On the road or in your own bed at home, bed bugs can do a lot more than ruin a good night's sleep. They can leave itchy bites all over you, force you to throw out an otherwise perfectly good mattress and cause you to spend a lot of time and energy trying to get rid of them. The good news: the more you know about bed bugs, the easier it is to identify, avoid, and ultimately get rid of these unwanted pests. Read through our ‘Bed Bug Basics’ information for the down and dirty FAQs about bed bugs and let us help you prevent an(other) infestation:
- How small are bed bugs? What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that are about the size of an apple seed (5-7 mm long). They have a flat, oval-shaped body and six legs. They are wingless, and they have a small, beak-like structure that they use to suck blood. They are visible to the human eye but are hard to spot because they are small and can hide in tight spaces.
- How to know they’re around
There are several signs that may indicate the presence of bed bugs in your home:
- Bite marks: Bed bugs typically bite people at night while they are sleeping, leaving small, red welts on the skin.
- Fecal spots: Bed bugs excrete small, black or brown fecal spots on surfaces where they have been feeding or hiding.
- Blood smears: When bed bugs are squashed, they leave behind small blood smears on sheets, mattresses, and other surfaces.
- Cast skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons, leaving behind small, translucent cast skins.
- Live bugs: You may spot live bed bugs, although they are small and can be difficult to see.
- Odor: A musty, sweet smell can be present in an infested room.
It's important to keep in mind that many of these signs can be caused by other types of pests, so it's best to have a professional inspect your home if you suspect a bed bug infestation.
- Why are bed bugs hard to find sometimes? Where do they hide?
Bed bugs are hard to find sometimes because they are small and can hide in tight spaces. They are excellent at hiding and can be found in various areas of a home, including:
- Mattresses and box springs: They can hide in the seams, tufts, and crevices of mattresses and box springs.
- Baseboards and molding: They can hide in the cracks and crevices of baseboards and molding.
- Furniture: They can hide in the seams, tufts, and crevices of couches, chairs, and other furniture.
- Electrical outlets and appliances: They can hide behind electrical outlets and in appliances such as televisions and radios.
- Clutter: They can hide in piles of clothing, linens, and other clutter.
Bed bugs are nocturnal and come out at night to feed, which makes them hard to spot during the day. They can also survive for months without feeding, so an infestation may not be immediately obvious.
It's important to keep in mind that bed bugs can be easily spread through travel, so it's possible to bring them into your home from a hotel or other location.
- Where will bed bugs bite me?
Bed bugs typically bite people on exposed areas of skin, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs. They are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by a sleeping person, and they use their small, beak-like structure to pierce the skin and suck blood. Bed bugs will bite multiple times on the same spot, they tend to be in a line or cluster.
It's important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. Some people may have no reaction at all, while others may experience severe itching and redness. Additionally, not everyone will have visible bites, some people may have an allergic reaction to the bed bugs' saliva which can cause a severe rash or blisters.
If you suspect that you have been bitten by bed bugs, it's important to check your bedding, mattress, and other areas of your home for signs of an infestation. If you find evidence of bed bugs, it's best to contact a professional pest control company for help with elimination.
- What is the bed bug life cycle?
- How do you spot a Bed Bug?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that are about the size of an apple seed (5-7 mm long). They have a flat, oval-shaped body and six legs. They are wingless and have a small, beak-like structure that they use to suck blood. They are visible to the human eye, but they can be hard to spot because they are small and can hide in tight spaces.
Here are some tips to help you spot a bed bug:
- Check your bedding, mattress, and box spring: Look for small, reddish-brown bugs or fecal spots in the seams, tufts, and crevices of your bedding and mattress.
- Check other areas of your bedroom: Bed bugs can hide in baseboards, molding, electrical outlets, and appliances.
- Check for cast skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons, leaving behind small, translucent cast skins.
- Use a flashlight: Use a flashlight to examine areas where bed bugs are likely to hide, such as in crevices and cracks.
- Use a magnifying glass: A magnifying glass can help you to see bed bugs more clearly.
It's important to keep in mind that bed bugs can be easily spread through travel, so it's possible to bring them into your home from a hotel or other location. If you suspect that you have bed bugs, it's best to contact a professional pest control company for help with elimination.
- How to treat bed bug bites
Treatment for bed bug bites generally involves relieving symptoms and preventing secondary infections. Here are a few things you can do to treat bed bug bites:
- Clean the bite area: Gently wash the area with soap and water to remove any bacteria or other debris.
- Apply a cold compress: Use a cold compress or an ice pack to help reduce itching and swelling.
- Use anti-itch cream or calamine lotion: Over-the-counter creams and lotions, such as hydrocortisone or calamine lotion, can help alleviate itching.
- Take an antihistamine: An antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can help reduce itching and swelling.
- Avoid scratching: Scratching can break the skin and increase the risk of secondary infection.
- Keep the bites covered: Covering the bites with a bandage can help prevent scratching and infection.
It's important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. Some people may have no reaction at all, while others may experience severe itching and redness. If you experience severe itching or an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
If you suspect that you have bed bugs in your home, it's important to take steps to eliminate the infestation and prevent future bites. Contact a professional pest control company for help with elimination.
