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Early Signs of Bed Bugs: Identifying Infestations Early

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Bed bugs are small, elusive pests that can cause significant discomfort and anxiety. These nocturnal insects feed on human blood, often leaving itchy bites and other signs of their presence. Early detection of bed bugs is crucial to prevent a minor issue from becoming a full-blown infestation. In this guide, we will discuss the early signs of bed bugs and how to identify them effectively.

Common Early Signs of Bed Bugs

Red, Itchy Bites

One of the most noticeable early signs of bed bugs is red, itchy bites on your skin. Bed bug bites often appear in a line or cluster and can cause significant irritation. Unlike mosquito bites, bed bug bites usually have a distinct pattern and can be found on exposed areas of the body such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. These bites can be very itchy and uncomfortable, and scratching them can lead to infections.

Blood Stains on Sheets

One of the other early signs of bed bugs is small blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases. These stains occur when bed bugs are crushed after feeding. If you notice unexplained blood spots on your bedding, it’s time to investigate further. These blood stains can be fresh or dried and are often found near the edges of the mattress or pillows.

Dark Spots on Mattresses

Bed bugs excrete digested blood, leaving behind dark, rust-colored spots on mattresses, bed frames, and surrounding areas. These spots, also known as fecal spots, are one of the common early signs of bed bugs. Fecal spots are small, dark, and can be smeared if touched. They are often found in clusters and are a clear sign of an infestation.

Identifying Bed Bugs

Can You See Bed Bugs?

While bed bugs are small, they are visible to the naked eye. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, with a flat, oval-shaped body. They are brownish-red in color and become more reddish after feeding. Being vigilant and knowing what to look for can help you spot them early.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs have a distinctive appearance. They have six legs, two antennae, and no wings. Their bodies are flat and oval-shaped, allowing them to hide in narrow cracks and crevices. Young bed bugs, or nymphs, are smaller and lighter in color, making them harder to spot. Nymphs molt five times before reaching adulthood, and they need a blood meal before each molt.

Baby Bed Bugs

Baby bed bugs, or nymphs, are translucent and very small, about the size of a pinhead. As they mature, they become darker and more visible. Nymphs can be difficult to detect, especially in the early stages of an infestation. They are often found in the same areas as adult bed bugs, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and other furniture.

Unusual Bed Bug Habits

Activity During the Night

Bed bugs are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They emerge from their hiding spots to feed on human blood while you sleep. Their nocturnal behavior makes it challenging to detect them during the day. Understanding their habits can help you identify their presence even if you don’t see them directly.

Hiding Spots

Bed bugs are experts at hiding. They can be found in various places, including mattress seams, bed frames, headboards, furniture, baseboards, and even behind wallpaper. Thoroughly inspecting these areas is essential for early detection. They prefer to stay close to their food source, which is why they are commonly found in bedrooms.

Secondary Early Signs of Bed Bugs

Musty Odor

A musty, sweet odor is often associated with bed bug infestations. This smell comes from the bed bugs’ scent glands and can be particularly noticeable in large infestations. If you detect an unusual odor in your bedroom, it may be one of the early signs of bed bugs.

Exoskeletons and Shells

As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons. Finding these discarded shells is a strong indication of an infestation. These exoskeletons are pale yellow and can be found near the bed bugs’ hiding spots. Regularly checking for these shells can help you detect an infestation early.

Bed Bug Bites and Health Implications

Allergic Reactions

Some people may experience allergic reactions to bed bug bites, leading to more severe symptoms such as blisters, intense itching, and swelling. In rare cases, individuals may develop anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience severe reactions, it’s crucial to seek medical help.

Infections

Scratching bed bug bites can break the skin and lead to secondary infections. It’s essential to keep the affected area clean and avoid scratching to prevent complications. Applying antiseptic creams and keeping the bites covered can help reduce the risk of infection.

Bed Bug Infestation Myths

Myth: Bed Bugs Only Live in Dirty Homes

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs can infest any home, regardless of cleanliness. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, not dirt. Regular cleaning can help detect infestations early but does not prevent bed bugs from entering your home. Bed bugs can be brought in from outside sources, such as luggage, second-hand furniture, and even clothing.

