Bedbugs are small insects that can cause big problems if they infest your home or business. They feed on human blood, typically at night, and can cause itchiness, rashes, and other symptoms. This guide to bedbugs will let you know a little more about where they come from, how you can identify them, and, most importantly, how you can get rid of them.

What Are Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are wingless, blood-feeding insects that are reddish-brown as adults and translucent as nymphs. They have flat bodies that swell and turn redder when they feed. Adult bedbugs are about five mm long, similar in size to an apple seed. They hang out where people are sedentary for periods of time, such as beds. You can also find them on couches, chairs, curtains, and other spots.

Bedbugs are hitchhikers. You can pick them up from any infested area, and they'll crawl into your luggage, backpack, purse, and other belongings until they enter your home. Bedbugs can be found almost anywhere, but people often spot them in hotel rooms, movie theaters, and their own homes.

How Can You Spot Bedbugs?

Live bedbugs hide in the seams of mattresses, behind pictures on the wall, or in other cracks and crevices. They are small, so they're difficult to spot. You might, however, see small black staining on mattresses or bedding. This is fecal spotting of digested blood. Bedbugs also give off a musty odor from their scent glands. You may not know you have bedbugs until they bite you. Some people get itchy red welts from bedbugs, while others have no reaction at all.

How Can You Get Rid of Them?

To get rid of bedbugs, you must wash bedding, clothing, and other items in hot water and dry them on the highest setting. A stiff brush can be used to scrub your mattress and other furniture to remove bedbugs and their eggs. Then, the area must be thoroughly and completely vacuumed. You may need to get rid of your mattress and box spring entirely if you have a serious infestation. To eradicate bedbugs in your home, it's best to call a professional pest control company to help.

If you need help getting rid of bedbugs, contact Bug-A-Pest in Warren County, OH. For over 25 years, this family-owned and -operated business has been serving residents and businesses of Mason, Maineville, Kings Mills, Lebanon, and surrounding areas. Mason’s leading pest control service uses the latest techniques to eradicate bedbugs, termites, ants, roaches, mice, and other pests. Call (513) 459-7700 for an estimate or visit their website for more information.