It’s a pretty safe bet that no one wants to find bedbugs in their home. These critters can leave itchy bites and potentially transmit diseases. They’re also very easy to bring home from hotels or vacation homes, so carefully check for these pests any time you’re sleeping in a new place. Whether you’re on vacation or suspect you may have an infestation in your home already, here are some things to look out for.

How to Find & Remove Bedbugs From Your Home

What They Look Like

Bedbugs are normally reddish brown with flat, oval-shaped bodies that look kind of like small seeds. They can be seen with the naked eye, though they can sometimes hide out of view. It’s also important to look for exoskeletons, which are casings that they molt away. They may also leave tiny, reddish brown spots from their excrement.

Where They Often Hide

Bedbugs are most commonly found on mattresses, especially around seams or underneath pillows at the head of the bed. They can also live on box springs or other upholstered furniture. When checking for them, use a flashlight and carefully pull fabric away from the end seams so you can get a full view. If you’re checking at a hotel, be sure to store your luggage on a rack or in the bathtub so strays don’t make their way into your belongings in the meantime.

What to Do if You Find Them

If you see these pests at a hotel or vacation property, the first step should be to leave and request a new room on the opposite end of the building—or just find a new destination altogether. If you find them in your home, contact a pest control company that specializes in bedbug removal. They can find all of their hiding spaces around your home and provide treatment to those areas to remove them and prevent a continued infestation.

If you need a pest control company in Knoxville, TN, call the professionals at Southeast Termite & Pest Control. In addition to bedbugs, the EPA-certified exterminator also provides removal and control services for mosquitos, termites, spiders, ants, roaches, and wildlife. The company’s owner has more than 50 years of industry experience, and all team members are trained to provide thorough and reliable service to every customer. Whether you need to remove pests or invest in wildlife control for your property, call the family business at (865) 925-3700 or send a message online.