Tips For Identifying And Preventing Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to control. These small insects release a sweet odor, but they can have a bitter impact on your life. Well known for their nocturnal habits, bed bugs feed on human blood and, what’s worse, their bites cause severe itching. Whether you’re dealing with an infestation or not, the good news is that there’s pest control treatment for bed bugs, and some prevention tips that can help.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

First, it’s important to understand what bed bugs look like. They have six legs and adults are ¼ inch long, although these pests can triple in size with just one feeding. Bed bugs usually have an oval-shaped body that looks more elongated if they have fed recently. When it comes to their lifecycle, eggs hatch and grow into adults in about 37 days. Depending on the conditions, bed bugs can live for nearly one year.

While many people think that it’s impossible to see bed bugs with the naked eye, this is actually false. Another misconception is that bed bugs live in dirty places. Clutter doesn’t attract these pests, although it helps them to hide. On the other hand, warmth, blood, and carbon dioxide do attract bed bugs. There is no scientific proof that these parasitic insects can transmit diseases, but they’re considered a threat to public health.  

 

How To Prevent Bed Bugs

So, how do you avoid becoming dinner for bed bugs? Here are a few easy tips to keep your home protected from these pests:

  • Check your bedsheets for tiny blood spots, shed skins, and eggs. They might indicate that you have bed bugs biting you during your sleep.
  • Use a small flashlight to inspect the floor, wallpaper, and small cracks.
  • Examine second-hand furniture for signs of bed bugs.
  • Vacuum your house frequently. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, but they can’t stand a vacuum cleaner. Don’t forget to dispose of vacuum waste in a sealed container outside.
  • Set up your dryer to the highest heat and toss in your clothes, sheets, bedding, pillows, and curtains. It will kill bed bugs hidden there.
  • Seal cracks and crevices in walls.

We also recommend you to take preventive steps against bed bugs every time you stay in a hotel. Once you arrive, leave all the luggage in the restroom while you inspect beds and rooms. Vacuum your luggage and dry your clothes when you come back home as well.

If you think it’s too late for prevention, don’t worry! Contact Park Pest Control through our website or call us at (800) 324-BUGS and we’ll get rid of your bed bugs for you.

 

 

 

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