Bed bugs are external parasites that do not live on their host but only feed when necessary. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not too small to see but instead are about the size and shape of an apple seed, with their flat brownish-red bodies. As they feed, this pest will become redder and swollen.
The reason people think bed bugs are too small to see is because bites tend to appear out of nowhere, which their hiding ability and nocturnal nature can explain. Bites are often the first sign of a problem, occurring in clusters around the ankles, legs, shoulders, arms, and neck. Red or rust color staining on sheets and a musty smell are other tell-tale signs of their presence.
Hear what experts have to say about how infestations start and local pest control for bed bugs to keep you and your family protected against this unwanted critter in Columbia, South Carolina.
How Do Bed Bug Infestations Start?
The last thing anyone wants to hear is that bed bugs are challenging to prevent, but this is the unfortunate truth about this pest. This is because they can happen to anyone and any home, not just people with poor hygienic habits.
Bed bug infestations can start in the following ways:
- Carried in on second-hand furniture and appliances, with the most common culprits being mattresses and upholstered items.
- Hitching a ride from a public place like restaurants, schools, hospitals, theaters, offices, and transportation hubs.
- Infesting bags and luggage when staying in hotels or motels.
- Traveling from one residence to another in multi-unit buildings.
- Carried in by someone who has an active infestation in their home.
As stated above, preventing bed bugs is a challenging task, but the best way is to be vigilant of your person and belongings when entering your home. Best practices include inspecting your belongings, cleaning second-hand items, and keeping dirty clothes away from clean clothes. It would help if you also used protective coverings on mattresses, box springs, and pillows to add an extra layer of protection.
How Can Professionals Help With Bed Bugs?
When treating bed bugs on your own, it is difficult to understand the different nuances and what makes them so difficult to remove. However, experts have the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively eliminate bed bugs.
Professional bed bug control targets this pest at all life stages, not just the adults. This helps to remove the entire infestation rather than to leave eggs and nymphs to continue maturing. They also know what hot spots to assess and how to locate the infestation point.
Let the professionals handle bed bug control instead of trying to extinguish them on your own, as you will only end up causing yourself more stress than necessary.
Who Should I Call About Bed Bugs?
If you are looking for local pest control for bed bugs, you should contact The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. to get rid of bed bugs in your home.
Our bed bug control services are performed by one of our licensed pest control experts, who will start by inspecting your property to assess the bed bug problem. This will help us decide the best plan of action and treatments to eradicate this pest.
Give us a call at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. for bed bug control that is safe and effective. We will get you started with bed bug control services and treatments you need on your Columbia property.
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