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bed bug crawling on a sheet

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that feed entirely on human blood. They were nearly eradicated from the US at one point, but due to stricter regulations on chemicals used in pesticides and increases in international travel, bed bugs are making a strong comeback.

What do they look like?

Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. They are flat and oval shaped and are reddish brown in color. Bed bug nymphs will look like smaller versions of the adults. The eggs are all white and extremely small. They are very difficult to detect with the naked eye.

Do bed bugs bite?

Yes. Bed bugs are nocturnal, which means they hide during the day and are active at night. They usually hide close to a food source; under the sheets, behind headboards, behind outlet covers and other undisturbed places. At night they come out and feed on human blood.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are not known to carry or transmit any diseases to humans. However, their bite often results in an itchy, red welt on the skin. These bites often are in straight lines and several bites in a row.

What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?

If you are waking up in the morning with insect bites that you did not have when you went to bed, there is a good chance you have bed bugs. Other common signs include:

  • Small spots of blood on your pillow or sheets - These are leftover from nighttime feedings.

  • Caste bed bug skins - As bed bugs grow they shed their old, empty skins.

  • Small, white eggs – Bed bug eggs are very small and hard to see, but if you find small, white insect eggs, they could point to a bed bug problem.

If you find these, or any other signs that make you think you may have a bed bug problem, call your local pest control professional today! Big Blue Bug Solutions has been providing effective and responsible solutions to bed bug problems in Rhode Island for over 75 years. Contact us today for more information on our bed bug control programs.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. The bed bugs in your home most likely caught a ride in your luggage, in your briefcase, on used furniture, or even on your clothes. Bed bugs can be found anywhere. They are commonly encountered in cabs, on the bus, in airplanes, in motels and in thrift shops or other places that sell used clothing. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not a sanitation issue; you can just as easily get bed bugs at a five star hotel as you can at the run down, side-of-the-road motel down the street.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Bed bugs are not a do-it-yourself fix. Over the counter chemicals, if used improperly, will do more harm to you and your family than it will to the bed bugs. If you have a problem with bed bugs, call a pest control professional immediately. For homes or businesses in Providence, Shrewsbury, Cranston, or the surrounding areas, contact Big Blue Bug Solutions today.

Bed bug prevention tips from Big Blue Bug Solutions

While it can be difficult to avoid bed bugs simply because of the number of different places they are found, there are a few steps you can take to prevent bringing them home with you:

  • When traveling, do not unpack your suitcase in the hotel room and do not use the hotel dressers. Leave your clothes in your suitcase until you are ready to wear them and store your suitcase as high up in the closet as you can.

  • Carefully inspect your room before bringing your luggage inside and if you see any signs of bed bugs, request a new room.

  • When you return home, immediately wash all of your clothes, whether you wore them or not and dry them on high heat if the fabric allows. The heat will kill any bugs that are present.

  • Stay away from used mattresses and furniture.

Following these tips will greatly reduce the risk of coming home with bed bugs.

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