Myth: Bed Bugs Transmit Diseases

While bed bugs can cause discomfort and anxiety, they are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, their bites can lead to secondary infections and allergic reactions, which require attention. It’s important to address a bed bug infestation promptly to prevent health issues and maintain peace of mind.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Early Signs of Bed Bugs

Confirming an Infestation

If you suspect bed bugs, it’s crucial to confirm the infestation before taking action. Look for physical signs such as bites, blood stains, fecal spots, and exoskeletons. Using a flashlight and magnifying glass can help you spot these signs more easily. Checking common hiding spots regularly can help you stay ahead of an infestation.

Professional Inspection

For a thorough inspection, consider hiring a professional pest control service. Experts can identify and confirm bed bug infestations using specialized tools and techniques. Professional inspections can provide peace of mind and ensure that any infestations are detected and addressed promptly.

DIY Early Signs of Bed Bugs Detection Methods

Using Bed Bug Interceptors

Bed bug interceptors are small devices placed under bed legs to trap bed bugs as they move. If you’re noticing early signs of bed bugs in your home, these devices can help monitor and confirm the presence of bed bugs. Interceptors are a cost-effective way to keep track of bed bug activity and can be used in conjunction with other detection methods.

Checking Furniture and Bedding

Regularly inspecting your furniture and bedding is a proactive way to detect bed bugs early. Pay close attention to seams, crevices, and other hiding spots. Using a vacuum cleaner can help remove bed bugs and their eggs. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum contents in a sealed bag to prevent re-infestation.

Preventative Measures

Keeping Your Home Clean

Maintaining a clean home can help you spot bed bugs early. Regularly washing and drying bedding, vacuuming floors, and decluttering can reduce the chances of an infestation. While cleanliness does not prevent bed bugs, it makes it easier to detect and address issues promptly.

Protecting Your Mattress

Using a bed bug-proof mattress cover can prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress. These covers encase the entire mattress, trapping any existing bed bugs and preventing new ones from entering. Mattress covers are an effective tool in managing and preventing bed bug infestations.

Professional Bed Bug Treatments

Heat Treatments

Heat treatments involve raising the temperature of an infested area to a level that is lethal to bed bugs. This method is highly effective and can eliminate bed bugs in a single treatment. Heat treatments are chemical-free and can penetrate areas that are difficult to reach with traditional methods.

Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments use insecticides to kill bed bugs. These treatments are often combined with other methods to ensure complete eradication. Professional pest control services can apply these treatments safely and effectively. Chemical treatments can be tailored to specific infestation levels and areas.

Choosing the Right Exterminator

What to Look for in a Pest Control Service

When choosing a pest control service, look for a company with experience in bed bug extermination. Check for positive reviews, certifications, and guarantees on their services. A reputable company will provide detailed information about their treatment methods and what you can expect during the process.

Questions to Ask

Ask potential exterminators about their treatment methods, experience, and follow-up services. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision. Inquire about the safety of their methods, especially if you have pets or children at home. A good pest control service will be transparent and willing to answer all your questions.

Amco Ranger’s Bed Bug Services

Overview of Services

Amco Ranger offers comprehensive bed bug extermination services, including inspections, heat treatments, and chemical treatments. Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure effective results. Amco Ranger’s approach is thorough and customer-focused, ensuring that your bed bug problem is resolved efficiently.

Customer Testimonials

Many satisfied customers have praised Amco Ranger for their professionalism, thoroughness, and excellent customer service. Read testimonials on their website to learn more about their successful bed bug treatments. Customer feedback highlights Amco Ranger’s commitment to quality and effective pest control solutions.

Conclusion of Early Signs of Bed Bugs

Early detection of bed bugs is essential to prevent a minor problem from becoming a major infestation. By recognizing the early signs of bed bugs and taking prompt action, you can protect your home and health. If you suspect early signs of bed bugs in your home, consider contacting a professional pest control service like Amco Ranger to address the issue effectively. Get your free quote if you need pest control in St. Louis today!

Can You See Bed Bugs?

