Most Common Signs of BedBugs

Bedbugs are small insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are usually oval and brown, and adult specimens are the size of an apple seed. Note that they get swollen and reddish after they feed. They can move fast over floors, ceilings and walls, and they hide really well which makes it difficult to see them. Luckily, they do not transmit diseases, but they are a real nuisance and a hygiene threat. Luckily, there are certain signs that they are present, which makes it easier to take action and get rid of them.

Most common signs of bedbug infestation in your home

Did you wake up with itchy areas you hadn’t have when you went to bed? You might have bedbugs. Risk is even higher if you purchased used bed or furniture recently. Besides itchiness, you should look for these signs:

– Blood strains on pillowcases and sheets

– Bedbug egg shells or shed skins in areas they hide

– Bedbug fecal spots

– Dark spots on your sheets, mattresses or even walls

– Musty odor

 Steps to take when you notice signs of bedbugs

If you have noticed any of the signs listed above, the chances are – there are bedbugs in your home. Besides this, obviously seeing bedbugs is another proof that they are present, but remember that they move quickly and are usually active by night, which makes it extra hard to spot them.

There are some steps you should do to get rid of them yourself, or at least as a first measure, although it is recommended to hire a professional – especially when dealing with insecticide.

Here is what you can do if you find bedbugs

– Clean sheets, curtains and clothing hot water and dry them on the highest setting

– Dry items that can’t be washed using highest dryer setting (e.g. shoes, stuffed animals)

– Brush mattresses hard using a stiff brush and vacuum your bed and the area around

– Remember to tightly close your vacuum bag in a thick plastic bag after you’ve vacuumed for the first time and throw it away so that no bedbugs escape

– Get rid of any clutter in your bedroom and around the bed

– Encase your mattress with a zippered cover that prevents bedbugs from going out and feeding (but remember they can live without food for up to a year, so make sure you keep the cover for at least a year)

Bedbug extermination as a 100% safe solution

Bedbugs are small, fast, hard to notice and resilient. Female bedbugs can lay up to hundreads of eggs that hatch in six to ten days, and start feeding soon. Although good hygiene and regular vacuuming and cleaning can help you prevent the infestation, if there are bedbugs in your home, the only solution to getting rid of them can be using different inseticides.

Chemicals in insecticides can be harmful, and it is important to use only high quality products with care. You should never treat mattresses or bedding with an insecticide that is not specifically made for that kind of use.

R and C Pest Control has a lot of experience in dealing with bedbugs, as well as cockroaches, ants, scorpions and spiders in Los Angeles area, so we can definitely help you get rid of them once and for all.