Bed bugs are a nuisance. The itching that comes with a bedbug infestation is nothing to laugh about. Bites from these minute creatures can cause you untold discomfort and distress. But what exactly brings bedbugs into your home? Does a bedbug infestation automatically point to a dirty living space? How much harm can these creatures really cause? And most importantly, how do you get rid of bedbugs from your home? Read on to find out everything you need to know about bedbugs.
What are Bed bugs?
Bed bugs are very small and flat insects that are brown in color. They survive by feeding on the blood of any warm blooded animal, although their choice of prey is human beings. Once they are gorged with blood, they turn to red. They can stay without feeding for up to five days. The females tend to lay eggs by the hundreds in their lifetime. The eggs are about the size of a speck of dust. The bugs are called bedbugs due to their tendency to feast on people while they sleep.
How Do Bed bugs Enter Your Home?
Bed bugs don’t always point to a dirty home. Because they are very tiny, they can easily get into your home unnoticed. They can fit into the crevices of suitcases, boxes and even shoes. You can even collect them on public transportation or other unexpected places. Your pet might also get infested while they are out playing, and the stubborn insects will worm their way into your home. They can also access your home from second hand furniture that is already infested.
How Much Harm can Bed bugs Cause?
A bedbug bite is usually characterized by itchy welts. The first few bites may not be bothersome, but it gets worse as the insects continue to draw blood from your body. Other than the never- ending itchiness, there isn’t much else that the bedbugs can do to harm you. They typically don’t spread diseases, so you shouldn’t worry too much about this.
Signs of bedbug Infestation
Of course the most obvious sign of bedbug infestation is inexplicable itching that simply doesn’t go away. Additionally, if you spot bloodstains on your beddings that can’t be explained, then you probably have a bedbug problem at home.
You may also find rusty spots of bedbug excretion especially in your beddings or on your mattress. You could also find eggshells and shed skin in the spots where the bugs hide. Another sign of infestation is a musty smell that is produced by the bedbugs’ scent glands.
How to Deal with a Bedbug Infestation
The first step in dealing with bedbugs in your home is to thoroughly clean the infested areas. This means that if the bugs are present in your beddings, you have to clean them in very hot water and dry them on high for at least 30 minutes. The same applies for stuffed animals and other items that often find their way to your bed.
You will also have to thoroughly clean your mattress to ensure that you get rid of the bedbugs. You can start by scrubbing your mattress with a stiff brush to completely remove bedbugs as well as nymphs. You should then go ahead and vacuum the mattress to ensure that there are absolutely no remnants left behind. This also goes for your box springs as well as your headboards.
If the mattress is heavily ridden with the bugs, consider getting a new one. Alternatively, enclose it in a tight, zippered bag for a year to ensure that the bugs are starved and dead. Even if you do change your mattress, ensure that you thoroughly clean the furniture in your room to ensure that your new mattress doesn’t get infested as well.
You should also consider hiring an exterminator to help you get rid of the insects. The biggest pro of hiring a professional is that they know exactly where to look for the bugs and how to get rid of them. That way, you can rest assured that you will not suffer another infestation any time in the near future.
As a precaution, make sure that you clean any second hand furniture you acquire thoroughly. This will keep the bugs from accessing your home. Additionally, check your pet’s sleeping area regularly to ensure that there are no bugs.
Conclusion
Bedbugs can be quite a headache for any homeowner. As soon as you notice that you have a bedbug infestation, take prompt measures to get rid of them. This includes washing your beddings in very hot water and scrubbing your mattress clean. As long as you follow the guidelines shared above, you should have no problem getting rid of the stubborn insects.