Bedbugs are flat, wingless, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. They feed on the blood of sleeping humans and animals, and although they don’t spread diseases, they can leave itchy bites. If you’re worried that bedbugs may have infested your home, follow this guide. 

What Are the Signs of a BedBug Infestation?

As their name suggests, bedbugs tend to hide in mattresses, box springs, headboards, and bed frames. Check these objects and the areas around your bed for bug skin, which looks like translucence bedbugs. Also, look for fecal spots, which resemble dark brown or black stains, bloodstains, especially on pillowcases, sheets, or your pajamas, and note if there's a musty smell

To ensure your examination is thorough, remove all bedding, dust covers, and anything else covering your beds and box springs. You should also check your household members for bedbug bites. These red, itchy bites often appear in straight lines. Unlike flea bites, they lack a red spot in the center and can be found anywhere on the body, rather than just the ankles. 

What Should You Do About a Bedbug Infestation? 

First, wash any bites with soap and water to decrease the chance of skin infection, and reduce itchiness with some corticosteroid cream. Consult a dermatologist if you have several bites, if they don’t go away within a week or two, or if you have signs of an infection, such as agitated blisters. If you have signs of an allergic reaction (such as coughing, nausea, or difficulty swallowing), consult a doctor. 

Next, wash your bedding and linens along with all the clothes or curtains in your bedroom (or any other rooms where you found signs of infestation). Put non-washable items like shoes in the dryer. Then, get the bugs and their eggs off of your mattress by scrubbing it with a stiff brush. Vacuum your bed and bedroom, and put the vacuum bag in a plastic bag in an outdoor garbage can to prevent the bugs from re-infesting your home. 

To get bedbugs out of your home for good, it’s important to schedule professional pest control. The team at Free Bee Pest Control LLC uses electric heat treatments and liquid applications to eliminate bedbugs in just two to three days. Based in Englewood, OH, they treat homes throughout the Greater Dayton area, and they also get rid of a variety of other pests, including ants, spiders, and fleas. Learn more about their services online, and call (937) 242-6170 to schedule an inspection.