Bed Bugs
Of all the places in the world, the area you should feel the most comfortable in is your bed. Not only is it where you rest your head at night, but it is where you relax for a quick nap, and maybe even snuggle in for a movie or enjoy an excellent book. The last thing you need is a parasite in the sheets with you, biting at you during what should be a peaceful slumber. Many bugs can disturb your rest this way, but the one most well-known for this offense is the Bed Bug.
They are recognized primarily for their habit of invading the beds of unsuspecting victims. However, they can expand their infestation to other parts of your home where you frequently sit, lay down, or otherwise relax for extended periods. These 3/16-inch long, reddish-brown arthropods can be found in soft furniture, and buildings where people typically spend a lot of time. Hotels (68% of infestations) and trains and buses (19%) are common areas where they congregate.
How do they get there?
These bugs can hitch a ride in your luggage, on clothing, or in purses to make their way from location to location. Once they reach a new destination, whether it be a cruise ship or an apartment, they can spread incredibly quickly, crawling from one room to the next through cracks and other small openings. In the earliest stages of a home infestation, they will primarily be found in areas around the bed, including the headboard, bed frame, mattress, and box spring. As the outbreak continues, you’ll have the best chance of finding the hotspots if you look along the seams of furniture like recliners and couches. These popular gathering sites are easy to spot due to the dark staining the colony leaves behind. These spots are caused by their excrement, which is composed of blood.
Bed Bugs feed mainly on human blood but their diets are not exclusive to human hosts. These bugs can thrive on the blood of other mammals as well, so if there is an issue in your household, your pets’ health may be at risk as well. The irritation to the skin caused by excessive biting leads to constant scratching, and that can make your skin vulnerable to infections and other harmful skin conditions. Their effect on victims can range from a small annoyance to a severe allergic reaction, depending on the afflicted individual.
If you’ve recently noticed a Bed Bug infestation in your home, don’t be too hard on yourself. The cleanliness of an area does not make it more or less likely to be infested with these pests. It is only a matter of exposure. If you notice any of the telltale signs in your home, it’s time to call Over-A-Cheever Pest Control:
Remnant exoskeletons (from the bugs molting).
Sweet, musty smell around the house.
Rust-colored stains on furniture, especially couches and mattresses.
Over-A-Cheever Pest has been eliminating Bed Bugs and other pests from people’s homes for over 10 years. Get in touch with our experts for an estimate on our services and get started making your house Bed Bug free once again.