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Many people are worried about bed bugs, but the fear that bed bugs are hiding in plain sight and cannot be seen by the human eye only increases this concern. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to see bed bugs with the human eye, even if people have to go searching for them in between folds of sheets and other fabric. Bed bugs do not typically come out of their crevices unless they are looking for food. It is for this reason that anyone that suspects that they have a bed bug problem should search for them, know what to look for, and know what to do if they see one or more of these pesky insects.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

To spot bed bugs, you of course have to know what they look like. Adult bed bugs are typically five to seven millimeters long, about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs lay eggs and these are typically more difficult to identify. Young bed bugs are not typically visible because they are extremely small and translucent in color. The eggs of a bed bug are usually about the size of a pinhead. 

Bed bugs are brown or reddish-brown in appearance and their bodies are slightly elongated and have an oval shape. Bed bugs do have wings, although they do not fly. Sometimes, particularly when there is a very large infestation, people may smell bed bugs before they see them because they emit a musty smell. 

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Desire their name, bed bugs do not only make beds their place of residence. Other places bed bugs like to reside include:

  • In between the folds of curtains
  • In the joints of drawers
  • Within loose wallpaper
  • In the seams of chairs and other soft furniture

Bed bugs are often found when people are cleaning their homes, such as vacuuming couch cushions or changing sheets on a bed. Even when the bed bugs are not seen, signs that they are around may be noticed. These signs include red or rust-colored stains on mattresses and bed sheets. This is typically because they have been crushed. Dark dots, which are sometimes blurry, are evidence of bed bugs defecating, which is indicative of an infestation. Additionally, while it is very difficult to spot the eggs of a bed bug, it is sometimes possible and some may even find the shells of the eggs left behind once the larvae leaves them.

Our Missouri Pest Control Company can Help With Bed Bugs

If you have seen bed bugs around your home, or signs such as their shells, our St. Charles pest control company is here to help. At Amco Ranger, we know how difficult it is to eradicate bed bugs, but we also know how to do it effectively and efficiently so you can reclaim your home. Call us today at (636) 224-6099 to schedule a free inspection so we can examine your space and provide more information about how we can help.

Can Bed Bugs Make You Sick?

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Nothing can disturb a good night’s sleep worse than an invasion of tiny, biting pests in your bed. Bed bugs are found in cities across the country, including towns throughout Missouri. While bed bugs are often mistakenly associated with poor hygiene and a lack of proper cleaning practices, the fact is even the tidiest home can be subject to a bed bug infestation. At Amco Ranger Termite and Pest Solutions, we work to quickly and effectively eliminate this problem, relying on products that are proven to work yet still environmentally friendly and safe for your pets. 

If you suspect bed bugs or have confirmed an infestation, you may be worried about the risks these pests carry in terms of spreading disease. While scientists thus far claim it is unlikely for bed bugs to transmit any type of virus, they can have a major impact on both your physical and mental health. 

The Problem With Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are flat, tiny creatures that are reddish-brown in color and feed on the blood of humans and animals. They often infest bedding and furniture and can be found on mattresses, sheets, curtains, or other fabrics throughout your home. 

Bed bugs are hitchhikers by nature and spread easily from one location to another. You can pick them up from traveling and staying in hotels to visiting other people’s homes. Even the fanciest places have them and outward cleanliness does not mean you are safe. Bed bugs often lurk in hiding and may attach themselves to your handbag, clothing, luggage, or other items. You can even pick them up from clothing purchased in thrift shops and through other items you bring into your home. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bugs do not pose a public health risk nor are they known to transmit any serious diseases, such as those carried by other pests such as cockroaches, flies, or mosquitoes. However, they do bite and can leave victims with lines of rash-like bumps spreading over their face, neck, back, or other parts of the body. These bites tend to itch and scratching could result in an infection. They can also result in serious allergic reactions. You should see your doctor if you suffer any of the following symptoms:  

  • Redness, pain, or oozing at the site of the bed bug bites;
  • Swelling at the site or in surrounding areas;
  • Bed bug bites that do not heal after several weeks;
  • Fever, dizziness, headaches, or other signs of possible infection. 

Bed Bugs and Known Health Risks

While bed bugs may not be classified as a public health risk, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims they are a public health pest. This is due to how fast they spread, the number of places infested with bed bugs, and how difficult they can be to eliminate. The EPA also warns that while the risk of transmitted disease is low with bed bugs, there are some major health impacts they can have beyond bite infections. These include: 

  • Secondary infections, such as impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis, which are all bacterial infections that are difficult to treat and can wreak havoc with your health. 
  • Mental health issues, due to anxiety and lack of sleep caused by bed bug bites and worry over the problem. 
  • Anemia, in situations involving infants, pets, and cases where considerable blood loss occurs due to large scale and long term bed bug infestations.  

