We reserve the first week of June for bed bug awareness. While these pests don't carry any infectious diseases, they are one of the worst insects to have in your home. They are extremely elusive and difficult to eradicate without an exterminator.
Knowing more about bed bugs and how to prevent them is the first step in preventing an infestation. Read on to find out about how bed bugs invade homes and why Go-Forth Home Services is a trusted source of pest control in Raleigh.
Why Are Bed Bugs Drawn To Homes In Raleigh
Bed bugs get their name from the way they hide in beds to prey on their sleeping hosts. You can see these flat, oval-shaped bugs with the naked eye. They have six legs and two antennae and are about a quarter of an inch in length. When unfed, bed bugs are a mahogany brown color. After they feed, they become engorged and round and take on more of a reddish-brown color. They are nocturnal and come out to feed at night but will adjust if their hosts are more present and available during the day.
Bed bugs move from place to place by hitching a ride on unsuspecting victims, which is why they’re known as expert travelers. You can find them in apartment complexes, hotel rooms, and modes of public transportation. If you're not careful, these bugs will hide in your clothing or baggage and make their way home with you. Once they're in your house, bed bugs spread out and settle into even the tiniest of cracks and crevasses. Because of how quickly they reproduce, it's challenging to get rid of an infestation without professional bed bug control.
Signs You Could Be Dealing With A Bed Bug Infestation
It's essential to familiarize yourself with the telltale signs of a bed bug infestation so you can call for help as soon as possible. This list contains some of the main ways to tell if bed bugs have invaded your home:
- Noticing tiny, red bite marks on your skin. Bed bug bites are in a distinct straight line pattern.
- A musty odor. When enough bed bugs are present, they start to emit an unpleasant scent.
- Blood or fecal matter stains on bedding, mattress, carpets, or upholstery. Bed bugs leave behind stains when feeding or when squished.
- Seeing bed bug shells or shed body parts. These insects shed as they grow and leave behind their outgrown skins.
- Tiny white spots in cracks or crevasses. These little spots could be bed bug eggs.
At the first signs of an infestation, contact an exterminator who specializes in bed bug pest control in Raleigh, like Go-Forth Home Services.
Five Tips To Keep Bed Bugs Out Of Your Home
Taking preventative measures to keep bed bugs away is the first line of defense against an infestation. Here are five key bed bug control techniques for your home:
- Inspect your luggage and wash your clothing immediately after returning home from a trip. If you are staying at a hotel, thoroughly inspect your room, including the drapery, mattress, and box spring. Avoid keeping your luggage on the floor.
- Store clothing and items in airtight containers with locking lids. Consider keeping things elevated on shelves instead of under the bed.
- Declutter storage spaces and get rid of old boxes to eliminate hiding places for bed bugs.
- Check your pets and their areas for any bed bugs that might have hitched a ride.
- Be mindful when buying second-hand furniture and antiques. Make sure you inspect items before purchasing.
When natural pest control methods for bed bugs fail, contact the experts at Go-Forth Home Services.
Professional Bed Bug Control For Bed Bug Prevention Month
When you have a bed bug problem, leave it to the experts at Go-Forth Home Services. We've been a go-to source of local pest control for bed bugs since 1959. Our comprehensive treatment solutions eradicate infestations and keep these invaders away from your home. Call us today to schedule an appointment.