There are a number of pests in the Bay Area of California, but bed bugs are among the most concerning, perhaps because they infest something very personal to us. Of all the places where we spend large portions of our lives, our resting places should be safe. For pest control in the Bay Area, you can rely on Bay Pest. This article will answer several common questions about bed bugs and inform you about the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs for good.
How Big Are Bed Bugs?
Adult bed bugs are oval in shape and about a quarter of an inch long. They are flat and brown in color before feeding. After they have fed, they grow longer, their bodies swell up, and they become red in color. Bed bugs have six legs and two antennae. Though they are very small, adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye and are fairly easy to locate. Bed bug nymphs can be much more difficult to detect since they are smaller and paler.
How Dangerous Is It To Have Bed Bugs In My House?
Bed bug bites are difficult to tell apart from the bites of other insects. These bites typically manifest as itchy red welts. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to these bites that requires them to seek medical attention.
Early signs of bed bugs can be easily overlooked, meaning that these pests may have been in your house for a long time before you become aware of their presence. They also reproduce at a rapid pace. Female bed bugs are capable of laying up to five eggs in a day and as many as 500 throughout their lifetimes. In addition to the health risks they bring, fear of bed bugs in your Bay Area home may also cause anxiety and even insomnia. It can be very difficult to sleep when you are worried about being a midnight snack for these invasive pests.
How Did Bed Bugs Get Into My House?
Bed bugs are attracted to warm-blooded creatures, as blood is their main food source. They will feed on birds and mammals as well as humans. These pests are also excellent travelers and will latch onto clothes, suitcases, and other items to enter your home.
Some signs of a bed bug infestation include bites on the arms and legs, though this alone is not definitive, and these bites can go unnoticed unless they start to itch. Bed bugs leave behind molted skin and eggshells, both of which are pale in color, as well as reddish-brown spots of fecal matter. The most common places to find these signs are in bed frames, box springs, and the seams and folds of mattresses.
How Do I Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In My House Fast?
Prevention is often the best medicine. The best way to avoid a bed bug infestation is to be proactive.
Here are some things you can do to make sure these pests don’t get a foothold in your home:
- Make sure to check items before you bring them into your house, especially used clothes and furniture.
- Check your luggage before and after taking a trip.
- Inspect your bedroom and other areas carefully. Bed bugs can fit into the space between a picture frame and the glass on it.
- Wash clothes or linens that may be infected with hot water and dry them on high heat. Prolonged exposure to temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will eliminate all types of bed bugs.
- Items that cannot be washed can be frozen instead. An exposure time of 5 to 14 days should kill any bed bugs or eggs.
While these steps may help you avoid a problem with these pests, they won’t do you much good if bed bugs are already in your home. If you do find yourself with a bed bug infestation in the Bay Area, the best course of action is to contact your local pest control for bed bugs, Bay Pest Solution. Our service technicians draw on over 40 years of experience to skillfully tend to your bed bug removal needs. Our customers are family to us, and family deserves the best. We are the Bay’s best in pest; contact us today tp get started on our bed bug control services in the Bay Area.