Of all the pests that you might face here in Salt Lake City, some of the most stubborn are bed bugs. That’s because bed bugs are small pests that sneak into our homes without our knowledge and then spread throughout it. At that point, it becomes exceedingly challenging to get rid of them because they could be hiding in mattresses, carpeting, upholstered furniture, curtains, and even in the walls.
To make matters worse in the meantime, they feed on our blood, usually while we are sleeping and our guard is down. That’s why it is important for you to know the signs of a bed bug infestation. Then, you can act fast to take action and remove it before it is able to spread throughout your Salt Lake City home.
Bed Bug Basics
Bed Bugs are small parasitic pests that are often compared to apple seeds with legs due to their teardrop shape and reddish-brown coloring. Although bed bugs usually have flattened bodies, they will engorge and turn to a deep reddish-purple after they have fed on bloodmeal. While bed bugs will feed on the blood of other mammals (and some birds), their favorite source of blood is from us humans. That is why they like to invade our homes.
The manner by which bed bugs get into our homes is usually by hitching rides on us without our knowledge. Then, when we return home, we bring the bed bugs with us. Once inside, bed bugs will usually make their homes around beds, in mattresses and box springs. That is because this provides the bed bugs, which are nocturnal, with easy access to sleeping humans to feed upon.
Furthermore, although a bed bug infestation might start around a bed, it will spread throughout a home if it is not dealt with promptly. Additionally, if bed bug infestations are allowed to persist for too long, or if they grow too large, they can lead to anemia. Therefore, it best to act quickly should you notice any of the signs of bed bugs in your home.
Areas that you are most likely to pick up bed bugs are called bed bug hotspots. These are locations where a large volume of people come and go on a daily basis. Some bed bug hotspots include lodging establishments, schools, hospitals, and transportation hubs. While in these places, be mindful not to place your belongings directly on the ground and not to sit on the ground yourself.
Signs That Bed Bugs Have Invaded Your Home
The most common first sign of a bed bug infestation in a home is the appearance of bite marks on your body. These bite marks appear as small red welts, often in linear patterns as opposed to randomly scattered. Remember not to scratch the bites as this can lead to secondary infections.
Some other signs of bed bug infestations include:
- Bloodstains on sheets, pillowcases, or upholstered furniture.
- Rust-like stains from bed bug excrement on sheets, pillowcases, or upholstered furniture.
- A musty odor emanating from your bed or other furniture.
What To Do If Bed Bugs Have Invaded Your Home
When it comes to preventing the spread of bed bugs, time is a factor. Therefore, at the first sign of bed bugs in your home, contact the professionals here at Pest Pro Pest Control. Our bed bug control service is designed to effectively eliminate bed bugs anywhere in your home. It consists of an inspection, a treatment, and a follow up service to ensure that your home is bed bug free. Don’t lose sleep over these parasitic pests. Give us a call today!