Nothing might be more grotesque than the idea of bugs crawling on you while you slumber. Sadly, bed bugs can be a significant pest problem for many homeowners. Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are reddish-brown in color, wingless, and about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are often found in mattresses, bed frames, and other furniture. These irritating insects are most active at night when people are asleep, biting their victims to feed on their blood. The bites usually aren’t painful but can cause itchiness and swelling.

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Identifying the signs of a bed bug infestation is the critical first step to getting rid of them as soon as possible. If you think you might have bed bugs, look for the following signs:

1. Watch for bites. One of the first signs of a bed bug infestation is bites on the skin. Bed bugs typically bite people at night while they are sleeping. The bites are usually red and itchy. They can also cause other skin reactions, such as hives or blisters.
2. Check your sheets. Look for brown or black spots on your sheets. These are bed bug droppings and stains from their crushed bodies.
3. Inspect your furniture. Bed bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices near where people sleep. So pull back your mattress and look carefully around the seams and tufts for bed bugs or eggs.
4. Look for bed bug shells. As bed bugs grow, they shed their skin, which you may find in areas where they’re hiding.
5. Keep an eye out for actual bugs. Another sign of a bed bug infestation is finding live or dead insects in your home. Bed bugs often hide in cracks and crevices in furniture and walls. They can also be found in mattress seams and behind baseboards.

Causes of Bed Bug Infestations

There are a couple of reasons why bed bugs, unfortunately, may infest your home or business.

• Travel

Sometimes, people bring them into their homes unknowingly after staying in a hotel or motel that has them. Other times, bed bugs hitch a ride on clothes or luggage and are brought into homes that way. Once inside, they can quickly multiply and become a serious problem.

• Lack of Cleanliness

Bed bug infestations are most commonly caused by a lack of cleanliness in the home. Bed bugs are attracted to dirty laundry and clutter, which provides them with hiding places and easy access to their food source - humans. Other common causes of bed bug infestations include bringing used furniture into the home.

How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations

Preventing bed bugs starts with good housekeeping practices. Keep your home clean and clutter-free to reduce the risk of an infestation. Be sure to vacuum regularly. When traveling, inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bugs before settling in. And be careful when bringing used furniture into your home - check it thoroughly for bed bugs before bringing it inside. Additionally, use a mattress cover to protect your mattresses and boxsprings from these crawling insects.

Although there are certain things you may do to help prevent bed bugs, you truly need a professional pest control company to eradicate these bothersome bugs from your home. Bed bugs spread very easily, even from house to house. So, protect your home and your peace of mind, and call the one-stop solution, DM Pest Control, today.