Bed bugs are some of the most frustrating pests to deal with. Apart from being a general nuisance, they tend to move quickly from one host to another.
As such, if you suspect you might be dealing with a bed bug infestation, you will need to act quickly to get rid of them to ensure they do not rob you of a good night’s sleep.
So, What Are Bed Bugs?
As mentioned above, bed bugs are nocturnal insects that can travel easily from one place to another by hitching rides on people’s clothes, purses, and luggage.
They are small, measuring only about ¼ to ⅜ inches long. And, while they are primarily light brown in color, they take on a red-brown color when engorged after a blood meal.
Signs of Bed Bug Infestation
Several signs can signal whether you have a bed bug infestation. These include:
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs often bite their victims at night when they are asleep. Therefore, if you frequently wake up with itchy bite marks on your body (such as your neck, arms, and shoulders), you may have a bed bug infestation.
Distinctively Musty Smell
Bed bugs usually give off a musty sweet smell reminiscent of berries or coriander. However, you are more likely to detect this scent if you have a large bed bug infestation.
In high concentrations, this smell can be pretty unpleasant. So, if you notice a whiff of it inside your home, it is time to consider calling in a pest exterminator.
Rusty Stains
These pests often leave red or rusty colored stains on the objects that they make contact with. Some places you are most likely to find these stains when dealing with a bed bug infestation include bedsheets, blankets, clothing, curtains, floors, carpets, and walls.
Common DIY Solutions for Bed Bug Infestations
Here are some of the most popular DIY remedies against bed bugs:
- Vacuuming – Most homeowners use a vacuum to treat mild bed bug infestations. Vacuuming not only removes bed bugs and their eggs but also gets rid of bed bug skin and feces.
- Deep-Cleaning Bedsheets and Clothes – Thoroughly washing your clothes and bedsheets is a low-cost and effective way of exterminating bed bugs.
- Cleaning Upholstered Furniture and Wool Rugs – Dousing upholstered furniture and wool rugs with cold water help eliminate bed bug feces containing these critters’ DNA.
- Steam Cleaning – If you have bed bugs lodged in places that are hard to reach, consider using a steam cleaner to kill the bugs and their eggs.
Hire a Professional Bed Bug Removal Service
While the aforementioned DIY bed bug removal methods work for mild infestations, you will most likely need a professional bed bug extermination service if you are dealing with a large infestation.
Contact Southwood Pest Control for all your bed bug removal needs so you don’t have to lose sleep due to these critters.
