Guide To Bed Bugs In Texas
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, and range in size from 1 to 5 millimeters. They are often mistaken for ticks, cockroaches, or spiders.
Bed bugs typically bite people at night while they are sleeping. The bites usually result in red, itchy welts that can be extremely annoying. Bed bugs are not known to transmit any diseases, but their bites can be very uncomfortable and cause a great deal of itchiness.
If you think you may have bed bugs, it is important to inspect your home carefully and look for signs of these pests. In this blog you will learn:
- What Bed Bugs Look Like
- Where Bed Bugs Hide
- How Do You Get Bed Bugs?
- What Attracts Bed Bugs?
- Bed Bug Bites
- How To Check For Bed Bugs
- Prevent An Infestation
- How To Kill Bed Bugs
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Adult bed bugs are brown to reddish-brown, oval-shaped, flattened insects about 3/16” long or 5 mm. Nymphs (younger bed bugs) may be clear in color and harder to see. Bed bugs often leave behind a telltale sign of small rusty or reddish stains on sheets and mattresses from their blood-filled fecal matter.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and are often transported into homes and apartments on luggage, furniture, clothing, or boxes. Once inside, they can quickly spread from room to room. Bed bugs prefer to hide close to where people sleep and rest during the day. Typical hiding places include:
- Furniture cracks and crevices
- Under loose wallpaper
- In electrical outlets and switches
- On or near beds, headboards, and bed frames
- Inside nightstands and dressers
- In cracks in the plaster or behind baseboards
How Do You Get Bed Bugs?
People can pick up bed bugs almost anywhere—offices, public transportation, hotels, dormitories, shelters, and secondhand furniture are just a few places. They often hitchhike into your home in luggage, used furniture, or clothing.
Bed bugs are not considered a health hazard because they do not transmit diseases to people. However, they can cause skin rashes and psychological effects (for example, anxiety and insomnia).
What Attracts Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide that people exhale. They are often found near the piping, seams, folds, and tufts of mattresses and box springs.
What Do Beg Bug Bites Look Like?
Bed bug bites can be found on any area of the body that is exposed while you are sleeping. However, they are often found in a line or cluster on the arms, neck, legs, or waist.
The bites are small, red, and swollen with a dark red spot in the center. They are usually itchy and can last for several days.
How To Check For Bed Bugs
To check for bed bugs, you will need to look in all the places where they might be hiding. This includes turning over mattresses and looking in seams, folds, and tufts. You should also check behind headboards, under nightstands, and in dressers.
You will also want to look for small brownish or reddish stains on sheets and mattresses, as this could be bed bug feces. If you see any of these signs, it is important to call a professional exterminator right away.
How To Prevent A Bed Bug Infestation
The best way to prevent a bed bug infestation is to be proactive. Inspect your home regularly for signs of bed bugs and contact a professional exterminator if you find any.
Be sure to check secondhand furniture and clothing before bringing it into your home, as these items may be harboring bed bugs.
Traveling can also increase your risk of coming into contact with bed bugs, so it’s important to inspect your hotel room for signs of pests before unpacking your luggage.
If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, don’t hesitate to call a professional exterminator. The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of preventing an infestation from taking hold.
How Do You Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?
If you think you may have bed bugs, the first thing you should do is call a professional exterminator. They will be able to identify the pests and develop a treatment plan properly.
Do-it-yourself methods are not recommended, as they can often make the problem worse. If you do decide to go this route, be sure to follow the directions carefully and always use protective clothing.
Some people may advocate using rubbing alcohol or pesticides to kill bed bugs, but these methods are not effective and can be dangerous.
The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to call a professional exterminator who will safely and effectively eliminate the pests.
PCI Pest Control Can Help
PCI Pest Control is a leading provider of bed bug extermination services in Texas. We have experience safely and effectively eliminating bed bugs from homes and businesses throughout the state.
If you think you may have bed bugs, contact PCI Pest Control today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced exterminators will identify the pests and develop a treatment plan to safely and effectively eliminate them. Contact us today!