Bed bugs are a pest that can feel like creatures out of a nightmare or horror movie. They come out while we sleep to feed on our blood. Then, upon waking, they’ve left behind tiny rows of bites that seem to come out of nowhere. While these vampiric pests might be tiny, they are disgusting and difficult to remove and no small problem for homeowners. However, while they can cause anemia in extreme cases, they aren’t known to spread any diseases.
The main issue with bed bugs is that they are so invasive and hard to get rid of once they establish themselves in a Cedar Hill home. They can reproduce quickly and hide in many areas. Some homeowners also aren’t sure right away if they’re dealing with bed bugs or some other pest. Bed bugs are often misidentified for other species, such as fleas, so knowing how to identify bed bugs and their infestations is the first step in keeping your home free of these nasty pests.
Identifying Bed Bugs
One misconception about bed bugs is that they are too small to see with the human eye, but the truth is that they are about the size and shape of an apple seed. The adult bugs have oval-shaped bodies and appear flat except after they’ve just eaten. They are a reddish-brown color.
However, you might also see bed bugs when they are in their egg or nymph form. The eggs are a creamy white color and only about 1mm long. Once hatched, bed bugs leave behind eggshells that will slowly turn a dark brown color. Bed bug nymphs are also a whitish color, but otherwise look quite similar to adult bugs aside from their smaller size.
Four Signs Of Bed Bug Infestations
While you might notice the actual bed bugs themselves as the infestation grows, there are other signs of these pests that are likely to crop up first. Knowing what these signs are can help you identify bed bugs right away and take steps to eradicate them before they become even more widespread throughout your home.
- Finding bed bug bites which appear in zigzag or line patterns anywhere that skin is exposed during sleep
- Discovering blood stains on mattresses and sheets
- Seeing brown smear marks from the bed bug excrement
- Noticing a musty odor that wasn’t there before
Keep in mind that while bed bugs do often live in mattresses and bedding that they can also infest other areas of your home. They often are found on curtains, other furniture, and even in small holes in the wall. Make sure to check around baseboards for signs of bed bugs as well.
What’s The Easiest Way To Remove Bed Bugs?
If you have noticed any signs of bed bugs around your Cedar Hill home, the best way to eradicate them quickly and safely is with help from Proactive Pest Services. In order to remove bed bugs so they don’t come back, all the bugs at every stage of their life cycle need to be targeted.
Trying to remove them on your own is usually a waste of time and money. Instead, give us a call today to learn more about our bed bug control plans and get started protecting your home from bed bugs and other invading pests.
