how clean your surroundings are, bed bugs have their ways of getting into your home because they are excellent hitchhikers. Always be alert of any signs of bed bugs in your home so that you can get rid of them and prevent heavy infestation. Most of all, contact the best pest control professionals in your area once you’ve concluded that your home is crawling with bed bugs.