Bed bugs are small, sneaky pests that can infest your home and cause discomfort to you. While it can be hard to spot early signs of a bed bug infestation, there are things you can look for if you are worried that you may have a bed bug issue at home. If you contact a pest control specialist, they will discuss these early signs and how to examine your house for these bugs. Also, they can offer tips to eliminate bed bugs if they have invaded your home.
How Bed Bugs Look
Bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped insects. They have a small head, six legs, and two antennae. Adult bed bugs are most active in the evening and tend to grow on human blood. The carbon dioxide and warmth of the human body attract bed bugs.
Typically, bed bugs bite humans on the arms, neck, face, and hands. But they can bite any area of the skin that is exposed. Often, bed bug bites look come in the form of small, red bumps. But they can also result in itchiness, irritation, and swelling.
Issues that Bed Bugs Cause
While bed bugs do not transmit or carry disease, they cause unpleasant symptoms. The following are issues that bed bugs may cause:
- Itching. Bites of bed bugs can cause serious itching, which is the first symptom you may notice. And scratching your skin will only make the issue worse because it can result in skin irritation and infection.
- Allergic reactions. When some people get bitten by bed bugs, they experience an allergic reaction to the bite. Their symptoms can include itchiness and redness as well as difficulty breathing.
- Sleeplessness. Because of the constant biting and itching, you may not be able to get quality sleep at night. Unfortunately, bed bugs tend to be active at night. With bed bugs in your house, you may need to wake up many times as you get bitten, resulting in daytime sleeplessness and fatigue. Also, this can result in anxiety and stress.
How to Prevent an Infestation
You can avoid a bed bug infestation when you take the following steps:
- Get rid of the clutter. Bed bugs tend to thrive in cluttered environments as this provides them with more places to hide. So, to prevent them from taking up residence in your home, don’t allow your belongings like clothes and shoes to pile up on your floor.
- Examine second-hand clothing. Bed bugs can hitchhike back home with you through the used clothing you buy. So, before you bring these items into your house, shake each item out and search for the bugs. Washing the used clothing in hot water and drying it on high heat can kill bed bugs. Take the same precautions when you travel and stay in hotels.
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