Addressing Your Bed Bug Problem

Aside from the telltale bite marks and itching, signs of a bed bug infestation include black or brown marks along the seams of bedding and mattresses. Both the EPA and CDC advise calling in professionals if you have any doubts or suspect an infestation. 

Bed bugs are nearly impossible to eliminate on your own. Let our Missouri bed bug control experts determine whether you have a problem and the steps needed to address it. Once you have received treatment, actions you can take to help keep bed bugs from returning include the following: 

  • Wash towels, bedding, curtains, and other fabrics in hot water;
  • Vacuum your bed, furniture, and carpets regularly;
  • Inspect all second-hand clothing or furniture before bringing it into your home;
  • When traveling, check the bedding and curtains in your room before settling in.  

We Can Help You Today

If you are struggling with a bed bug problem, Amco Ranger Termite and Pest Solutions is here to help. To schedule a free, no-obligation inspection, call or contact our Missouri bed bug control experts online today.  

Can Bed Bugs Survive in the Cold?

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When homeowners learn that their house is infested with a pest as pervasive and invasive as bed bugs, they immediately start to think of ways to get rid of them. Of course, one of the best ways to do this is to determine what bed bugs like, and then apply the opposite treatment. Bed bugs, it is known, like warm bodies that they can feed off of. Although the bodies may not be able to be removed from the home, is it possible to remove the warmth? Many people will take bedding and other moveable items they believe are infested and place them in the freezer. So, can bed bugs survive the cold?

Optimal Temperature for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs often burrow themselves into small, warm places such as into the nooks and crannies of beds, couches, and other cozy places. They do this for many reasons. The first is that they are not easily found in these areas and so, they can continue to increase their population and come out only when it is time to feed. The second reason they like these places is because they are warm, usually about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal temperature for bed bugs.

Cold Temperatures and Bed Bugs

Although bed bugs prefer temperatures that are fairly mild, they can survive cold temperatures for an extended period of time. To kill bed bugs below the freezing point, they usually must be exposed to the cold temperatures for approximately four days. An article in Yale University School of Public Health states that female bed bugs can better withstand cold temperatures than their male counterparts. 

Females will freeze at temperatures between -4 degrees Fahrenheit and -20 degrees Celsius. Female bed bugs will not die at this stage, but instead, freeze. Their egg production will also greatly slow down at any temperature under 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as well. This could mean that even though freezing temperatures will not kill bed bugs right away, they may prevent an infestation from quickly becoming worse.

To treat bed bugs with cold treatments, they must be exposed to below freezing temperatures of at least -30 degrees Celsius, which is -22 degrees Fahrenheit. Bed bugs must be exposed to these temperatures for a period of three or four days in order for this cold to affect them. Most home freezers do not reach these temperatures and so, when placing bedding and other materials inside of them to kill bed bugs, the length of time these items are left in the freezer will need to be extended.

Bed Bugs and Hibernation

Like all insects, people tend to wonder if bed bugs hibernate in the winter and then show up again in the spring. These pests do not hibernate the same way bears do. Instead, they freeze their body liquid and enter a dormant state known as diapause. This is partial hibernation. Going into this state allows bed bugs to remain dormant and go without food for several months. Bed bugs typically enter this state at temperatures of approximately 61 degrees Fahrenheit. They will remain in this state until temperatures improve and allow them to function normally again. However, even in this state, being exposed to extreme cold is enough to kill bed bugs.

Bed Bugs and Winter Colors

Flannel is big in Missouri during the winter months and it turns out that bed bugs are not only attracted to cozy surroundings, they are also attracted to cozy colors. Flannel is primarily made up of red and black colors, two hues that bed bugs happen to love. Flannel is used not only in clothing, but also in blankets, bedding, and home decor. No one really knows why bed bugs are attracted to flannel, although it is thought that they allow bed bugs to hide better.

