Finding and eliminating bed bugs can be challenging, especially in densely populated areas like Maryland. The large density of the human population and closely packed, man-made structures help bed bugs spread. Bed bugs cause many problems when they get into homes. They cause itching and red spots on the skin, and feeling scared and upset because of them is even worse. These pests mostly emerge at night to crawl on people and feed.
By taking proactive measures and getting help from professional pest control experts, you can eliminate them before they breed and spread. This safeguards the safety and health of your household and protects you and your family from these tiny, blood-sucking bed bugs services in Maryland.
In this blog, we will discuss what bed bugs are; what their significant signs are, and how professionals can help you prevent them. Let’s begin!
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny insects roughly the size of an apple seed. They’re reddish-brown with broad, flat, or oval-shaped bodies. When they feed, they swell up as they fill with blood, turning a darker shade of red.
Although tiny, adult bed bugs are not so minor or difficult to see. They are readily visible to the naked eye. Bed bugs in the nymph stage are also visible, but their small size and pale colors make them more challenging to find. Unlike adults, nymphs easily blend in with their surroundings.
Bed bugs are blood-sucking parasites that need regular blood meals to survive. They’re called “bed bugs” because they often reside in beds with easy access to their hosts. While they can feed and move around at any time, they’re typically active at night, making sleeping hosts an easy target.
5 Early Signs Of Bed Bugs
Recognizing bed bugs is crucial for taking quick and efficient action. By staying alert and contacting experts, you can regain control of your home from these unwelcome visitors.
Early spotting and a well-planned reaction are essential for keeping your bed free from bugs. Here are some signs to look out for:
Bite Marks
Redness and bug bite marks are often the first signs of bed bug infestations. These bites can appear as red welts or bumps on the skin, typically in areas exposed during sleep, such as the arms, neck, and face.
Although bed bug bites aren’t usually painful initially, they can become itchy and uncomfortable later. As bed bugs tend to feed multiple times during the night, the bites often occur in clusters of lines.
It’s essential to note that not everyone reacts to bed bugs similarly, so some individuals may not develop visible welts or reactions at all.
Dark Spots On Mattress
Bed bugs leave behind fecal matter, excretions, and blood stains. After digesting a blood meal, they excrete partially digested blood in the form of dark spots or stains. These spots can be found on mattresses, bedding, and other surfaces where they hide and feed.
Over time, these stains may accumulate and become more noticeable, especially in severe infestations. Inspect your mattress and bedding regularly for any signs of dark spots or stains, as they can indicate an ongoing infestation. Hire professionals like Rice’s termite and pest control for immediate action to eliminate bed bugs.
Eggshells Or Shed Skins
Bed bugs molt and shed their exoskeletons multiple times during their life cycle, leaving behind shed skins and empty eggshells. These remnants are commonly found where bed bugs hide and breed, such as mattress seams, furniture cracks, and behind baseboards.
Finding these shed skins and eggshells indicates that bed bugs reproduce and establish themselves in your home. To prevent further spread, it’s crucial to address the infestation promptly and hire MD pest control services.
Musty Odor
Severe bed bug infestations often emit a distinctive odor reminiscent of the sweet scent of coriander or almonds. While not everyone can perceive this smell, its presence can be a valuable indicator, especially when combined with other signs like bites or dark spots on bedding.
Conduct a thorough inspection if you detect a musty aroma in your home, particularly in areas where bed bugs may be hiding. Contact professionals like Rice’s termite and pest control to take prompt measures to help address the infestation before it escalates.
Active Hiding Spots
Recognizing and pinpointing bed bug hiding spots is crucial in assessing the extent of an infestation. These spots include mattress seams and folds, furniture crevices, gaps behind loose wallpaper, and electrical outlets.
Bed bugs prefer dark, secluded areas near their host’s resting places. These locations provide easy access to a blood meal at night, facilitating their survival and reproduction within the household environment. Treating and identifying bed bugs in these hiding spots is essential for effectively combating and eradicating bed bug infestations.
How To Handle Bed Bug Infestation
Although these tiny insects don’t spread diseases, their presence can cause irritation and itching and disrupt sleep. Once you’ve confirmed an infestation, taking quick action is crucial to stopping the problem from worsening.
Contact Professionals
Never try to tackle a bed bug infestation by doing DIY. Proper intervention requires a deep understanding of bed bug biology and behavior. The most effective parasites and chemicals are only available to trained, licensed professionals.
Proper training can make pesticide use practical and safe. Hire experts like Rice’s Termite and Pest Control at the first sign of trouble. Acting swiftly is your most vigorous defense against a worsening infestation.
Regular Cleaning
Although it takes time and skilled professionals to eliminate bed bugs, you can start by reducing their population before your pest control appointment. This can enhance your family’s comfort.
Employ a vacuum bag to clean mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture when using vacuum cleaners. Avoid attachments with bristles or brushes, and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after use.
Take Care Of Laundry
Bed bugs thrive in fabrics, and their tiny eggs may not always be visible to the naked eye. To completely kill and eliminate them, use a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean your linens, clothes, and furniture cushion covers regularly by washing them in hot water and drying them in a heated dryer.
Use Mattress Covers
Mattress and box spring covers are made to trap bed bugs and aid in bed bug control. Bed bugs cannot escape the material, so they can’t spread and will eventually die. Using encasements also makes it easier to detect infestations early. Make sure that any covers you use are intact and in good shape.
Reduce Clutter
Cluttered areas, such as under-bed storage and cramped closets, offer hiding spots for bed bugs. Remove clutter in a sealed plastic bag and ensure access to all parts of your home. If bed bug treatment chemicals can’t reach every bed bug hiding spot, professional pest control may only reduce the bed bug problem instead of eliminating it.
Conclusion
Being vigilant and quickly identifying bed bugs in Maryland is crucial for maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment. By staying observant and proactive about bed bug activity or flea bites, you can find bed bugs early and get professional help from Rice’s Termite and Pest Control to eradicate these pests effectively.
Our skilled technicians can help you develop a plan to eliminate bed bugs in Maryland. We utilize advanced equipment and strategies to find and eliminate bed bugs efficiently. Contact us for expert guidance and solutions to ensure your household’s well-being. Schedule your inspection today, and let us assist you in keeping your home bed bug-free!
