Bed bugs are a pest that most people have heard of, but they are still shrouded in many misconceptions. While people know that they invade homes and mostly live in mattresses and other bedding, the truth is that bed bugs are more invasive than even their reputation proclaims. However, while bed bugs are a common pest in Elk Grove, they can be challenging to identify. It’s essential to know how to tell if you have bed bugs around your property.
First of all, you need to know how to identify bed bugs. They are reddish-brown in color, and they have oval-shaped bodies. Their heads are quite a bit smaller than their bodies, and they are usually very flat. But, after they’ve eaten, they become round and engorged. Adult bed bugs are the size and shape of an apple seed. Bed bug nymphs are a similar shape but a lighter, translucent color and smaller.
There are also some other visual signs of bed bugs that you might notice before the actual bugs themselves, such as:
- Rusty bloodstains around sheets or other bedding that come from the bed bug bites
- Brown smear marks from bed bug excrement around mattresses, furniture, and even walls
- Discarded egg casings that range in color from white to dark brown depending on their age
- If you see these or other signs of bed bugs, it is crucial to take action quickly.
How Do Bed Bug Infestations Even Begin?
While many pests such as ants and spiders often get inside from the outdoors, bed bugs function very differently. They are picked up from populated places, such as other homes or in many different kinds of businesses. But, they don’t use people as hosts as ticks or fleas do. Instead, they grab a ride on clothing, luggage, purses, or suitcases.
Bed bugs can be found almost anywhere, including in places that don’t have beds at all. There are some places known as “bed bug hot spots” where these pests are more likely to be found, such as hotels, schools, buses, airports, and healthcare facilities. But essentially, anywhere there are people, bed bugs could be present.
Since bed bugs are so prevalent and only about the size of an apple seed, they are difficult to notice. Most of the time, you won’t even realize that you’ve picked them up, which makes them particularly challenging to prevent.
Why Professional Bed Bug Control Is The Best Route
While some property owners try to remove bed bugs using DIY methods, these approaches are very unlikely to work. They might get rid of some of the bugs, but they won’t address the entire infestation.
Instead, the best and easiest way to completely eradicate these blood-sucking pests is with professional pest control services from Neighborly Pest Management. We offer many different bed bug removal treatments, including steam treatments, fumigation, and heat chamber options. We also can provide free bed bug inspections.
By providing many advanced bed bug removal techniques, we will work with you to eliminate these pests in a safe way that addresses the unique needs of your property.
Contact Us Today For More Assistance
If you’ve noticed any signs of bed bugs around your Elk Grove property, give the pros at Neighborly Pest Management a call right away. We can inspect your entire home or business for any signs of bed bugs, and if we do find them, we then create a removal plan alongside you.
Just give us a call or reach out online to get started.