Contact Our Missouri Pest Control Specialists for Help With Your Bed Bugs

Bed bugs do not have a season in Missouri. Although they thrive in warm temperatures, they can survive extremely cold temperatures, if only for a short period of time. Due to the fact that bed bugs are so hearty, and so resistant to different temperatures, it is best to call a St. Charles pest control specialist when you have an infestation. At Amco Ranger, we know the bed bug remedies that can eradicate your infestation and keep it out for a long time. Call us today at (636) 223-5703 to schedule a free inspection and to learn more about our bed bug control methods.

What do Baby Bed Bugs Look Like?

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Baby bed bugs are known as nymphs and if you see them, it means there is a very good chance that you have an infestation. Nymphs indicate that there is an infestation with females laying eggs. It also means that all of the adult bed bugs are feeding on human hosts, which is an annoyance and can make going to bed a little less comfortable. Due to this, it is crucial that all homeowners know how to identify nymphs that can indicate a much bigger problem.

The Appearance of Baby Bed Bugs

Nymphs are typically quite flat and no larger than a grain of rice. They are white and their shell is very soft, which makes them easy for homeowners to kill simply by pressing on them. Many people believe that baby bed bugs, or nymphs, are so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye, but that is not true. However, because they are so small in appearance, they can be difficult to spot. Nymphs do not go through a metamorphosis like other insects and so, they look very similar to adult bed bugs. 

All bed bugs are flat, but there is an exception when they feed. After they eat, their abdomens expand because of the food they have just consumed. This, however, is not visible with the naked eye and requires a microscope to observe. As such, it is not a viable method of distinguishing nymphs from adult bed bugs.

The Size of Baby Bed Bugs

Although the term ‘nymphs’ refers to baby bed bugs that have just been born, all bed bugs go through five juvenile stages before they are adults. During the first two of these stages, baby bed bugs are considerably smaller than adults. Still, even during these stages, bed bugs will become bigger with each stage. They will be larger in the second stage than they were the first, and larger still in the third stage than they were in their second. During the third stage, a bed bug will be approximately half of the size it will be as an adult.

The Color of Baby Bed Bugs

When bed bugs first hatch, they are entirely white or off-white in color. Bed bug eggs are the same color, which is why some people confuse the two. Bed bug nymphs will remain this color until they begin to feed. 

After a bed bug feeds for the first time, it will have a round red spot in its abdomen. This is where they store the blood after they feed. Once they have digested this food, they will shed their skin and grow bigger. As nymphs begin to digest and grow, they will start to turn from white to brown. This is caused by the bed bugs using the nutrients from the blood that they eat from their host. As the bed bug babies grow into an adult bed bug, they will start to get browner and browner.

Adults are brown throughout their entire body. This is a result of feeding on a host on a regular basis. Once brown, bed bugs never return to their white color again.

Do Nymphs Crawl?

Anyone that has a bed bug infestation in their home may have seen them crawling around at some point. There is a good chance that when this happens, people are seeing adult bed bugs. 

Bed bugs in general, no matter their age, do not crawl very quickly. The first reason for this is that they simply do not need to crawl fast. Their main method of survival is to hide rather than run away. Bed bugs also do not have very long legs. Rather, they are quite short and stubby. As a result, bed bugs are unable to run very quickly. Bed bugs also rarely travel at full speed. They reserve this only for when they sense danger but even then, they cannot move very quickly. 

Baby bed bugs are even slower than adult bed bugs. Although they can crawl, they do not do so very often. Instead, they prefer to remain hidden rather than attempt to run away from a threat. They come out mainly at night, also to avoid running into any threats. 

Contact Our Missouri Bed Bug Specialists for Help with Your Infestation

It is important to be able to identify bed bugs during all stages of their life. This is the only way to determine if you have an infestation. If you believe your home is infested with bed bugs, call our St. Louis bed bug specialists at Amco Ranger. We will conduct a free inspection to determine the severity of the infestation and advise on the methods we use to get rid of it. Call us today at (636) 223-4804 and say good-bye to bed bugs tomorrow.

Can Bed Bugs Fly?

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Bed bugs may seem like a pest problem that occurs only in seedy motels, but the truth is that these insects can be found even in your own bed. Bed bug infestations are on the rise, partly due to increased travel and a lack of awareness.

