We have several dangerous pests that get into Elk Grove homes. We're happy to say that bed bugs aren't one of them. Bed bugs don't transmit diseases, inject venom, cause hospitalizations due to allergies, or transport bacteria and parasitic worms the way some other pests do. But bed bugs aren't entirely harmless. Some people have a fear of bed bugs that can cause them to lose sleep. Over time, this loss of sleep can present a danger. On the other side of the extreme, those who don't have a fear of bed bugs, and are slow to respond to an infestation, can get ongoing bites that lead to anemia. So, how concerned should you be? It is a good idea to be in the middle. Here are a few more reasons why.
What Goes Around Comes Around
Bed bugs are hitchhikers. They don't live in your yard and come in through tiny gaps in your exterior. They are carried into your home. They're also carried out of your home. When you don't deal with a bed bug infestation appropriately, that infestation could come back to bite you—quite literally. We're all in this together. The steps you take can prevent someone else from having an infestation, and stop them from returning the favor several months later after you've had your bed bugs exterminated. The best course of action is to deal with bed bugs quickly.
Hidden Danger
There are many ways pests can harm us. Some ways can be less than obvious. If you have children, bed bugs can present a unique threat to them. If they bring bed bugs to school and other students link the bed bugs to them, it can be a humiliating situation (though it shouldn't be). Some students will take this as an opportunity to tease your child. When parents of students learn that your child has bed bugs, it can cause them to ban your child from coming over, further increasing the damage. It is the job of every teacher, parent, and student to minimize this harm by being informed about bed bugs. These are not bugs that only infest dirty homes. They have been found infesting the cleanest of homes. They aren't attracted to bacteria or filth. Bed bugs live in close proximity to humans in order to feed on human blood. There is no other criteria for an infestation. They're also not invisible pests that spread like a contagion. They can be contained and controlled with appropriate pest management. There is no need for social distancing, a term we are all too familiar with these days. Addressing your bed bug infestation early can help you avoid these social challenges.
Bed Bug Detection
Do you have bed bugs? Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Bites that appear in a line or follow a path on the skin
- Black specks, streaks or patches on bedding, sheets, pillowcases, mattresses or box springs
- Shed insect skins in concealed locations
- Tiny white eggs in gaps, creases, and crevices
What To Do About Bed Bugs
When bed bugs appear in your Elk Grove home, contact Neighborly Pest Management. Our licensed pest control professionals know what is required to contain and eliminate bed bugs. We'll help you arrest your infestation and remove the stress bed bugs can cause. Reach out to us today. You don't have to let the bed bugs bite.