How much do you know about bed bugs? If your answer is, not much, then you have a lot in common with most Mooresville residents. Unless you've had a bed bug infestation, these pests can seem mysterious. It is also possible to have had one and still not know all that much about them. Today, we hope to give you all you need to know to get ahead of bed bug pest problems. As an industry leader offering bed bug pest control in Mooresville, we know a lot about these often mysterious pests. Of course, if you are in need of local pest control for bed bugs, call or connect with us by text or email. Your Lake Norman Pest Control team is standing ready to help.
Bed Bug Detection: How To Spot And Confirm An Infestation
The first fact you should know about bed bugs in Mooresville is that you can have an infestation and not know it. It is also possible to think you have bed bugs and not actually have them. Incorrect perceptions can lead to many problems you don't need. Before we discuss bed bug signs, let's consider these two misconceptions.
Why don't I know that I have a bed bug infestation?
You may think that you'll immediately detect bed bugs because these insects bite. While you may see bites immediately, it is possible for bed bug bites to go undetected at first. The first bed bugs that bite you may be nymphs. A nymph doesn't introduce as much saliva into the bite wounds so the allergic reaction could be slight. Early bites may also have a minor reaction because it can take time for your skin to get sensitive. Then, there is the issue of age. Not the age of the bed bug, but your age. If you are a senior, you may have a mild reaction to bed bug bites so you may not notice them.
Along with the mild reaction to bed bug bites, there are a few other reasons why bed bug infestations can go undetected. Kids may not report having bug bites. You may think that your bites are from an outdoor pest because bites can take hours to show up. And, most of all, bed bugs are sneaky. It is hard to tell that they're crawling around in your home. Therefore, looking for the source of your bites can prove elusive.
What do I have if it isn't bed bugs?
Professionals are sometimes called on to address bed bug infestations when there is no bed bug infestation. If the person you hire is disreputable, they may charge you for pest control even though you don't actually have bed bugs. Here are a few reasons why you may think you have bed bugs when you actually don't. You may have a rash from food or clothing. Some rashes have tiny bumps and look a bit like bed bug bites. You may have carpet beetles. The larvae of carpet beetles can cause a prickly rash. You may have bites from outdoor bugs. As with bed bugs, outdoor insects can cause wounds that don't show symptoms for several hours. You may get bitten outside and not see a bump, rash, or feel an itch until you wake up in the morning.
Now that you know a bit more about bed bug infestations, let's consider the warning signs. There are only a few of them, but if you know where to look and what you're looking for, you can diagnose an infestation.
Bites: Bed bug bites do not have a random pattern, like many outdoor insect bites or the bumps of a rash caused by food allergies or carpet beetle larvae. Bed bugs bite as they crawl across your skin while you sleep. Therefore, the bites will look like a bumpy, rashy road across your skin. You'll also find these bites on skin that is exposed at night, and typically in areas of your body close to your neck and head.
Bed Bugs: Obviously, seeing bed bugs is a sure sign you have an infestation. Bed bugs are white, tan, or reddish brown. They may have red or black coloration in the abdomen. The red is human blood and the black is fecal matter. They range in size from 1/26 to 1/5 of an inch in length. They have six legs, two short antennae, and no wings.
Eggs: There are many insects that can leave eggs in your home. What do bed bugs' eggs look like? They are white, just like newly hatched nymphs. They're also about the size of a newly hatched nymph, roughly 1/26 of an inch long. At that size, they are mere specks. You'll likely find them in tight spaces and in small batches.
Skins: There are a few insects that may leave shed skins in your home. What do bed bug skins look like? They look like bed bugs. A bed bug nymph sheds its entire skin and walks right out of it. Look for these skins in tight spaces, particularly near beds, couches, and chairs.
Smells: Bed bugs produce a pheromone that has an odor. Some people describe the odor as resembling coriander or cilantro. Some say it is a sickly sweet and musty odor. If you smell something a bit "off" in your bedroom, you may have bed bugs.
When you find bed bugs in your home, you need to understand the risks. We won't spend much time on this, as we're sure you'll contact a professional quickly when you find bed bugs, but it is essential to know what you can expect from bed bugs in your home.
Bed Bug Infestation Dangers: Physical And Mental Health Risks
The issues with insect infestations are that they bite or sting, and the bites can lead to allergic reactions, diseases, or symptoms caused by exposure to venom. We have some very good news regarding bed bugs. There is no evidence that they spread dangerous diseases and they don't have venom—but they aren't entirely harmless.
- Bed bug bites are itchy. When scratched, they can open up and get infected. It is a risk to consider if you have children or you are caring for someone who has a debilitating illness.
- Bed bug bites are numerous. Over time, anemia is a concern.
- Bed bugs are scary and can disturb your sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to anxiety, depression, and other unwanted mental health symptoms. It can also cause issues with motor coordination, making driving an automobile dangerous.
- Bed bugs have a social stigma attached. When others learn that you have bed bugs, it can lead to problems.
How can you deal with these creepy houseguests? The best defense is a good offense. Let's look at how you can get bed bugs and how to stop an infestation before it begins.
Unwanted Guests: Common Causes Of Bed Bug Infestations
Long before you have to get bed bug pest control near you, you can do something about bed bugs. These insects don't live in your yard and they don't come in through your walls. They hitchhike. Since they enter your home in this specific way, you can take measures to stop them in their tracks.
- Bed bugs can come home with you from vacation. Always perform bed bug inspections and keep your laundry in a sealed plastic bag during your trip.
- Bed bugs can come home from work. Keep watch for warning signs of bed bugs at your workplace. Bed bugs are found in many businesses, even office spaces, where there are no beds.
- Bed bugs can come home from school. These insects can pass from one person to another by contact with bags, clothing, and other items. Teach your kids to guard against this.
- Bed bugs go from home to home. Your friends and extended family members may not know they have an infestation. Any home can get bed bugs. Keep watch.
- Bed bugs can pass through walls. When an infestation matures, bed bugs can get into walls. If you live in an apartment or connected house, keep this in mind.
- Bed bugs ride in used furniture and other items. Always inspect items, particularly beds, couches, and chairs. But keep in mind that bed bugs can enter your home in alarm clocks, computers, pianos, guitars, and other objects that have voids within them.
If bed bugs find their way past your defenses and infest your home, it is time to contact Lake Norman Pest Control for professional bed bug control in Mooresville. Bed bug control is incredibly tricky. You aren't going to have success with natural pest control for bed bugs and over-the-counter products don't work much better. Bed bugs are born with defensive behaviors and natural adaptive abilities that help them avoid conventional treatments.
Eliminating Bed Bugs: The Smart Solution For Mooresville Homes
When you contact Lake Norman Pest Control for help with a bed bug problem, you'll get a professional solution. Our technicians are licensed professionals with training in the most effective bed bug control methods. We have the equipment to address infestations and field experience to help us alter treatments when bed bugs do something unexpected. When you want to know for sure that all the bugs are gone, it is best to get professional service from a trusted service provider. For service in Mooresville, reach out to Lake Norman Pest Control today. We're here to help!