- Can Bed Bugs spread fast?
Bed bugs can also spread within a building by crawling through small openings, such as electrical outlets, baseboards, and molding. Once they have infested an area, they can quickly spread to other rooms and floors.
Bed bugs reproduce rapidly, they can go from egg to adult in as little as 37 days under ideal conditions. A female bed bug can lay up to 5 eggs per day and hundreds in a lifetime, this can cause the population to grow at a very fast rate.
If you suspect that you have bed bugs, it's important to take steps to eliminate the infestation as quickly as possible. Contact a professional pest control company for help with elimination.
- How do bed bugs travel?
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can travel easily from place to place. They can be found in a variety of settings, including homes, apartments, hotels, dormitories, office buildings, and public transportation. They can also be found in second-hand furniture, such as sofas and beds, and in personal belongings such as suitcases, backpacks, and clothing.
Bed bugs can also travel through walls and floors by crawling through small openings, such as electrical outlets, baseboards, and molding.
The most common way of bed bugs to travel is through human transportation, they can be found in personal belongings, such as suitcases, backpacks, and clothing. They can also be found in other personal items like purses, and in public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
It's important to be aware of the signs of a bed bug infestation, such as small reddish-brown bugs or fecal spots, and to take steps to prevent the spread of bed bugs. This includes inspecting second-hand furniture, checking for signs of infestation before staying in a hotel or other lodging, and inspecting personal belongings before bringing them into your home.
- Where, precisely, do bugs live in beds and bedrooms?
Bed bugs typically hide in a variety of locations in and around beds and bedrooms. Some common hiding places include:
- Mattress seams and tufts: Bed bugs can hide in the seams and tufts of mattresses, as well as in the crevices of box springs.
- Bed frames and headboards: Bed bugs can hide in the cracks and crevices of bed frames and headboards, as well as in any joints or hardware.
- Furniture: Bed bugs can hide in furniture such as sofas, chairs, and dressers, particularly in the seams and joints.
- Baseboards and molding: Bed bugs can hide in the small cracks and crevices of baseboards and molding, as well as in electrical outlets and switch plates.
- Clutter: Bed bugs can hide in piles of laundry, stacks of books, or other clutter around the bedroom.
- Carpets and Rugs: Bed bugs can hide in the folds and edges of carpets and rugs.
- behind picture frames and wall hangings
It's important to note that bed bugs can also be found in other areas of a home or building, such as in closets, behind wallpaper, and in the folds of curtains. They can also spread to other rooms and floors of a building through small openings and by crawling along baseboards and molding.
It's important to keep in mind that bed bugs are elusive and can be found in any location that provides a harborage for them. It is recommended to contact a professional pest control company for help with elimination, as they can spot them in hidden areas and will have the right tools to get rid of them effectively.
- How to keep bed bugs out of your home
- Be vigilant when traveling: Bed bugs are commonly found in hotels and other lodging, so inspect your room for signs of infestation before you unpack. Keep your luggage off the bed and floor and consider using a suitcase stand or luggage rack.
- Avoid second-hand furniture: Bed bugs can easily hide in the seams and crevices of used furniture, so be cautious when buying used items, especially beds and sofas.
- Keep your home clean and clutter-free: Bed bugs thrive in cluttered environments, so keep your home clean and free of clutter. Regularly vacuum and dust, especially around beds and furniture.
- Use bed bug-proof covers: Encase your mattress, box spring, and pillows in bed bug-proof covers to prevent bed bugs from hiding in your bedding.
- Check for signs of infestation: Regularly inspect your home for signs of bed bugs, such as small reddish-brown bugs or fecal spots.
- Seal cracks and crevices: Seal any cracks and crevices in your home, such as those around baseboards and molding, to prevent bed bugs from entering.
- Use a professional pest control company: A professional pest control company can help you identify and eliminate a bed bug infestation. They have specialized tools and knowledge to help detect and eliminate bed bugs, and they can provide follow-up treatments to ensure that the infestation is completely eliminated.
- Be mindful when purchasing second-hand items, items such as mattresses, box springs, sofas, and other upholstered furniture are common places bed bugs hide.
- Prevention is the best strategy
Yes, prevention is the best strategy when it comes to bed bugs. Taking steps to keep bed bugs out of your home in the first place is much more effective and less costly than trying to eliminate an infestation once it has occurred.
Some key prevention strategies include being vigilant when traveling, avoiding second-hand furniture, keeping your home clean and clutter-free, using bed bug-proof covers, regularly inspecting your home for signs of infestation, and sealing cracks and crevices in your home.
Additionally, it's important to be mindful of the items you bring into your home, as bed bugs can easily be transported on clothing, luggage, or personal items.
If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it's important to take action as soon as possible. Contacting a professional pest control company can help you to quickly and effectively eliminate the infestation. They can inspect your home, identify the extent of the infestation, and provide treatment options to eliminate the problem.
In summary, prevention is key to avoiding bed bugs infestations, however it's important to be vigilant and act quickly if you suspect that you have an infestation, to avoid the problem escalating.
