At one point or another just about everyone has heard the phrase “Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” While this may have simply been a cute way to say goodnight to for many, there are a lot of people who actually wake up the next morning to find out that the bed bugs did indeed bite!
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are flat, wingless bugs that are less than 1cm large and are a common household pest around the world. Their colors can vary from white to brown, and will appear a reddish color after feeding on the blood of animals or humans.
Bed bugs are referred to as bed bugs as they are most commonly found hiding in bedding and mattresses, but are also found hiding in any area of a home where the can be secluded during daylight hours such as sofas, carpeting and pillows.
These little bugs are most often found in hotels or apartment complexes where large numbers of people move in and out. They spread and move from place to place by hiding in luggage, furniture, clothing, pillows and more.
How to Spot a Bed Bug Problem
For most people, bed bugs will go completely unnoticed until they start seeing physical symptoms of the beg bug’s bite. Those who have been bit by bed bugs will normally find numerous red & itchy bites on their feet, ankles, legs or shoulder areas.
If you’ve noticed strange bites on your body, it’s important to begin looking for physical signs that bed bugs may be hiding in your home:
- Bed bugs hiding under mattresses or in bedding (usually in tight crevices)
- Blood stains on sheets or mattresses
- Tiny, dark pellets of bed bug waste around floors and walls or on furniture
If you believe you’ve found signs of a possible bed bug infestation, it is important to contact a professional pest control company that specializes in bed bug treatment. While there are steps you can take to get rid of bed bugs (LINK TO OTHER BED BUG ARTICLE) it is best left to professionals as treatment of a bed bug infestation can be extensive and requires professional tools and techniques to dispose of them properly.
