Bed bugs have existed for thousands of years, feeding on human blood and pestering us with their bothersome bites. While bed bugs aren’t exactly proven to be vectors of diseases, their bites can cause allergic reactions and psychological effects.
It’s not easy getting rid of a bed bug infestation, but there are ways to deal with this kind of problem. From knowing the pest you’re going up against to putting up preventive measures and hiring a bed bug exterminator in San Jose, CA, we’ve elaborated on some of the things you can do to deal with a bed bug infestation.
Know How to Identify Bed Bugs
First, it’s best to know what kind of pest bed bugs are – what they look like, where they like to hide, and how to spot signs and symptoms of an infestation. The earlier you’re able to confirm that it’s bed bugs you see crawling around your home, the better chances you will have at getting rid of them.
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown (almost copperish in color), and oval insects. They are minuscule in size, so they can be quite hard to spot if you aren’t actively looking out for them. Bed bugs are unable to fly, but they are fast crawlers. They can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, which is why they can easily infest houses and buildings.
Apart from their ability to reproduce quickly, their tiny size and capacity to blend in with the environment make it hard to exterminate them. They’re also nocturnal, so the majority of them won’t be seen during the daytime. They tend to hide during the day on beds, (mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards), cracks and crevices on walls, and under carpeting and furniture.
Bed bug bites are pretty much comparable to that of a mosquito, but theirs may take up to 14 days to manifest in some people. This makes it important to look for other signs when trying to determine if you have bed bugs. Keep the following in mind:
- Seeing small, scales (bed bug exoskeletons shed after molting)
- Noticing small dots in the folds of your mattresses and sheets
- Spotting rust-colored spots (these can possibly be their fecal excretions)
- Smelling a musty, moldy odor around your bed
Find Where the Bed Bugs are Hiding
The next thing you need to know about dealing with bed bugs is finding out where they hide and breed. Given their nocturnal nature, bed bug infestations typically occur around areas where people sleep. Places such as apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorm rooms are usually the common victims of these pests.
During the daytime, you can find them in between the seams of mattresses, around your entire bed, on dresser tables, inside cracks and crevices, behind wallpapers, or any other cluttered objects around the bed.
Explore Bed Bug Removal Options
Getting rid of bed bugs can be done by yourself, although it is quite frustrating. Doing a bit of DIY can help, but only to an extent. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Get rid of clutter and keep your area clean, especially the bedroom
- Move your bed slightly away from walls and furniture
- Maintain your windows, walls, and floors to avoid molding
- Carefully vacuum the sides and seams of mattresses, furniture, and box springs
- Habitually wash beddings, pillows, and blankets on high heat
- Consider using covers for mattress and box springs, preferably those used for dust mite control
- Check for cracks and crevices and have them sealed
Hire a Bed Bug Exterminator
Can’t stand the thought of getting near these pests on your own? Don’t hesitate to contact your trusted bed bug killers in San Jose, CA. Professional bed bug exterminators know just where to look and how to identify these bloodsuckers.
And even though DIY methods can save you money, it isn’t exactly as effective as a professionally done treatment. If you see bed bugs, better call the pest control company to have this problem dealt with sooner and save you from further agony.
Bed bug killers are also knowledgeable about the proper equipment, chemicals, and heat treatment for killing infestations. Hiring bed bug exterminators will take care of this problem fast, and you wouldn’t have to throw away any furniture or household items that have been affected.
Bed Bug Infestations Need to be Dealt with Seriously
Dealing with a bed bug infestation is no easy feat. And while there are things you can do to keep this problem at bay, the best way is to have the experts deal with it. Get in touch with your bed bug exterminators in San Jose, CA to have them assess the situation and work on it right away.