Bed bugs can be annoying. They feed on hosts—humans— at night. You may not even know you have them until you wake up with bite marks. These bites can cause itchiness and rashes. You may not be able to sleep well with all these bugs attacking you at night.

Bed bugs hide in box springs, mattresses and furniture. If you have an infestation, it can seem as though these pests are everywhere. But how do they travel from place to place?

How Bed Bugs Move

It may seem as though bed bugs fly, since they can travel so quickly. The truth is, they don’t have wings, so they can’t fly. They don’t even jump. They get from place to place simply by crawling. They have the ability to crawl very quickly, thanks to their six legs.

Bed bugs can travel long distances. They can easily traverse hallways, heating ducts, and laundry or mail chutes. They have been known to travel through apartment buildings with ease.

Bed bugs had wings at one time—many years ago. However, they have evolved since then. It was determined that they no longer needed wings. If they flew around, there was the risk of them being seen and killed. Now, they hide, living secretly in your house.

Because they do not fly, they live close to you. They stay in your bedding during the day. They can also hide in cracks in walls and floors. They then come out at night to feed on you. Bed bugs do not like pets as their hosts, so you don’t have to worry about finding them on your dog or cat. 

Bed bugs can get from place to place quickly because they can be easily transported. They go wherever humans go, so you can find them in your car, on the school bus, in a taxi or on a plane.

Bed bugs can latch onto your clothes and jackets. They can hide in your child’s books. They can hide in luggage and purses, so you need to be especially careful when traveling. If you stay in a hotel with bed bugs, you can easily bring them home. Bed bugs can also travel in soft items, such as blankets and towels. Be careful when buying used furniture, since you may bring home bed bugs as well.

Even those who are disabled can’t get away from bed bugs. These pests can hide in wheelchairs, prosthetics and other medical devices. These bugs are so small—about the size of an apple seed—so finding them and eliminating them is no easy task.

Do I Have Bed Bugs?

Do you think you might have bed bugs? Here are some signs to look for:

  • You see bugs. Bed bugs are reddish-brown and the size of an apple seed. They are about the width of a credit card.
  • You see evidence. You may see blood stains on your sheets. There may be droppings on your bed or on the floor. They sometimes shed their skins, so you may see shells.
  • Bites on your skin. Bed bugs tend to attack the arms and shoulders. These bites are red and itchy and can be found in a line pattern.
  • Strong smell. Bed bugs release pheromones when in large numbers. They have a musty odor that smells like wet towels. 

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

If you think you have bed bugs, you need to act quickly. They are hard to kill and can go one year without eating. Female bed bugs can lay eggs daily. Bed bugs tend to be resistant to over-the-counter chemicals, so killing them on your own can be impossible. 

A thorough inspection and treatment is needed to eliminate these pests for good. Bed bugs can come back, so regular maintenance may be needed. Contact a professional today so you can live and sleep in peace again.

Contact Amco Ranger Today

Bed bugs are annoying pests. While they can’t fly or even jump, they can still cause problems.

Don’t let bed bugs irritate your skin and ruin your sleep. Call Amco Ranger today and we can provide you with bed bug solutions in the Missouri area. Our professionals can help you get rid of bed bugs and other household pests for good. To schedule a free inspection, contact us today. Call or text (636) 224-6098 or fill out the online form.

Bed Bugs: How and Why are They in My Home?

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Bed bugs are a nuisance, and notoriously difficult to get rid of. They also spread quickly and easily, leaving just about anyone susceptible to finding the critters in their home. Understanding these pests and how they live can help prevent them from getting into your home, and help you deal with an infestation should one occur.

How do You get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers. They are often transported by humans through belongings such as suitcases. They are also transported in purses, backpacks, and other items with soft surfaces. When bed bugs are disturbed, they will move to other areas. This can cause other areas, such as storage that contains clothing, more difficult to spot and treat. Bed bugs can also travel between different units in apartment buildings and hotels. 

What Causes Bed Bugs?

While bed bugs can find their way to just about anywhere, there are some factors that will put you more at risk for finding them in your home. These common causes of bed bugs are:

  • International travel
  • Changes to pest control management practices
  • Resistance to pesticide

How do You Know if You Have Bed Bugs?

