The Trick To Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs In Your Western Massachusetts Home

In our Western Massachusetts service area, bed bugs are frustrating pests to deal with. The trick to getting rid of them is the same here as it is in the rest of the world. If you're not in our area, you should still find some helpful tips here. That having been said, let's take a look at how to get rid of bed bugs and what is required to help you keep these insects out of your Western Massachusetts home.

Finding Bed Bugs

Before you go looking for bed bugs, it is important to address a few misconceptions. We're sometimes asked, "Where do bed bugs hide on your body?" Some residents learn that bed bugs are parasites and they wrongly confuse them with fleas and ticks, which live on a host. Bed bugs don't live on humans. They attach for about ten minutes at a time. When they're done feeding, they go back to their hiding place in your home. This misconception is also linked to the fact that bed bugs are really good at hiding. They're so good at it that people start to think that bed bugs are too small to see with the naked eye. Let us reassure you, you'll see bed bugs if you uncover them. The trick is knowing where to look and knowing what tools are needed to bring evidence to the surface.

• Bed bugs can hide in a mattress. Where do bed bugs hide in mattresses? They may be found in the seams. Use a debit card or butter knife to drag along the seams of your mattress. If bed bugs are in there, you may bring shed skins, tiny white eggs, or bed bugs to the surface. Bed bugs may be under mattress labels. Tear labels off or use a flashlight to peek underneath. Bed bugs may hide inside your mattress. Look for tears or holes. If they're inside your mattress, you may see black fecal stains or dried bloodstains—which appear brown. Bed bugs might hide under plastic clamps. Be sure to probe these to check.
• Bed bugs hide in box springs. Where do bed bugs hide in box springs? The same places as they would a mattress. You'll also want to look in hidden spots within the wood framing.
• Bed bugs hide in couches. Where do bed bugs hide in couches? In the compressed area between cushions and the couch. Inside creases, gaps, and crevices. Turn the couch over to closely examine the underside. This is the most likely place to find bed bugs.
• Bed bugs can be found in many furniture items. If a piece of furniture has gaps, recesses, or voids within, bed bugs may use them as hiding places. Use a flashlight and a probing tool and look for black streaks, black fecal spotting, or brown stains.
• Bed bugs hide under carpets, behind baseboards, behind crown molding, inside outlets, and inside wall voids. Look for black streaks and black fecal spotting.
• Bed bugs can be inside electronics. If your alarm clock has bed bugs in it, you may see black streaks near the gaps or cracks bed bugs are using to get inside.
• Bed bugs can be inside book bags, duffel bags, sleeping bags, luggage, pocketbooks, and other items that are carried. Use a flashlight and a probing tool to closely examine these. Check every tight space, crack, and pocket.

What To Do When You Find Bed Bugs

Okay. Let's say you uncovered bed bugs during your inspection. Your job is only half done. You need to know what to do when you find bed bugs. Here are a few simple suggestions.

• If you see bed bugs grouped together, you can use a vacuum to suck them up. Dispose of the bag outside of your home.
• If you find bed bugs in an item that can be put in the dryer, put it in your dryer for thirty minutes. This kills bed bugs in all stages of development.
• If you find bed bugs in something that can't go in your dryer but can be sealed in a bag and stored in your freezer, this can work to kill bed bugs.

When You Need Professional Bed Bug Control

If you locate bed bugs and you quickly remove them (or exterminate them with heat or freezing temperatures) you may be done. Unfortunately, bed bugs can sometimes be in more than one location. If the infestation is in the structure of your home or in more than one location within your home, it is best to contact American Pest Solutions for bed bug control. When bed bugs hide in difficult places, they can be a nightmare to control. Our licensed professionals use field-tested methods to corral these pests and make sure they don't evade the treatments. If you're wondering how to get rid of bed bugs in Western Massachusetts, we know of no better way. Reach out to us today to get more information or to schedule service for your Western Massachusetts home.