Bed bugs are the bane of any homeowner’s existence. These six-legged, blood-sucking creatures feed on you and your family at night while you sleep. Just one female can quickly lead to an infestation of thousands and a long and arduous battle with an unseen enemy. Luckily you can arm yourself with knowledge and be rid of these pests for good.
Bed Bugs Or Fleas: What’s The Difference?
The first thing you need to do when you suspect an infestation is to identify what exactly is crawling around in your bed.
Fleas
- Prefer to feed on cats and dogs
- Can survive two weeks without feeding
- Spreads disease
- Lay 200+ eggs/week
Bed Bugs
- Prefer to feed on you
- Can survive up to a year
- Can’t spread diseases
- Lay 200 eggs in a lifetime
How Do You Know If You Have Bed Bugs?
The first signs of bed bugs will most likely be the appearance of small bites on your body. Similar to fleas, bed bug bites are small red bumps on the skin. The next step is to conduct a thorough investigation of your bed.
– Check behind your headboard, bedside table, under sheets, and under the mattress.
– Bed bugs shed their exoskeletons five times before reaching adulthood, so check for discarded skins, shells, and fecal matter.
– Baby bed bugs may be too hard to spot, but adults are about the size and shape of a watermelon seed.
How Do You Get Rid Of Them?
Getting rid of these pests is a monumental chore that involves stripping EVERYTHING out of your room, but it is possible!
- If furniture is not salvageable, get rid of it or destroy it.
- Remove all sheets and clothing, putting them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent spreading.
- Wash and heat dry sheets and clothes. Bed bugs can’t survive high temperatures.
- Place washed/dried clothes in sealed bags.
- Put plastic covers on your mattress and pillows. These can be found in most linen stores.
- Reduce clutter on the floor, seal up any cracks in the walls or floors.
- Monitor for activity.
- If infestation persists call a professional.
Need help with your bed bug problem or looking to take preventative action against these little creepers? Pest Control Unlimited is here to help! Contact us today for more information on bed bug control.
