There is a war going on here in Providence, and the team at Big Blue Bug Solutions is on the front lines. Since the end of the 1990s, bed bug infestations in the United States have been growing, and growing… and growing! Why is the number of bed bug infestations growing at such a startling rate? It is because people don't know enough about them. If you're like, "Bugs! Eww!" We understand. But this is one bug you should take a closer look at because if you don't replace bed bug fiction with bed bugs facts, you could be the next person to get these bugs. Here's what you should know.
Identification
One of the most commonly asked questions about bed bugs is, "what do bed bugs look like?" If you were to see a 1.5mm long, pale, six-legged bug with a bright red abdomen feeding on your skin, would you recognize it as a bed bug? Most people wouldn't. This is because the images we see of bed bugs are usually adult bed bugs that are rusty brown, not pale. You're not likely to ever see an adult bed bug feeding on your skin. They wait in their hiding places until it is dark, and until carbon dioxide levels rise. Immature nymphs, which are pale and sometimes tan in color, are the bed bugs that you'll find sucking your blood before you go to bed. If you see one feeding on your skin while watching television in a hotel room or watching a movie in a movie theater, it pays to know what bug you're looking at.
Warning Signs
These tiny bugs leave tiny signs. If you're watching for them, you could prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride home with you.
- Bed bugs leave black excrement in areas of infestation. This may be speckles, streaks, or patches.
- Bed bugs shed their skins as they develop. These skins can be a dead giveaway that these bugs are hiding nearby.
- Bed bugs leave tiny white eggs in pockets, creases, and crevices.
- Bed bugs sometimes excrete blood. This can cause stains on pillowcases, bedspreads, sheets, and other fabrics or upholstery. When you see these stains, keep in mind that they are most likely to be a tan or brown.
Where Warning Signs Can Be Found
You might have to look for warning signs. Bed bugs don't make it easy for you to detect them. Whenever you spend the night anywhere, even in the home of a family member or friend, do a quick inspection for warning signs in these locations.
- Bedding, sheets, and pillowcases.
- Creases in mattresses and box springs.
- Between mattresses and box springs.
- Crevices and recesses in bed frames.
- Stitching on upholstered furniture.
- Carpet edges.
- Baseboards.
- Outlet covers.
- Crown molding.
What to Do When You Find Bed Bugs
If you are spending the night somewhere and you see signs of bed bugs, there is no reason to panic. Bed bugs are rarely widespread. It is most likely that you just happened to get a room where these insects have taken root. Request to be put in another room that is not above, below, or adjacent. Once you've done this, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Heat is the death of bed bugs. When you get home, be sure to wash all of your clothing on the hottest temperature and run everything through a dryer cycle for at least 30 minutes. If you have other items that can be put in the dryer for 30 minutes, it is a good idea to do so.
- Make sure to do a detailed inspection of your luggage and bags, especially in the cracks and creases. If you find bed bugs or bed bug eggs, you can address them with rubbing alcohol.
- Keep in mind that we can assist you with the treatment of difficult items that you believe have been infested by bed bugs.
Rule of Thumb
Anytime you spend the night somewhere, there are a few things you should always do. These will help to prevent bed bugs from coming back home with you. Be sure to teach these to your kids as well.
- Bed bugs are drawn to items that have been worn. Always keep your dirty clothes in a sealed plastic bag. A trash bag with a bread tie on the top will do the trick.
- Always do a quick inspection.
- When you consider where you're going to be staying, do a quick check at bedbugregistry.com to see if any bed bug reports have been filed or do a search for any reviews that reference bed bugs.
When Bed Bugs Get In
If bed bugs ever get into your Providence home, remember that Big Blue Bug Solutions is an industry-leading pest control provider. We know what is required to completely eliminate bed bugs. Reach out to us today for immediate assistance.
