If you've found a bed bug in your home, there's no need to panic. However, it is important to determine whether you have a few bed bugs or an infestation. This can be tricky, as bed bugs are very good at hiding. In this blog post, we'll help you figure out if you have a few bed bugs or an infestation, and provide some tips on how to get rid of them.
What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that range in size from 1 to 7 millimeters. They have flat bodies, six legs, and antennae. Their coloration varies depending on the species but is usually a reddish-brown or rust color. They also have an elongated abdomen which gives them a more rounded shape when viewed.
How to tell if you have bed bugs?
Bed bugs are a nuisance, and get their name because they tend to feed on people while they are sleeping in their beds. The silver lining is that they're easy to detect. You can tell you have bed bugs if you see them on bed frames and furniture, or if you wake up with bed bug bites. Pay close attention to your bedding and the areas around where you sleep to look for any signs of bed bugs, like stains from their droppings or cast skins they shed when they grow. If you suspect you have bed bugs, don't wait - contact an exterminator right away. A few bed bugs are one too many.
Bed bugs are capable of growing quickly and in large numbers from egg to adult. Depending on temperature, the development time from egg to adult is typically between one and four weeks. In ideal temperatures, bed bugs can develop into an adult in as little as a week. Each female bed bug can lay up to 3 to 4 eggs per day, and up to over 500 eggs in her lifetime. A bed bug's maximum lifespan is about 12 months.
The best way to get rid of bed bugs
Everyone dreads bed bugs, as they can quickly become a nightmare to deal with. If you have a bed bug problem in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to call a professional pest exterminator. An experienced exterminator will inspect the bed bug infestation and determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. Any DIY methods are likely to fail in comparison to those who have expertise and experience in eliminating bed bugs. Although there may be some initial cost involved, it will ultimately save time, stress and money in the long run.
How to prevent bed bugs from coming back?
Taking preventative measures is key to ensure they don't come back. Spraying insecticides where they live and breed is one of the most effective measures; insecticides will kill any insect on contact, so place insecticide around the edges of your mattress, box spring, and headboard.
Additionally, fitting your mattress with a zippered encasement will ultimately trap any bugs that are still lurking around your bedding - just make sure to leave it on for at least 18 months!
Use a vacuum cleaner frequently throughout your bedroom to remove any adult bugs or insect eggs. So long as you take the appropriate preventative steps, you can hopefully be rid of these pests for good.
Now that you know how to tell if you have bed bugs, how to get rid of them and how to prevent them from coming back, the next step is putting these steps into action. Be sure to call the Atlanta Outsourced Pest Control at 678-948-6073 if you suspect bed bugs have entered your home. Their pest control experts will be more than happy to help you out and answer any questions you may have.