For most people, a bed bug infestation is the stuff of nightmares. No one wants to spend the night in a room knowing they are being bitten by unwanted guests.
Bed bugs are brownish-colored, oval-shaped pests that become red and round after feeding. They have six legs, antennae, and segmented bodies, growing up to seven millimeters—about the size of an apple seed.
But how do you know you have a bed bug infestation? How did they get there? How can you get rid of them? You’ve come to the right place. A bed bug infestation can be troubling, but it is treatable with the right approach.
Bed bugs avoid light and seek hidden areas. Their small size makes them difficult to detect, but they typically hide:
Several signs indicate bed bug activity, including:
Bed bugs feed by piercing the skin and withdrawing blood. Bites are painless at first but soon develop into itchy welts. Unlike flea bites, bed bug bites appear anywhere on exposed skin and lack a central red spot.
Check your bedding for tiny red stains—these are common signs of bed bug activity. Dark, rusty spots from their excrement are also a strong indicator of infestation.
Female bed bugs lay over 100 eggs in hidden areas. Their tiny, pearly-white eggs are often found in mattresses, furniture, and carpet edges.
Bed bugs release a musty, unpleasant odor. If your bedroom has an unexplained sweet or pungent smell, a significant infestation may be present.
Beyond bites, bed bugs can cause anxiety, insomnia, and secondary skin infections from scratching. If you suspect an infestation, professional extermination is recommended.
Finding bed bugs in your bedding or bedroom furniture is the most obvious sign of infestation. They may also hide behind furniture, under wallpaper, and inside appliances.
If you recognize the signs of bed bugs, take action immediately. Inspect your home for eggs, bites, and blood spots. Washing bedding in hot water alone won’t eliminate them.
Call a professional exterminator for thorough bed bug removal. Newtown Termite & Pest Control has provided expert bed bug treatments to homes and businesses in Newtown, PA, for nearly 30 years.
Call today for a consultation and take back your peace of mind.