Bed bugs are some of the most pervasive and frustrating pests once they are inside the home. Bed bugs are small parasites that burrow deep into the crevices and frames of furniture until a host, either an animal or a human, goes to sleep. At that time, these pests then come out to feed, biting the host in order to feed on their blood. A bed bug’s bite will turn red and itchy, which can make sleeping difficult. However, it is also unsettling to know that there are bugs within the furniture that will soon come out to feed. For these reasons, it is important to call a bed bug control company in Wentzville any time these bugs are found in a home.
Where are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs evolved over 100 million years ago and in recent years, they have become particularly troubling. They are now on nearly every single continent around the globe, with the exception perhaps, of Antarctica. One of the reasons bed bugs spread throughout the entire world is because they are known hitchhikers. They will move from one place to another, either by climbing into suitcases, storage boxes, or other mode of transportation. After arriving at a destination, they will simply climb out and make a new home wherever they are.
Contrary to their name, bed bugs are not only found in beds. While mattresses and bed frames provide a fairly secure home for bed bugs, they can also be found in other types of furniture, as well. Bed bugs do not prefer unsanitary spaces and do not generally discriminate against certain places to live. Sadly, this means that frequent cleaning is not enough to keep bed bugs away.
The Danger of Bed Bugs
The biggest danger bed bugs pose really, is that they can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Although bed bugs are known to carry diseases, they do not transmit them to humans. Still, the bite they deliver can be incredibly itchy. When a person scratches a bite too vigorously, it may lead to a secondary infection. Even the lack of sleep they cause can lead to other health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even diabetes.
Signs of Bed Bugs
Even though bed bugs like to largely remain in the dark crevices where they are protected, there are still some common signs to look for if you think you have a bed bug problem. As bed bugs molt, they leave exoskeletons behind, which look like a papery hollow shell. Seeing these around your bed or other furniture may indicate that bed bugs have made it their home.
Additionally, you may also find spots that are rust in color on your pillow, mattress, or sheet. As unpleasant as it is to think about, these spots are caused by bed bugs that are crushed into the furniture when you sleep or change positions. Bed bugs also release a sweet, musty odor, so if you smell this, it may also mean you should investigate further for bed bugs.
Treating Bed Bugs
The most effective treatment for bed bugs is heat. Bed bugs cannot survive excessive heat and so, treating the home with high heat throughout is an important step in any treatment plan. It is important to remember that you will need a pest control specialist for this. Any pest control company should ensure that the high heat reaches not only every part of the interior of the home, but also inside the walls, and beneath floor surfaces, particularly carpeting. The heat should also permeate the bedding, clothing, and furniture within the home.
Preventing Bed Bugs
The best way to deal with bed bugs is to prevent them from ever coming into your home in the first place. The best ways to do this is to:
- Leave luggage and other items outside until you can inspect it to ensure it does not contain bed bugs.
- Remove clothes from luggage and place into a hot dryer for one hour.
- Store luggage in a garage on a permanent basis, if possible.
- Most bed bugs do live within mattresses and box springs, so these areas should be thoroughly inspected regularly to ensure bed bugs are not present.
Although these prevention tips are typically effective, often they are not enough. When you cannot prevent bed bugs in your space, a pest control company can provide the treatment you need.
Call Our Wentzville Bed Bug Control Company Today
No one should have to live with bed bugs. If you have found an infestation in your home, our bed bug control in Wentzville can help. At Amco Ranger, we have the necessary tools and know-how to deal with an infestation and help ensure the pests do not come back. Call us today at (636) 223-8682 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.
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*Listed pricing is for most homes, subject to change, and does not include program start-up fee. Final pricing determined during initial consultation.