- What are bed bug traps?
Bed bug traps are devices that are designed to capture bed bugs. They can be used as a tool for detecting the presence of bed bugs in a home or for monitoring the effectiveness of a bed bug treatment.
There are several types of bed bug traps, including:
- Glue traps: These are small, flat devices that are coated with a sticky substance that bed bugs will get stuck to when they come into contact with it. They can be placed near bedding or other areas where bed bugs are likely to be found.
- Passive traps: Passive traps do not use any kind of bait or attractant and rely on the bed bugs to come into contact with the trap by themselves. They can be placed near bedding or other areas where bed bugs are likely to be found.
- Active traps: Active traps use a heat source and/or a pheromone attractant to lure the bed bugs into the trap. They can be placed near bedding or other areas where bed bugs are likely to be found.
- Interceptor cups: These are small cups that can be placed under the legs of beds, sofas, and other furniture to prevent bed bugs from climbing up to the sleeping area. The bed bugs will fall into the cup and will be trapped.
Bed bug traps can be an effective tool for detecting the presence of bed bugs, but they should not be relied upon as the sole method of elimination. A comprehensive approach that includes inspection, identification, and treatment is required to effectively eliminate a bed bug infestation.
It's important to note that bed bug traps are not a substitute for professional pest control treatment. They can be used in conjunction with professional treatment to monitor the progress of the treatment and to ensure that all bed bugs have been eliminated.
- Bed bug foggers
- Killing bed bugs with heat treatments
Heat is considered by some to be the most effective way to kill bed bugs – but temperatures have to be 120°F or above. For linens, shoes and clothes, a dryer may help. There are also portable bed bug heaters, but again, it’s best to call a professional. An exterminator can bring in special equipment to heat an entire room to an average temperature of 140°F. This bed bug treatment can take up to eight hours. The good news is no poisons are used.
- What Do I Do if I think there are bed bugs in my home?
If you suspect that you have bed bugs in your home, it's important to take action as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:
- Inspect your home: Look for signs of bed bugs, such as reddish-brown fecal spots on mattresses, sheets, and furniture, live or dead bed bugs, and shed skins. You can also use a flashlight to look for bed bugs in the seams and crevices of your mattress, box spring, and bed frame.
- Confirm the presence of bed bugs: If you find evidence of bed bugs, it's best to have a professional pest control company inspect your home to confirm the presence of bed bugs.
- Identify the extent of the infestation: A professional pest control company can help you to identify the extent of the infestation, which is important in order to develop an effective treatment plan.
- Develop a treatment plan: A professional pest control company can provide you with a variety of treatment options, including insecticides and heat treatments.
- Implement the treatment: A professional pest control company will be able to implement the treatment and eliminate the bed bugs from your home.
- Follow-up inspection: A professional pest control company will also be able to conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that the bed bugs have been eliminated and to identify any potential sources of re-infestation.
- Prevention: A professional pest control company will also be able to advise you on how to prevent bed bugs from returning to your home in the future.
It's important to keep in mind that bed bugs can be difficult to eliminate, so it's important to work with a professional pest control company who has experience dealing with bed bugs. They will have the equipment, expertise, and chemicals necessary to effectively eliminate the bed bugs and prevent them from returning.
- Contact an exterminator
- Heat treat infected areas
- Invest in bed bug traps
- GET PROTECTIVE BEDDING! Try our BedBug Solution™ line of mattress protectors, which features the BugStop Seal® and Bargoose Breathable Barrier™. This will keep bed bugs out of mattresses and can be put on infested mattresses, to seal bed bugs in and eliminate bites immediately.
How can I prevent bed bugs from coming back?
Preventing bed bugs from returning to your home after an infestation can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of re-infestation:
- Regular inspections: Regularly inspect your home for bed bugs, particularly in areas where they are most likely to be found, such as around the bed, in the seams and crevices of mattresses and box springs, and in the cracks and crevices of furniture.
- Vacuum regularly: Vacuum your home regularly, paying special attention to areas where bed bugs are likely to be found, such as the bed, furniture, and carpets.
- Use mattress and box spring encasements: Encasing your mattress and box spring in a bed bug-proof cover can prevent bed bugs from getting into these items and can also make it easier to detect bed bugs if they do get in.
- Keep your home clean: Keep your home clean and clutter-free, as bed bugs are attracted to dirty and cluttered environments.
- Laundry: Launder all bedding and clothing that may have come into contact with bed bugs in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Inspect second hand items: Before bringing any second hand items into your home, inspect them for bed bugs.
- Professional Pest Control: Consider scheduling regular inspections with a professional pest control company who can provide you with an inspection and treatment plan.
- Travel precautions: When traveling, inspect hotel rooms for bed bugs before settling in, and avoid putting your luggage on the bed or floor.
It's important to keep in mind that bed bugs can be difficult to eliminate, so it's important to be vigilant and take steps to prevent re-infestation. A comprehensive approach that includes regular inspections, cleaning, and professional pest control is often needed to effectively prevent bed bugs from returning to your home.
For more information, please feel free to contact us at (516) 255 - 1736 or send us an email at: info@bargoosebedding.com.