Understanding What Bed Bugs Look Like

May 11, 2017

In: Bed Bugs

Have you and your family been waking up at night itching and are you concerned that you might have a bed bug infestation in your home? Well, there are some important things you need to know to avoid a full blown infestation: 1) You need to know what they look like 2) You need to know what they are 3) You need to know how to recognize the signs of an infestation.

1. How do you know when it’s a bed bug and what do they look like? You should look for reddish-brown insects that have flat, oval-shaped bodies and are about 1/4” long. The bed bug eggs are hard to locate; but they are tiny, whitish, and very sticky when they are first laid.

2. What are they, and why are they here? You should know that bed bugs are very small parasites that feed on warm-blooded animals and humans. Bed bugs are not dangerous since they do not carry diseases; however, their bite can cause a reaction in most people. They move from places like transportation services or lodging accommodations by hitchhiking on clothing and luggage. Once they have moved into your home, they will make themselves comfortable, feed on the humans present, and reproduce pretty quickly. Bed bugs will hide in mattresses, bedding, furniture, baseboards, behind walls, and any other area that they can tuck into.

3. How do you recognize a bed bug infestation? If you have an infestation, you may find small dots of blood on your mattresses, sheets, or other bedding. You may see small brown droppings, exoskeletons (cast skins), and tiny white eggs and casings. You may never actually see a bed bug; but you will know they are there by the telltale bite marks you experience on your skin that may be irritating, painful, or itchy. In all likelihood, you may not know you even have an infestation until it’s in an advanced state.

Of course, 1, 2, and 3 are important, but you will want to know what to do if you end up with a bed bug infestation in your humble abode. The only sure fire way to get rid of them and keep them away is by using a professional pest control service in your area. If you live in Western Massachusetts or Hartford County, Connecticut, you can count of American Pest Solutions. We have been in business locally since 1913. We are locally involved and have experienced and responsible technicians that have solutions that can solve your bed bug problems. To learn more about our effective solutions for bed bug infestations, contact us today.