Bed bugs are the worst, right? Once you suspect that you have a bed bug problem, the psychosomatic itchy and squirming seems to kick in. Is it all in your head or do you really have bed bugs? Well, the good news is that the signs are easy to spot. Even better, terminating bed bugs can be even easier than making a hotel reservation, so long as you have the right knowledge.
Continue below to learn the most common signs of a bed bug infestation, plus a bonus tip on how to quickly (and discreetly) get rid of bed bugs all on your own.
A Quick Lesson on Bed Bugs
Do you have bed bugs? That is a very good question that deserves a prompt answer. After all, the longer a bed bug infestation goes untreated, the bigger the colony gets. Scientifically known as Climex lectularius Linnaeus, bed bugs reproduce at astonishing rates. Females lay one to 5 eggs a day, and once hatched, nymphs (bed bug babies) reach full maturity in 21 days. And since bed bugs have an average lifespan of several months, they can seem very difficult to get rid of.
Common Signs of Bed Bugs
In order to verify a bed bug infestation in your home, it helps to know what you are looking for. In addition to some of the most common signs of a bed bug infestation, make a mental image of what a bed bug looks like. This is important because many people mistake other insects for bed bugs, and vice versa.
So, what does a bed bug look like? Adults are around ¼ of an inch long with reddish-to-brown exoskeletons. Young bed bugs, called nymphs, are usually colorless. When they have not eaten, they appear flattened and round. After feeding, they are more bloated and elongated in shape.
Now that you know what a bed bug looks like, it is helpful to also know where they tend to be found. Although commonly found in mattresses, bedding, and upholstered couches and chairs, they are also found behind baseboards and wallpaper, as well as curtains, picture frames, furniture crevices, and even electrical outlets. They can also inhabit backpacks, car seats, sneakers, and more.
Look for These Signs That Suggest You Have Bed Bugs:
▶ Fecal Stains
Look at the area that you suspect has a bed bug infestation. Check the mattress, cushions, curtains, walls, and anything upholstered for dark black or brown spots. These are known as fecal stains and they are a common indication of a bed bug presence.
▶ Molted Exoskeletons and Empty Eggs
Bed bugs go through 5 distinct stages of growth until they reach adulthood. During each stage, they shed their outer exoskeleton, which is a biological process called molting. In adulthood, they continue to molt. If you notice off-white or yellow-ish bed bug skins or even empty or stick eggs, you can feel confident that you are dealing with an infestation.
▶ Bite Marks
Typically, one of the first signs people notice when they have a bed bug infestation is the itching, which is a side effect of their bites. In fact, a recent NPMA’s Bugs Without Borders survey seems to confirm this. Bed bug bites leave behind small, red, itchy welts on arms, legs, and body parts exposed during sleeping. Bed bug bites can begin to show immediately or after a couple of days.
▶ Lingering Odor
In most cases of pest infestations, the generated smell tends to be foul. But in the case of a bed bug infestation, particularly ones that go untreated for long periods of time, they tend to produce a musty, sweet odor, similar to berries.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
There are several solutions to getting rid of beg bugs, but the modern-day approach that is taking the market by storm is bed bug heater rentals. These do-it-yourself (DIY) thermal convection heater systems eliminate bed bug infestations without the use of harsh or toxic chemicals. And because they are DIY, you get the convenience of dodging the dreaded hassle of accommodating a staff of pest control technicians in your home or business. You simply rent a bed bug heater online and it is sent directly to your home. Once through with the process, you just send it back with your prepaid label! No one has to see a bed bug exterminator truck in your driveway.
Bed bug thermal convection heaters permanently get rid of all bed bugs, both eggs and adults, in just 5 simple steps. Heaters range in size, which you choose depending on the space you wish to treat, whether a single bedroom or an entire office floor. Everything from carpets and curtains to upholstered furniture, bedding, rugs, and more will be entirely cleansed of bed bugs. You have finally found the most practical way to eradicate bed bugs!
Are you ready to learn how bed bug heater rental works near you? Contact Bed Bugs Gone By U at 317-665-8229 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable office manager who can help you select the right bed bug heater rental for your home or office! You can also make complete your entire order directly from our website!
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