Bed bugs are among the worst nuisance pests homeowners have to deal with. They are notoriously difficult to eradicate due to their ability to hide and the rate at which they reproduce. Once they've infested a home, they'll invade all the spaces they possibly can. Many people don't realize they have a bed bug problem until it's too late, so it's important to know the signs of an infestation.
Trying to tackle a bed bug problem on your own often results in extreme frustration and wasted time and money. Read on to learn more about bed bugs and why Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio is a trusted source of bed bug pest control in Del Rio.
What A Bed Bug Looks Like
Bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped bugs with six legs and antennae. Adults are roughly a quarter of an inch in length. Before feeding, they are a mahogany brown color and turn more reddish-brown after they've had a meal. These pests have wing pads but no functional wings. Bed bug nymphs are clear and colorless.
A telltale sign of a bed bug infestation is noticing bites on your body. Bed bug bites look like tiny, red dots and can be itchy. You might also see stains on your bedding or furniture from their fecal matter. Bed bugs often shed their skin and leave behind old skin and body parts in places they've infested. If you suspect bed bugs have invaded your home, contact an exterminator who specializes in bed bug control.
The People And Things Bed Bugs Can Hitch A Ride On
Bed bugs are extremely good travelers and are known to hitch rides on unsuspecting passengers. They stay well-hidden and spread out once they enter a new location, making them extremely difficult to eliminate. The most common place to find bed bugs is in mattresses and the bedroom, as they feed on humans while they sleep. Because they are tiny and flat, they can fit inside just about any sized crack, including electrical outlets and between wallpaper and frames.
Hotel rooms are one of the most common places to find bed bugs. If a traveler doesn't know bed bugs are infesting their room, these bugs might crawl inside their luggage and wind up inside their home. Bed bugs also hitch rides on people in crowded places like public transportation, theaters, and airplanes.
Prevention Tips To Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Into Your Home
The best natural pest control for bed bugs is to be aware of your surroundings. Taking some simple precautions goes a long way in preventing these pests from ruining your home.
Here are several tips that may help:
- Store clothing in vacuum-sealed containers.
- Avoid placing your bed against the wall so bed bugs can't climb and travel elsewhere.
- If you use a shared laundry facility, inspect the equipment before washing your items.
- Declutter storage spaces like the attic and basement.
- Avoid placing luggage on the floor in hotel rooms.
- Use plastic covers to seal electrical sockets.
- Vacuum your floors regularly.
- Caulk or seal all openings in your walls.
- Repair or replace broken screens.
- Check your pets and their sleeping areas for bed bugs.
- Place protective coverings over your mattress and box spring.
- Routinely inspect your furniture.
- Check used items before purchasing, especially clothing and furniture.
- Inspect luggage immediately after returning home from trips.
Even after putting these tips into practice, there's still a chance you could wind up with an infestation. Unfortunately, because they're such elusive pests, most do-it-yourself methods of pest control to kill bed bugs fail. If you need to get your bed bug problem under control, contact a trusted exterminator like Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio.
What To Do If Bed Bugs Find Their Way Into Your Home
As soon as you're aware bed bugs have invaded your home, contact the experts at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio. We've been a go-to source for pest control in Del Rio since 1979. Our methods are effective and safe for your family and pets.
Give us a call at 830-490-1566 today to take the first step in eliminating bed bugs for good.