It’s easiest to treat bed bugs if you can catch them early. Some common signs and symptoms that will alert you to a bed bug problem are:

  • Red, itchy bites
  • Uncomfortable nights, as that is when bed bugs feed
  • Blood stains that look like small rust spots on the bed
  • Oval brown exoskeletons left behind as bed bugs molt
  • Strong, unpleasant, musty odor

How to Prevent Bed Bugs?

Of course, the best method for dealing with bed bugs is to prevent them from entering your home at all. Some good ways to do that include:

  • Cover power outlets. Bed bugs hide in these to avoid extermination and can use them to travel to other areas of a home or building. 
  • Store clothing in vacuum-sealed bags. This is particularly important when traveling, as bed bugs are easily transported from hotels to clothing in suitcases. Doing this at home can also prevent a bed bug infestation.
  • Call a pest control service. When an infestation has already begun, a pest control service is the most effective way to eliminate it. However, these services can also take preventative measures to help protect your home.
  • Declutter. Clutter provides a good hiding spot for bed bugs. Remove all clutter from your home, particularly if it’s pushed up against walls. 
  • Cover your mattress and box spring. This is one of the best ways to prevent a bed bug infestation. 
  • Inspect used items. Bed bugs easily travel in clothing, furniture, and other items that people often purchase used. Before bringing anything into your home from someone else’s, inspect it thoroughly to ensure it does not house bed bugs.
  • Use your own blankets. When moving, movers often include blankets to help protect furniture. These blankets have been on several other pieces of furniture that could have contained bed bugs. Use your own blankets instead. 
  • Caulk. Cracks on the interior and exterior of a home allow bed bugs to travel relatively freely. Repair these cracks by caulking them, and seal bed bugs out.

How do Bed Bugs Spread?

Bed bugs live in soft, often upholstered areas such as bedding, couches, and clothing. Mature bed bugs and their eggs are often found in new and used furniture and clothing. Bed bugs can crawl and so, they can easily spread from one room of a home to another. They are also very adept at finding their way in between multiple units of a housing complex. Bed bugs are most commonly spread from boxes, suitcases, and other items that are taken from one place of accommodation or residence to another. 

How can You Detect Bed Bugs?

The first signs of bed bugs are either red, itchy bite marks on the body, or the rusty blood stains they leave behind on beds and other furniture. 

What Attracts Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are attracted to warm-blooded creatures. They need these hosts, which include humans, pets, and rodents, to feed from. Your breathing attracts bed bugs from the carbon dioxide you exhale. Your body temperature attracts bed bugs because you are generally the warmest thing in a room. According to this 2013 report, if you’re alive, you attract bed bugs.

A Missouri Pest Control Service can Help You Control Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are certainly no fun to deal with, and your home could easily become infested with them. To prevent bed bugs from entering your home, or to get rid of them if they already have, you need the help of an experienced pest control service in Missouri. At Amco Ranger, we have the tools and the knowledge necessary to eliminate bed bugs from your home once for good. Call us today at (636) 441-2847 to learn more about how we can protect your home. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Bed Bugs

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The most likely way to encounter bed bugs is through travel. They can easily hitch a ride in your luggage back to your home. You can avoid bed bugs in your holiday travels when you are armed with a little knowledge.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that mostly are found in beds, but may also be found in other furniture and draperies. They typically hide during the day and come out at night to feast on human blood.

Why are bed bugs such a big deal?

Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to eliminate. They can live for a year without feeding, they multiply quickly, and they can’t be killed with store-bought bug sprays. 

What do bed bugs look like?

Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, oval, flat, and roughly the size of an apple seed. They have six legs and move quite fast. Bed bug eggs are translucent and smaller than the head of a straight pin.

Are bed bug bites dangerous?

Although the bites are itchy, irritating, and carry a huge ick factor, they are not dangerous. Unlike other blood-sucking insects, such as mosquitoes, bed bugs don’t carry diseases. 

How will I know if I have bed bugs?

The signs of bed bugs are easy to notice – if you wake up with a row or cluster of itchy bites on your skin, then your bed is infested. It’s also possible to spot the insects with the naked eye. Check the seams of your mattress and crevices in your bed frame and headboard using a flashlight.

How can I prevent infestation?

