Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can be a difficult pest to keep out of your home. The following tips can reduce the likelihood of bed bugs finding their way into your South Carolina home to feed on you and your family:

• Inspect any hotel where you're staying for signs of bed bugs before bringing your luggage and other belongings into it.
• After returning home from a trip, immediately wash and dry all clothing on a high-heat setting.
• Keep personal items such as bags, coats, luggage, and purses off the floor in hotels and any other public place.
• Do not purchase used furniture, mattresses, and box springs for use inside your home.

Know the signs of a bed bug infestation and contact The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. immediately if you see an indication that you have a problem.

Bed bugs often stay out of sight of people. They hide in tight cracks and crevices during the day and come out at night to feed. This can make identifying an infestation quite tricky. The good news is, even though you may not spot a bed bug, they do leave behind several clues of their presence. Signs of a bed bug infestation often include:

Red spots of blood or small dark streaks of excrement may be observed on linens, mattresses, or box springs. Both of these signs can also be found on the floor, inside closets or drawers, or even on the wall by your bed.

Piles of shed bed bug skins may be discovered under mattresses, box springs, or on the floor. As bed bugs grow, they shed their skin, leaving behind a tell-tale sign of their presence.

You may notice a sweet, musty odor in a room or home that is otherwise clean. In the case of a large infestation, bed bugs create a noticeable, unpleasant odor.

Bed bug bites on your skin or that of a family member are sure signs of the presence of bed bugs. These nocturnal pests typically feast on skin that is exposed while sleeping. Their bites look similar to mosquito bites but are typically grouped together in groups of three or more. Bed bug bites are not a reliable indicator of an infestation since they look so similar to other insect bites. In addition, most people will not have any visible response to their bites.

Live or dead bed bugs are definite evidence of a bed bug infestation, but bed bugs are good at hiding and can't always be spotted. If you have the suspicion of a bed bug infestation in your home, use a flashlight to inspect the cracks and crevices of walls, furniture, mattresses, and box springs. If bed bugs are present, you will probably spot a few, but not always.

Bed bugs are not dangerous in the sense that they been not known as a pest that transmits any serious diseases. However, it is important to note that some research is being done that now possibly links bed bugs with the spread of Chagas disease.

When bed bug feces comes into contact with broken skin (the bite) a person could potentially become infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease. These parasites live in the heart and digestive muscles of its host. Their presence can lead to severe digestive and neurological problems.

In addition, though many people have no reaction to bed bug bites, some do experience an allergic reaction from them. Their bites can be very itchy, leading to secondary infections. In some cases, medical attention becomes necessary.

Another “danger” associated with bed bugs is the emotional distress they can cause to a person when they invade. Dealing with a bed bug infestation may cause people embarrassment, stress, anxiety, a lack of sleep, and more.