Bed bugs are the pests no one wants to see. Unfortunately, they are everywhere, and they’re small enough that you can miss them until you have a full-blown infestation. At Royal Pest & Termite, Inc., bed bugs are one of the most common creatures we exterminate, so we know a lot about what to do and how to get rid of bed bugs. Learn how to recognize the signs today.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Here’s the good news about bed bugs — contrary to popular belief, they are visible to the naked eye. Once you know where to look, the adults are fairly easy to spot.
Adult bed bugs are 4-5 millimeters long with flat, oval-shaped bodies and colorings that range from brown to reddish-brown. They are an insect, so they have six legs and antennae. Though they have wing pads near the top of their body, they do not have actual wings, nor can they fly. You’ll most likely find them, along with smaller, white-tan nymphs and eggs, in crevices and along seams — particularly on mattresses, as their name suggests.
Signs of Bed Bugs
How do you know whether you have bed bugs? Most people notice a few common indicators:
- Itchy, reddish bumps on your skin from bites
- Molted skins of their exoskeletons
- Collections of small black spots (fecal spots)
- Transparent to white ovular eggs
If you notice one or more of these signs, see if you can find the source of them. Bed bugs frequently gather around:
- Mattress seams
- Hidden spots in the headboard, baseboard and box springs
- The creases of curtains, clothes and other fabrics
- Closets
- Wall corners and holes in the paint or wallpaper
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Even if you are confident in the signs, the first step to getting rid of bed bugs is ensuring they’re properly identified. If you live in an apartment, you should talk to your landlord, as they may be responsible for treatment. Otherwise, you can talk to an extension agent or the team at Royal Pest & Termite, Inc.
In the meantime, try to keep the infestation from spreading by removing as many infested items as possible from your space and covering furniture with protective covers. These covers will seal bed bugs in and suffocate them. Vacuum often and dispose of waste as soon as you collect it.
How Royal Pest & Termite, Inc. Can Help You
While there are various at-home treatments meant to kill bed bugs, the best method is to contact a team like Royal Pest & Termite, Inc. that can control the situation and give you the best chance of avoiding recurrence. Our pest control services cover your home’s or business’s interior and exterior so we can ensure bed bugs are thoroughly exterminated from your property.
Get Started With Bed Bug Treatment Today
Bed bug infestations are best treated by professionals who have the tools to protect themselves and the skill to exterminate eggs, larvae and full adults all at once. At Royal Pest & Termite, Inc. we work quickly to thoroughly decontaminate your entire home or business so you can begin feeling comfortable in your space again.
The second you notice even one bed bug, contact us. We’ll be on our way as soon as possible to create a personalized decon plan that protects you, your family or employees and all your possessions.
