The biting, itching realities of a bed bug infestation make them some of the worst pests to invade our homes. Bed bugs feed off of us while we sleep and are not easy to eliminate, so it’s important to know how to spot the signs and act quickly to remove them from your property.
Bed Bugs & Other Parasites
Bed bugs feed off the blood of large animal hosts. While humans are their favorite target, they will also feed on dogs and other animals that might be around a contaminated property. Strangely, while other blood-feeding parasites, like ticks and mosquitoes, spread harmful diseases because of their feedings, bed bugs aren’t known to spread any viruses or bacteria. However, the numerous red bites they can leave all over your skin are bad enough. No bigger than an apple seed, bed bugs are often mistaken for fleas or other types of infestations. That is, if you even see them at all. Bed bugs are nocturnal and they hide in pitch-black areas during the day, only emerging to feed at night when we are asleep. It’s important to know the other signs of bed bugs because you’re not likely to notice an infestation until it’s costing you a good night’s sleep.
Bed Bug Bites & What To Know
Unfortunately, the first sign of parasitic pests is often the bites they cause. With bed bugs, their bites are small red welts that are typically found in lines or clusters on the skin. They are incredibly itchy, and some people or animals can have worsened reactions to repeated bites. Not only can anemia and infections occur after frequent feeding and scratching at the bites, but bed bugs’ saliva can also cause allergic reactions that result in rashes. It’s these persistent problems that make bed bugs such serious health hazards. People often experience extreme discomfort, and bed bugs can also make it difficult to fall asleep and keep from waking. This insomnia is no picnic.
Other Signs Of Bed Bug Activity
In some rare circumstances, bed bugs will go weeks without feeding, causing an infestation to grow without people or pets experiencing the nasty bites directly. That’s why it’s important to watch out for these other signs of bed bug activity, too:
- Blood: As blood-sucking parasites, bed bug bites can leave a little trickle of blood to stain your bedspreads or furniture. If you notice small red dots, something is likely feeding on you in your sleep.
- Spots: You may also notice small brown spots of fecal matter.
- Eggs: Bed bug eggs are small, creamy, or yellowish balls that can be tough to spot when they’re hidden within fabrics or on the undersides of furniture.
- Stains: Yellow stains can appear on mattresses or sheets after bed bugs hatch or shed their skins.
- Odor: As bed bug populations grow so does the musty odor they produce.
Call Heritage Pest Control For Prompt Removal
Bed bugs aren’t a problem you can eliminate on your own. Only experts can root out all the bugs and eggs that stop an infestation from coming right back after an elimination attempt. Rather than waste time and money on methods that won’t stop the biting, turn directly to the professionals who know how to properly address bed bugs. At Heritage Pest Control, we can get rid of bed bugs quickly or inspect your home for early warning signs. Only this kind of routine service can alert you to bed bugs or the things that attract them before they can turn you into a pincushion.
For true bed bug control, contact Heritage Pest Control today.