Avoid bringing second-hand furniture, mattresses, or bed sheets into your home. Also, protect yourself during travel. Never place your luggage on the bed. Always inspect the hotel mattress for bed bugs, and inspect your luggage before you return home.

Do bed bugs only live in my bed?

No. Bed bugs can also live in upholstered furniture, behind headboards, baseboards, and even behind pictures on the wall.

If I keep my home clean, will that prevent bed bugs?

No. Bed bugs only care about food and shelter. Even if your house is spotless, they can breed and thrive with the shelter of your bed and your blood for food.

If I have bed bugs, does that mean trouble for my pet too?

Pets are known to carry bed bugs inside people’s homes. However, bed bugs cannot live on pets the way fleas can. They also cannot attach themselves or their eggs on animal fur. 

How can I avoid bed bugs when traveling?

Inspect the hotel bed as soon as you check in. Using a flashlight, examine the mattress, headboard, sheets, and pillows for spots. Look around the bed and around the bedside tables and drawers. If there’s nothing suspicious, you can rest easy.

What do I do, if I suspect I brought home bed bugs?

Open your luggage on the floor, where you would be able to see bed bugs (light colored tiles for example). Don’t unpack on a carpet. Wash your clothes in hot water and put them in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Place your luggage in a sealed trash bag and place it in a freezer set at zero degrees for at least four days. 

What should I never do?

There are many “natural” ways to deal with bed bugs posted online, such as using petroleum jelly or thyme oil. None of them work. Also, don’t spray the bed with insecticide. It’s a health hazard, and it won’t kill the bed bugs anyway, because they are immune to commercial insecticides. In addition, don’t throw out your mattress and get a new one. The new mattress will get infested with bed bugs that were living in the frame, headboard, and other areas.

We can help

The best solution for bed bugs is to hire a pest control company with experience successfully controlling bed bugs. No matter how intimidating or pervasive your pest problem, you can trust that Amco Ranger knows exactly how to handle it and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today if you need help getting rid of bed bugs in your home or business in Cottleville, St. Peters, O’Fallon, St. Charles, and surrounding communities.

Check out our bed bug elimination program here. 

Don’t Let Bed Bugs Ruin Your Vacation

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What are bed bugs, and why are they a problem?

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed exclusively on blood. They like to hang out in warm houses, especially inside bedding and usually feed at night. Their bites leave marks, which can cause rashes or other allergic systems.

If these bloodsuckers travel home with you, they can take up residence in your own mattresses, box springs, and furniture, causing an infestation that you cannot eliminate on your own. That’s a holiday gift no one wants.

 

How do I avoid bed bugs when traveling?

Thousands of people travel for the holidays, so it’s inevitable that hotel and motel rooms are a hotbed for bed bug activity. To protect yourself from infestation, you should always check for bed bugs in hotel rooms. Even luxury hotels are susceptible to these unwelcome guests.

 

Here’s how to protect yourself and you family from giving bed bugs a ride to your own home.

  1. When you enter a hotel room, don’t unpack. Put your luggage in the bathtub or on a rack away from the bed that will keep your luggage off the floor until you have inspected the room.
  2. Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress and box spring. Using a flashlight (or the flashlight app on your phone), closely examine the folds and seams in the corners of the mattress for signs of bed bugs. Lift the mattress and look underneath and check the box spring. You are looking for actual bugs, which are reddish-brown and tiny (4mm long) or small, dark brown stains, which are blood spots. Be sure to check all four corners of the mattress and box spring.
  3. Also check other areas of the room such as the headboard, nightstands, upholstered furniture, and curtains for signs of bed bugs. They like to hide in dark grooves and folds.
  4. Leave immediately if you find evidence of bed bugs and notify the manager. Hopefully you will not find any evidence of bed bugs, and you can unpack and enjoy your vacation.

 

What should I do when I get home?

Even if you found no evidence of bed bugs in your hotel room, it is always a good idea to quarantine your bags when you return home from vacation. Decontaminate your luggage and clothing by putting your entire suitcase into a large chest freezer (if you have one) for four days before bringing them back into your home. Extreme hot or cold temperatures kill bed bugs. You can also put your clothes in the dryer on a hot setting for 30 minutes, and steam clean your luggage and clothing that cannot be placed in the dryer.

Need a professional? Hire Amco Ranger today!