Bed bugs are minuscule, oval-shaped insects that have a rusty or reddish-brown hue and a tendency to bite people in their sleep. Since females are capable of laying 250 eggs in their lifetime, once they invade your home, they are likely to stay a problem until you can arrange for pest control. The guide below will help you identify them and avoid reinfestation.

Your Bed Bug Questions Answered

What are bed bugs like?

These insects do not fly. However, they are small enough to hide in nearly any space; the average bug measures approximately 1 to 7 millimeters and is capable of surviving for a few months without feeding. These bugs primarily feed on human beings during the night, but they may also bite common household pets, like cats and dogs.  

Where are they found?

Homeowners are likely to find these intrepid bugs in sleeping areas. They comfortably nestle into mattress seams, the corners of boxsprings, bed frames, dresser drawers, behind wallpaper, and inside cabinets and other materials around beds.

They’re also commonly discovered inside hotels and motels, in schools and college dorms, within hospitals, and on public transportation. As such, it’s important to check your luggage carefully when returning home from a trip; empty it away from the bedroom and clean the bag thoroughly to be safe.

What are the signs?

You might not notice an infestation immediately. A bed bug bite can take up to two weeks to develop in the skin. When they do appear, it will most likely be in a cluster or as a series of marks in a row.

Other signs of a problem include visible bugs in the folds of your bedding and small, rust-toned blood markings on the mattress corners or the floor next to the bed. In serious cases, you might detect a sweet aroma permeating the air. This develops when their fecal matter accumulates in the area.

How do you treat an infestation?

It’s best to have a pest control professional tackle the issue for you. They use comprehensive treatments to thoroughly eradicate the problem and will perform an inspection afterward to make sure they did not miss any of the population.
 

If you’re seeking a reliable pest removal professional to handle a stubborn bed bug problem, turn to the experts at Hi-Tech Pest Pros in Houston, TX. The company offers solutions that you can trust to handle these unwanted critters, along with mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites. Visit them online to find out more about their residential pest control services or call them at (281) 335-5725 to schedule an appointment.