Pests are distressing for a multitude of reasons. One, they annoy or frighten you. Two, they can harm you and/or your belongings. Three, many species are really hard to get rid of. Bed bugs are guilty of all three of these things.
Bed bugs infiltrate properties in Southern Maine and bite into human skin. They suck your blood, which creates itchy, red welts. What makes matters worse is that these critters are mysterious. It’s difficult to figure out how they function. But you don’t have to be in the dark any longer. Learn now about the three key signs of a bed bug infestation and how Big Blue Bug Solutions can help you.
Bed Bug Facts
Given that bed bugs need blood to survive, they’ll infest any space frequented by humans and animals. You can pick them up at healthcare facilities, hotels, stations, schools, offices, and many other places. These insects will slink into bags or clothes and follow you home. Then, they’ll creep away to the following places:
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Upholstery
- Fabrics
- Couches
- Flooring
- Wallpaper
- Wood Trim
- Beds
- And more
The average household bed bug is the size of an apple seed; about ¼ of an inch long. Their oval bodies are reddish-brown with 2 antennae and 6 legs. Their round heads are smaller than their equally circular bottoms. You might notice that their midsection is an unusual shape. They lay pearly white eggs, of which translucent young emerge.
Bed Bug Sign #1: Bites on Your Skin
Bed bugs take over mattresses and pillows. While you’re sleeping, they’ll feast on you. When you wake, you’ll likely have bumps on your hands, arms, legs, neck, and/or face. They’ll be clustered together, or look similar to a rash outbreak.
Bed Bug Sign #2: Seeing Stains & Skins
Lugging around the blood of humans and/or pets, bed bugs are bound to release fluid. You’re practically guaranteed to find droplets on your sheets. If not that, there will be rusty, reddish-brown spots on linens, surfaces, furniture, and upholstery. The fecal waste they emit is black or brown and frequently has a powdery consistency. Sometimes, they shed their skin and you’ll see these shells lying about.
Bed Bug Sign #3: Detecting an Unpleasant Smell
When bed bugs congregate, it generates an odor. Many would call the scent “musty.” That said, don’t just keep your eyes open for these critters. Keep your nostrils open too.
Bed Bug Prevention & Big Blue Bug Solutions Extermination
Be proactive about bed bug prevention with these steps:
- Use a flashlight when you do regular inspections of your head and footboards, box springs, and mattress seams.
- Sift through your electronics, clothing stacks, bags, and drawers for indicators.
- Alert hotel maintenance if you catch bed bugs in your room. Then, be reassigned to a distant suite.
- Keep your luggage in a protective cover or bag when traveling.
- Post-trip, clean your clothes with hot water and put them in the dryer on high for 20 minutes.
- Examine second-hand things prior to bringing them indoors.
The licensed technicians at Big Blue Bug Solutions utilize equipment and devices that are fashioned to eliminate bed bugs. Killing these pests requires vigorous and specialized treatments that only a professional company like ours can provide. We’ve handled insects like bed bugs for over 80 years. We know what we are doing. Don’t bother with “do-it-yourself” methods. They are often ineffective and/or dangerous. Be safe and thorough by calling us today! You won’t regret it!