"Don't let the bed bugs bite" is not just a cliche form of saying "goodnight." For some, it is an unfortunate reality. Learning about bed bugs can equip you with the knowledge necessary to keep them out of your Albany home.
Bed bugs in Albany are parasitic insects that feed on blood. Parasites are organisms that rely on other living creatures as their source of nutrients. The organism that is feeding the parasite is a host. The parasite-host relationship is one-sided; the parasite is the only one benefiting and may actually cause harm to its host. Bed bugs can find a host by detecting their breathing and their body warmth. Unfortunately, a bed bug's host of choice could be you. Read on to learn what to do if you have found bed bugs in your home.
Do You Know How To Spot Bed Bug Bites?
Bed bugs can be identified by their small, oval bodies. Unfed bed bugs are brown and flat; after a blood meal, bed bugs appear red-brown and take on a plump, engorged look. Adult bed bugs are visible to the human eye, especially if they have recently fed. Babies, or nymphs, are much smaller and paler than their parents. Bed bug eggs are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye; they resemble small grains of white rice.
Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, preferring to come out at night to feed. They will often hide close to their host's sleeping space for easy access. As such, bed bugs are most often found on mattresses, behind the headboard, and on bedside tables. If you have been bitten by a bed bug, you may notice inflamed spots that are darker in the middle than the outer edge. Bed bug bites are itchy, red, and often arranged in clusters. The most common locations for bed bug bites are the face, neck, arms, and hands, as these are the most accessible. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to bed bug saliva, which can cause the bite sites to swell.
Three Visual Signs Of A Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs usually find their way into a home via infested furniture and clothing. Knowing the signs of a bed bug infestation will help you decide if it is time to employ bed bug control methods. Three visual signs of a bed bug infestation include:
- Seeing fecal spots on furniture, fabric, or walls. Bed bug fecal spots are reddish-brown stains of digested blood.
- Finding bed bug bites on your body. Bed bug bites are most often found in the morning after the bed bugs have fed.
- Spotting shed bed bug skins. Bed bugs shed their skins as they molt and grow; these appear as pale, thin casts of bed bugs.
These signs are all red flags that bed bugs have taken up residence in your home.
First Steps You Should Take After Finding Bed Bugs
If you find bed bugs in your home, the first thing you should do is contact your local pest control for bed bugs. While you wait for the professionals, some pest control you can begin at home includes thoroughly vacuuming the floors, washing and drying all clothes on high heat, and applying hot steam to all upholstery. Bed bugs cannot handle high heat; all stages of bed bugs, from egg to adult, will perish in hot enough temperatures.
Top Reasons DIY Bed Bug Control Often Fails
Do-it-yourself bed bug control often fails because at-home remedies don't account for all stages of a bed bug's lifecycle. Additionally, store-bought pesticides can be dangerous for people, pets, and plants. The best form of bed bug pest control in Albany a homeowner can do is prevention. Some tips to prevent bed bugs include:
- Thoroughly inspect high-traffic areas for bed bugs, such as hotels, before making yourself comfortable.
- When returning home after a trip, check your luggage outside for any bed bugs before unpacking.
- Always check second-hand furniture and electronics before bringing them into your home, as they may have parasitic hitch-hikers.
If it is too late for prevention, professional pest control in Albany is the next step. Absolute Pest Control has over 35 years of experience in pest control. We use safe and effective treatments that you can feel good about. Additionally, we offer tailored plans to target your home's specific needs. For pest control you can count on, give Absolute Pest Control a call today!
