When you go on vacation, what are the chances, you will bring something new home? Most people cannot resist buying at least some form of trinket, souvenir, or article of clothing with the location they visited’s name on it. If this is you, don’t worry, we are not here to judge. We are here to inform you that items to remember your time away are not the only thing you might bring home. Bed bugs are a huge problem here in Folsom and are constantly looking for new ways to get into your home. Whether you travel thousands of miles away to go on vacation or walk down the street to see a movie, these pests could be there, looking for any opportunity to hitch a ride back home with you. To help you better understand these invasive pests, here is everything you need to know.
What Are Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, apple seed-sized pests that rely on humans to survive. Unlike other pests that live out in the wild and only invade homes when they are uncomfortable, hungry, or thirsty, bed bugs exclusively live with people. Not only are these pests not built to survive outdoors, but they also need an easily accessible source of blood to survive. The only way for them to get this is to invade homes and wait for homeowners to fall asleep.
How To Know If Your Home Has Bed Bugs
Your home could have a bed bug infestation right now, and you wouldn't know about it. If these pests are good at anything, it's hiding. During the day, or whenever you are awake, bed bugs will stay out of sight, using gaps, cracks, and hard to reach places around your home to stay safe and secluded. It is only after you have laid your head down and fallen fast asleep that they will come out for a bite.
To know your home has bed bugs, you have to look for the signs these pests leave behind. Here are a few clues you should keep be aware of.
- Bloodstains on bed coverings
- Dots of reddish-black fecal matter along baseboards, around outlets, inside the cracks and crevices of your mattress and box spring, and in other areas of your home
- Small, almost see-through eggs and egg castings inside cracks and crevices around your home
- Bites on your skin in a straight line or zig-zag pattern
- A musty smell, similar to that of coriander
- Reddish-brown, oval-shaped, live bed bugs
Problems Bed Bugs Cause
Bed bugs are not inherently dangerous pests. There is nothing they can do that will put your life in danger. They can, however, make your life a living nightmare. With larger infestations of bed bugs, both insomnia and anemia are common. If you have dealt with either of these issues in the past, you know what a toll they take on the human body. One thing we should mention is that not everyone reacts the same to bed bug bites. Where some experience inflamed and itchy red welts, many exhibit no visual or physical symptoms at all.
How To Treat For Bed Bugs
The more you know about bed bugs, the better able you will be to avoid them when you are out and about. If you believe these pests currently infest your home, your best option is to get the experts at Neighborly Pest Management involved. We understand how bed bugs think and know where and how to treat for these pests so that they cannot get away and hide.
Reach out to our team today to discuss your treatment options or to schedule your Folsom home for a bed bug inspection.