It is commonly believed that bed bugs are too small to see, but this is a misconception. Bed bugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed, but people believe they are too small to see because bites and other visual signs seem to come from nowhere, so logically, the pest must be tiny like fleas. Because of this, you should keep in mind that just because you don’t see the pest doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
This pest has a flat and oval-shaped body that is about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long. Once a bed bug has taken a meal, it will become swollen and redder.
When it comes to bed bugs, there are a lot more misconceptions than just their size. To handle a bed bug infestation correctly, you should know more about them and how they affect your Merrimac home.
Myth: I Have Bed Bugs Because My Home Is Dirty
We believe that bed bugs only happen in dirty homes or people with poor hygiene, but this could not be further from the truth.
Bed bugs spread to residential homes by being carried inside. This can happen by:
- Coming in on second-hand furniture and appliances
- Getting into luggage when staying at a hotel or motel
- Hitching a ride on personal belongings when out in public places like theaters, schools, hospitals, and public transportation hubs
Bed bugs can happen to anyone. They can even move between multi-units, making it even more challenging to prevent them.
Myth: Bed Bugs Will Only Be Near My Bed
It’s not uncommon to think bed bugs only infest beds and sleeping areas as it is in their name. But the truth is, bed bugs can spread throughout a home, hiding in appliances, screws, heads, and electrical outlets, among other places. Not only that, but bed bugs are an everyday business and office invading pest, where there are no beds. This is how bed bug infestations start in residential locations; an unsuspecting person can pick up this pest and carry them home. Make sure to refer back to the list above to understand better where and how bed bugs get picked up.
Although they aren’t only found near beds, they do prefer sleeping areas. This is because they are nocturnal, and beds give them easy access to food. When people sleep, bed bugs will come out of their hiding places to take a blood meal. Signs of an infestation include:
- Red or rust-colored staining on bedding
- Bites, which are small red bumps that will usually appear in clusters
- Shed skin and eggs
If you see any of these signs, you should know what to do because time is of the essence with bed bugs. If left alone, a bed bug infestation will only grow and spread.
Myth: I Can Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On My Own
There are hundreds of different over-the-counter products that claim to be effective against bed bugs, eliminating them. Although these products may kill many of these pests, they will likely only target adults. This leaves behind nymphs and eggs to mature and re-infest the home.
To get rid of bed bugs in your Merrimac home, you should contact Freedom Pest Control at the first sign of a problem. Our experts understand the nuances of a bed bug infestation, such as common hot spots, how they infested, and how far throughout the home they have spread.
Don’t waste your time and money trying to get rid of an infestation on your own, as you will only cause yourself more stress and sleepless nights. Instead, contact us at Freedom Pest Control.