How would you feel if a bunch of tiny hitchhikers hitched a ride on your body, came home with you, and then wanted to feed on your blood? Probably not great, right? Well, when you pick up bed bugs that’s essentially what happens.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are oval-shaped insects that grow to be about ¼ of an inch long. They have six legs, antennae, and their colors change depending on if they have recently fed or not. Before feeding on a blood meal, bed bugs’ bodies will be flat and a browner color. However, after feeding, their bodies will engorge and turn to a deeper red.
Bed bugs are so named because they often make their homes inside of mattresses and box springs, and then they feed on people as they sleep. This is because bed bugs are nocturnal and the best place to find humans (their favorite source of food) at night is in bed. Therefore, if you notice red smudges or rust-like stains on your sheets or pillows, it could be due to a bed bug infestation. Other ways you can identify if you have a bed bug infestation include finding bite marks on your body in the morning or noticing a musty smell coming from around your bed.
Additionally, while bed bugs might start by making their home in your bed, once they’re inside, they often can spread throughout your home, making getting rid of them a tough chore.
Where Can You Pick Up Bed Bugs?
As bed bugs prefer to feed on the blood of humans, any location that has a high volume of people is a place where you could pick up bed bugs. Bed bug hotspots include transit hubs such as bus stations, train stations, and airports; hotels; hospitals; schools; and dormitories. If you are spending time in any of these locations it is important for you to be cognizant of your actions so that you don’t accidentally pick up any bed bugs unknowingly. This means:
- Refrain from placing bags or purses directly on the ground.
- Refrain from sitting directly on the ground.
- Check hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before using them.
- Check your luggage, bags, and person for bed bugs after returning from these areas.
Other Ways That Bed Bugs Get Into Homes
In addition to picking them up ourselves, another common way that bed bugs get into homes is by sneaking in on second-hand furniture, appliances, and clothes. Whether it’s couches, mattresses, or box springs, if you purchase any second-hand furniture, appliances, or clothes, be sure to inspect and clean them thoroughly before bringing them inside your home.
What To Do If Bed Bugs Infest Your Home
If bed bugs do infest your home, don’t panic, just call the trained pest professionals here at Smith’s Pest Management. We have the experience and the expertise required to effectively eliminate any bed bug infestation you might be dealing with. Don’t lose sleep over these hitchhiking pests and give us a call today.
