Bed bugs are pests that most people are familiar with but hope they never have to experience. They sound like something out of a horror movie as they are parasitic pests that survive on our blood and even come out at night to feed as they are nocturnal. You'll wake up with bite marks on your body, and this experience is disgusting.
But, while most people know some things about bed bugs, they are often surrounded by myths and wrong information. It's hard to know what to do about bed bugs, but the Frisco pest control experts at DANCAN The Pest Control Expert, want to help. This guidebook contains information about common bed bug hiding spots and how to identify an infestation.
A Brief History Of The Bed Bug Resurgence
Bed bugs have been around for hundreds of years. There are historical records that place bed bugs in ancient Rome, and from there, they spread to Asia and Europe. In the 18th century, bed bugs came to America on the ships of Europeans. But, most bed bugs in the country were gone by the 20th century using pesticides.
Unfortunately, bed bugs returned in the 1990s, mainly because of increased international travel. Today, they continue to spread to various homes and buildings.
Part of why bed bugs spread so quickly is how they get around. Bed bugs are stowaways that attach to luggage, clothing, and purses. While they don't live on human hosts, we can bring them with us from place to place.
Most Common Bed Bug Hiding Spots
Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and are nocturnal, so that they can hide in many small areas around your property. Contrary to popular belief, they don't just live on mattresses.
Here are some of the main places bed bugs like to hide:
- On The Seams Of Furniture: Bed bugs do live on mattresses but will also live on couches, chairs, and more.
- Inside Appliances: Bed bugs can even be brought inside on secondhand devices.
- In Holes In Walls: Tiny cracks in the walls and electrical outlets are the favorite hiding spots of these pests.
- On Clothing And Curtains: Generally, bed bugs can live on any fabric or upholstered item.
- Inside Bedding: Because bedding and blankets offer easy access to humans, bed bugs often live on these items.
Now that you know where to look for bed bugs keep reading to get tips on identifying an infestation.
Three Signs Bed Bugs Leave Behind
Bed bugs are surprisingly difficult to identify in your home, but there are some signs of a bed bug infestation you can look out for around your property, such as:
- Bed Bug Bites: These bites will show up in rows or zigzags anywhere exposed skin is during sleep.
- Bed Bug Skins: Bed bugs leave behind discarded skins and eggshells around baseboards and furniture.
- Bed Bug Stains: You might find brown marks around walls and furniture or see bloodstains from the bites.
If you see any of these signs and need help identifying an infestation, Frisco pest control experts are your best bet.
Why You Should Skip DIY And Order Professional Bed Bug Control
If you have a bed bug problem, you might attempt to remove it using DIY methods, but this approach isn't that effective. Bed bugs are extremely challenging to remove, so that most over-the-counter products won't remove the entire problem. If you want accurate and comprehensive bed bug control, you'll need assistance from DANCAN The Pest Control Expert. Contact us today to learn more about our home pest control services and book an inspection.