Why Are There Bed Bugs In My Huntsville Home?
October 15, 2020
If ever there was a pest that lives up to its reputation as being incredibly difficult to get rid of, it is the bed bug. Despite most people knowing that bed bug infestations are challenging to eliminate, many do not take the proper precautions when it comes to keeping bed bugs out of their homes. This is because many people believe that bed bugs only infest dirty homes. However, this could not be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is, a bed bug infestation could happen to anyone. Therefore, it is imperative that you take the proper precautions to keep bed bugs out of your Huntsville home.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Though they feed on a variety of animals, human blood is their preferred food. Bed bugs have flat, oval-shaped bodies that are reddish-brown. They grow to be about ¼ of an inch long, and they have six legs and are wingless. Though their bodies are flat most of the time, after feeding, bed bugs’ bodies will engorge and change to a deep reddish-purple color.
Bed bugs derive their name from the fact that they often make their homes inside of mattresses and box springs. This is because bed bugs are nocturnal and mattresses provide them with easy access to their favorite food source—human blood.
Signs of a bed bug infestation inside of a home include blood or rusty looking stains on sheets and pillowcases, a musty smell emanating from your bed, and bite marks on your body after sleeping in your bed. If you notice any of these signs, call the professionals here at Custom Pest Control right away.
Where People Pick Up Bed Bugs
The most common way that bed bugs get into homes is by hitching rides on people who unknowingly transport them inside. Usually, a person will pick up bed bugs in a bed bug hotspot. As bed bugs prefer to feed on the blood of humans, any place with a lot of people could be a bed bug hotspot. Such places include lodging facilities such as hotels and dormitories; transportation hubs such as bus stations, train stations, and airports; and other establishments where many people are coming and going on a regular basis such as hospitals and schools.
If you do find yourself venturing into a bed bug hotspot, there are certain precautions that you can utilize to limit your chances of picking up these hitchhiking pests. These include not placing your baggage or purses directly onto the ground, refraining from sitting on the ground, checking hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before settling in, and checking your coat/luggage for bed bugs before returning home.
Other Ways Bed Bugs Get Into Homes
In addition to riding into homes on people, bed bugs are also sometimes brought into homes while hiding in second-hand items such as furniture, appliances, and clothing. If you are shopping for second-hand items, be sure to inspect all items for bed bugs before purchasing. Additionally, you should thoroughly clean any second-hand items which you buy before bringing them into your home.
What To Do If Bed Bugs Infest Your Home
Unfortunately, even if you do take all the precautions, you could still find yourself dealing with a bed bug infestation. If such is the case, don’t delay, and call the professionals here at Custom Pest Control right away. Getting rid of a bed bug infestation is no small task, but the trained pest technicians here at Custom Pest Control have both the experience and the expertise to effectively eliminate any bed bug infestation with which you are dealing. So, don’t lose sleep over these parasitic pests. Give us a call now.