Sleeping in a bed bug-infested home can be a nightmare. These tiny pests are not only annoying, but they can also cause serious health problems. Bed bugs are known to carry diseases and their bites can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you suspect that you have bed bugs in your home, there are some things you can do to check for them.
In this article, we will discuss how to spot bed bugs in your home. We will also give you tips on getting rid of them if you find them.
What are Bed Bugs and what do they look like?
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are reddish-brown and can grow to be about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are often hard to spot because they are experts at hiding.
They can be found in cracks and crevices in furniture, behind picture frames, and on baseboards. They are often active at night when people are sleeping and can bite several times before moving on to their next victim.
What are the signs of Bed Bugs?
The most common sign of bed bugs is bites. These bites are small, red, and itchy. They often appear in a line or cluster and can be mistaken for mosquito bites. If you have bed bugs, you may also notice blood stains on your sheets or pillows.
You may also see bed bugs themselves. They are most active at night, so you may be able to spot them if you turn on a light in your room.
How to check your home for bed bugs
If you think you may have bed bugs, there are some things you can do to check for them. Here are some tips:
- Check your bedding for signs of bed bugs. Look for blood stains or small, dark-colored spots. The spots may be bed bug feces.
- Check for bed bugs in other areas of your bedroom, such as behind picture frames, in the cracks of furniture, and on baseboards. Such insects often congregate in these areas.
- Use a flashlight to look for bed bugs in dark areas, such as under your bed or in closets. You may also want to use a magnifying glass to get a better view.
- Make a trap to catch bed bugs. Place a dish of soapy water under your bed legs. The bugs will be attracted to the dish and will drown when they try to reach it.
- Vacuum your bedroom thoroughly. Be sure to empty the vacuum bag outside so you don’t spread the bed bugs to other areas of your home.
What to do if you find bed bugs in your home
If you find bed bugs in your home, there are some things you can do to get rid of them. Here are some tips:
Vacuum your bedroom thoroughly and dispose of the vacuum bag outside.
As mentioned before, this will help to remove any bed bugs that are in your bedroom. You should also vacuum any other areas of your home where you think the bugs may be, such as closets and baseboards.
Wash all of your bedding in hot water.
This includes sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and any other items that may be infested. For best results, wash these items in hot water and dry them on high heat.
Use a steamer to kill bed bugs.
A steamer can reach high temperatures that will kill bed bugs and their eggs. Be sure to steam all of the areas where you think the bugs may be, such as cracks in furniture and behind baseboards.
Call a professional exterminator.
If you have a serious infestation, you may want to call a professional to get rid of the bed bugs. This is often the best way to eliminate an infestation.
Seal up any cracks and crevices in your home.
This will help to prevent bed bugs from entering your home in the future.
Bed bugs can be a serious problem, but there are things you can do to get rid of them. By following these tips, you can help to keep your home bed bug free.