Bed Bug

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects with flattened, reddish-brown bodies. Adults are roughly the size of an apple seed, and their bodies become more elongated and swollen after feeding. They are often more active at night when they leave their hiding places to feed on available hosts.

They can hide in extremely small spaces, including mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, furniture joints, baseboards, and cracks in walls. Their ability to remain concealed allows them to go unnoticed, making early recognition of signs important when identifying a potential infestation.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Bed bugs are commonly introduced into homes and businesses by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, bedding, furniture, and other personal belongings. They can also spread between rooms or nearby units through cracks, gaps, and other concealed pathways.

Travel is one common way they can be transported. However, an infestation can occur without recent travel because used furniture, clothing, or other belongings can also introduce these pests into a property.

Once inside, they seek dark, protected locations close to their food source. Their hiding places can make them difficult to locate without a thorough inspection.

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

Bites are one possible sign, but they are not enough on their own to confirm an infestation. Reactions to bites can vary from person to person, and other pests can cause similar skin irritation.

Look for additional signs around sleeping and resting areas, including:

• Live Bed Bugs: Adults or immature bugs may be visible around mattress seams, bed frames, furniture, or other hiding places.
• Dark Spots: Small dark stains may appear on mattresses, bedding, or nearby surfaces.
• Shed Skins: Bed bugs shed their outer skins as they develop, which you may find around hiding spots.
• Eggs and Eggshells: Tiny, pale eggs or empty eggshells may be present in cracks and protected areas.
• Blood Spots: Small reddish stains may appear on bedding from feeding activity or when a bed bug is accidentally crushed. 

If you notice several of these signs, a professional inspection can help determine whether they are responsible.

How Do Bed Bugs Spread?

Bed bugs do not fly or jump. Instead, they spread primarily by being transported from one location to another. Luggage, clothing, furniture, bedding, and personal belongings can provide opportunities to move between properties.

Within a building, they may also move through cracks, wall voids, electrical outlets, and other small openings. This is why treating only the area where they were first noticed may not always address the entire problem.

What Should You Do If You Find Bed Bugs?

If you suspect an infestation, avoid moving mattresses, furniture, or other potentially infested belongings to different rooms. Moving these items can unintentionally spread them throughout the property.

Instead:

1. Confirm the Pest: Look for physical evidence rather than relying on bites alone. A professional inspection can help identify the pest accurately.
2. Reduce Clutter: Remove unnecessary items from affected areas while avoiding unnecessary movement of belongings between rooms.
3. Wash and Dry Bedding: Launder bedding and clothing according to their care instructions. Using a dryer on an appropriate high-heat setting can help reduce bed bugs and eggs on suitable washable items. 
4. Vacuum Carefully: Vacuum mattresses, furniture seams, floors, and other areas where they may be hiding. Dispose of vacuum contents appropriately.
5. Contact a Professional: They can be difficult to eliminate. Professional treatment can help identify hiding areas and develop an appropriate plan for the infestation.

Preventing Bed Bugs

Preventing bed bugs is easier when you regularly inspect belongings and recognize the early warning signs.

• Inspect Used Furniture: Carefully examine mattresses, furniture seams, joints, and hidden areas before bringing used items into your home.
• Check Luggage After Traveling: Inspect luggage and belongings after returning from a trip, particularly around seams, pockets, and folds.
• Avoid Bringing Unknown Items Indoors: Be cautious with discarded mattresses, upholstered furniture, and other items that may harbor hidden pests.
• Reduce Clutter: Keeping sleeping areas organized can make it easier to identify potential signs of an infestation.
• Inspect Regularly: If you live in a multi-unit building or frequently travel, routine inspections can help detect problems earlier.

Professional Bed Bug Inspections and Solutions 

Bed bugs can be persistent because they hide in areas that are difficult to reach and may remain unnoticed until their population increases. DIY treatments may provide temporary relief without addressing every hiding location or stage of the infestation.

Professional inspections can help identify activity, locate potential hiding areas, and determine an appropriate treatment approach. Nature Shield Pest Solutions provides pest solutions designed to help homeowners and businesses better understand and address pest concerns related to bed bug activity.

Protect Your Property with Nature Shield Pest Solutions

Discovering bed bugs can be stressful, but identifying the source early can help determine the right solution. Nature Shield Pest Solutions provides professional inspections and customized pest solutions to help customers understand their options. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and learn more about addressing pest concerns.