Having the feeling there’s a bug infestation in your home can interrupt your day-to-day life. There are many types of invasive insects, all of which require different pest control treatments. Bed bugs and mites are two that are often misidentified. Each affects humans differently, and you need to recognize which you’re dealing with so you seek the right extermination services.

Bed Bugs vs. Mites

Appearance

From a distance, bed bugs can look like small oval specs of dirt. They are only one-fourth of an inch long, are reddish-brown in color, and hide in hard-to-see areas. Mites can range from being microscopic to one-eighth of an inch long and are usually translucent in color. Because of this, you’ll often only notice the side effects of a mite infestation.

Habitat

Bed bugs seek concealed areas to hide in, such as the creases in a mattress, behind peeling wallpaper, crevices in furniture, and behind larger home items. Mites often nest in furniture fibers, pillows, and mattresses where they can easily feed.

Diet

Both bed bugs and mites feed on different parts of humans. Mites prefer dead skin cells, which is why they hide where you sleep and sit. Bed bugs, which are nocturnal, feed on the blood, which is why they’re active at night where they can feast unnoticed.

Signs of an Infestation

Aside from identifying them with the naked eye, there are obvious signs of an infestation. Bed bugs leave small, painful bites on humans that appear in clusters and are often found upon waking up. Mites deposit excrement where they nest, which can cause allergic reactions. This is especially problematic for people with respiratory issues. If you experience any of these, schedule pest control treatments, even if you haven’t seen either bug. Mites and bed bugs multiply quickly, which is why the issue needs to be resolved right away.

If you need home pest control treatments, the skilled team at Pest-Ex can help. This company has served Dothan, AL, since 1956, offering both residential and commercial pest control services. Their licensed technicians tackle several insects — including roaches, bed bugs, and fleas — and will determine the best pest control treatments to resolve the issue and prevent future problems. Call (334) 794-5903 to speak with their staff and visit their website to explore their services further.