Monthly Archives: March 2020

Bed bug infestations have been on the rise throughout the United States, including the mid-south areas of Mississippi and Tennessee. Although they are not thought to transmit diseases, bed bugs are most definitely a nuisance as they bite and thrive on human or animal blood. These pests are extremely difficult to remove from homes and businesses because they are good at hiding and reproduce rapidly. If you believe you have bed bugs, we highly recommend seeking professional help to get rid of them for good. 

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, flat insects roughly the size of an apple seed. They live on the blood of humans and animals, using body heat and other clues to find you. Female bed bugs will lay up to five eggs every day, amounting to hundreds of eggs over their lifetime (approximately 1 year). Under favorable conditions, these pests can grow from immature ‘nymphs’ to fully developed bugs in about one month, each one feeding around five times as they mature.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Bed bugs enter homes and businesses by hitching a ride on you, your belongings, or your pets. They creep into people’s luggage, clothing, used furniture (like beds), etc. from other places that were infested. Because their bodies are small and flat, they can easily fit into tiny spaces. Typically they hide in places like mattresses, box springs and headboards where they can easily access their human ‘meals.’ Then, once they’ve been in a home for some time, they spread to other areas, including closets, bathrooms, and other nearby rooms. 

Signs Of Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs survive by consuming blood. Their presence in your home, therefore, does not signify a lack of cleanliness, which means even immaculate homes can be subject to infestation. 

So how do you know when you have them? The first sign for most people is the bites themselves. Typically these are painless at first, but turn into itchy areas or even welts. Whereas flea bites are often found around the ankles, bedbug bites may be anywhere on the skin, and often form a straight line of 3 to 4 bites in a row. People sometimes initially attribute the itching to other bug bites, like mosquitoes, so you’ll need to confirm bed bugs are actually present. Other signs that you have bed bugs include the following:

• Fecal stains on nightwear.
• Bloodstains on pillows or sheets.
• Dead bugs, shells or skins in the bed.
• An offensive, sweet/musty smell 

What To Do If You Have Bed Bugs?

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, immediately begin steps to get rid of them and prevent their return. Cleaning an infested area is helpful, but getting rid of them permanently generally requires chemical treatments. Hiring an experienced pest control professional is the safest and most effective way to rid your home or business of bedbugs. If you believe you have an infestation, schedule a consultation with Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions. The sooner we begin treatment, the more successful it will be. 

Rid All Termite & Pest Solutions has served over 10,000 homeowners and businesses in the mid-south area of Mississippi and Tennessee near Olive Branch. We offer emergency services for all types of pests, including bed bugs, termites, wasps, rodents, and more. Rid All serves our customers with integrity, ongoing employee training, and safety awareness. Contact us today at 901-377-9915 for a free estimate or to schedule your pest control appointment. For more information, visit our website. Please also ‘like’ us on Facebook. 

 

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/bedbugs-infestation