At home, we most often encounter insects in the form of mosquitoes, flies, ants, cockroaches, and, less commonly, termites and bees. But there is another group of insects that we may not be so familiar with: bed bugs.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at bed bugs: what they are, where they come from, how to get rid of them, and other information about these tiny pests.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are reddish-brown in color, oval in shape, and about the size of a poppy seed. Bed bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to pierce the skin and withdraw blood.
Bed bugs are not known to carry or transmit any diseases, but their bites can be painful and cause itching and swelling. In some cases, people may have an allergic reaction to bed bug bites.
Where do bed bugs come from?
Bed bugs are thought to have originated in the Middle East, and they have been present in Europe since at least the 16th century. They likely came to North America with early settlers, and they have been a problem in the United States since the early 19th century.
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, and they can spread quickly from one place to another. They can be transported on clothing, luggage, furniture, or any other item that comes into contact with an infested area.
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
One of the most common signs of a bed bug infestation is bite marks on the skin. Bed bugs typically bite people on the face, neck, arms, or hands while they are sleeping. The bites are often in a line or cluster, and they may be red and itchy.
Other signs of bed bugs include:
- Blood stains on sheets or pillowcases
- Small, brownish fecal stains on mattresses or linens
- Shed skin (exoskeletons) of bed bugs
- A sweet, musty odor
However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way, so not everyone will have visible bite marks.
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
If you think you may have bed bugs, it’s important to act quickly. These pests multiply quickly, and an infestation can spread quickly throughout a home or building.
There are a number of ways to get rid of bed bugs, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You may need to try several different methods to completely eliminate an infestation.
Here are some of the most common methods for getting rid of bed bugs:
- Vacuuming– This is a good first step to removing bed bugs from mattresses, furniture, and other areas of your home. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag afterward to prevent the bugs from spreading. You may need to vacuum several times to get rid of all the bugs.
- Washing clothes and bedding– This will kill any bed bugs that are in your laundry. Be sure to wash items in hot water (120 degrees Fahrenheit) and dry them on high heat. You may need to wash and dry items more than once to completely eliminate the bugs.
- Chemical treatments– There are a number of pesticides that can be effective in killing bed bugs. These should only be used as a last resort, and they should be applied by a licensed professional.
- Heat treatments– This is one of the most effective ways to get rid of bed bugs. The bugs cannot withstand high temperatures, so they will be killed if exposed to temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done with a portable heater or by hiring a professional.
- Freezing– This is another effective method for killing bed bugs. The bugs will be killed if exposed to temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done with a household freezer or by hiring a professional.
- Buy a mattress cover or a new mattress– This will help to prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress. Be sure to buy a cover that is designed to block bed bugs. If worse comes to worst, you may need to buy a new mattress. For sure, there are a lot of mattress stores in Utah or whatever state you are in.
- Throw away infested items– If an item is infested with bed bugs, it’s best to throw it away. This includes mattresses, furniture, clothing, and other items.
- Seal cracks and crevices– This will help to prevent bed bugs from spreading into other areas of your home. Be sure to seal any cracks or crevices around baseboards, outlets, doorways, and windows.
- Call a professional– If you have a severe infestation, it’s best to call a professional. A professional will be able to identify the problem and help you find the best solution.
Getting rid of bed bugs can be a challenge, but it’s important to act quickly to prevent an infestation from spreading. Be sure to try several different methods to ensure that all the bugs are eliminated. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to a licensed professional.
