Growing up it’s just something our parents say when we are on the way to bed. As adults, they are a real thing. These little parasites suck your blood while you sleep, and they are so tiny half the time you won’t see them until it’s too late. Found in the nicest of hotels or resorts, cleanliness has nothing to do with where you can find them. Here are some more facts about bed bugs, and how if you have them to get rid of them.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are flat, parasitic insects that only feed on the blood of animals and people. Traveling up to 100 feet a night, but they tend to live within 10 feet of where people sleep. They are reddish-brown in color, wingless, and can range from 1 mm – 7 mm. That is roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on the penny. They can live for several months without food. In addition, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe are all places they can be found.
Signs and Symptoms
One easy way to identify if you have an infestation is to look for the bites on the head, neck, arms, and other body parts. In some people, bites will not develop for 14 days. This is why it’s important to also be on the lookout for other signs. Firstly, look for any of the exoskeletons that have molted. Secondly, look in the fold of the mattress for bed bugs. Thirdly, see if you smell a musty sweet odor. Lastly, rusty-colored blood spots may appear on sheets or furniture.
It is hard to tell if you’ve been bitten by a bed bug unless you find them or see the signs of the infestation. When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten. Most people won’t even know until they see a bite mark, and those usually show up days after the initial bite. This bite mark is similar to a mosquito or a flea, a small red bite that can itch.
Health Risks
Leaving behind an itchy bite can be annoying. At least Bed bugs are not known to spread diseases. After excessive scratching, you can actually raise your percentage of a secondary skin infection. Bed bug bites can affect everyone differently. From a serious reaction to no reaction at all, It can range. This reaction can include enlarged bite marks, swelling, and on rare occasions, anaphylaxis.
Bed Bugs Extermination
Infestations of bed bugs are hard to control because they will try to evade pesticides and they are not easy to see. Considered noneffective are bug bombs or foggers because they are unlikely to reach the cracks where the bugs hide. However, some products that include pyrethroids can have a flushing effect, which can actually spread the infestation. In conclusion, if you see you have an infestation, the best move is to call a pest control company. Above all, they can use stronger pesticides that the public does not have access to. Also, they know the signs to look out for and have a better chance of finding them.
RH Miller Wants To Help You!
All of us at RH Miller Pest Services take pride in making sure that you can have peace of mind and peace of sleep. Servicing cities like Sanford, in Central Florida for over 29 years, we have the expertise to get the results you desire! Bed Bugs, Wildlife, or Lawn; we do it all. Find out why we have a 5 STAR rating on Google today! Give us a call at 407-339-7119.
