A bed bug is one pest that seems more like something out of a nightmare than just a bug. While they might be extremely tiny, they are notoriously hard to get rid of, and they often spread quickly through homes and apartment buildings.
While you likely know that bed bugs in Evensville tend to come out at night and bite people while they sleep, you might not realize how they get into a home in the first place. Bed bugs are considered bloodsucking hitchhikers, which already sounds quite scary. They get into homes by hitching a ride on things like your purse and luggage during general travel, and it's common to pick them up in areas like hotels or buses. They can also get inside by being brought in on second-hand furniture and clothing.
Bed bugs are small pests, but knowing what they look like is still a helpful tool in figuring out if you have an infestation.
- Bed bugs are a reddish-brown color.
- They have a somewhat ribbed appearance on their bodies.
- They have oval-shaped bodies that are flat except after a meal.
- They have small heads in proportion to their bodies.
Are Bed Bugs Really Dangerous?
Many pests are dangerous because they carry and spread diseases that can impact humans. However, bed bugs don't seem to transmit diseases harmful to humans. However, there are other health issues that they can cause.
One of the most common health problems associated with bed bugs is insomnia. Because they come out at night to get a blood meal and leave itchy bites, they can make it hard to sleep as people toss and turn all night from the uncomfortable sensation. And, over time, insomnia can impact many areas of a person's health.
Also, bed bugs can cause infections due to constant scratching at the bite sites. In severe cases, when there's a large infestation, bed bugs can cause anemia.
Are Bed Bugs Hard To Get Rid Of?
The other reason why bed bugs are considered such a difficult pest is that they are extremely hard to prevent and difficult to remove once an infestation takes hold. Because they are so small and adept at hiding, they can often get into your home without notice. They will hide in things like pockets and purse liners, so you won't even know you're carrying them. Then, once inside, they hide during the day and can go a full week between meals, allowing them to hide in places like mattresses and even outlets or cracks in walls.
Bed bugs are also hard to get rid of for a few main reasons. First, in order to keep the infestation from coming back, every single bed bug at every stage of their life cycle needs to be removed. If even some of the eggs are left intact, the infestation could come back. And, second, they can also be resistant to many insecticides.
How To Deal With Bed Bug Infestations
Because bed bugs can be such troublesome pests, trying to handle them on your own is rarely effective. The best way to eliminate these invasive insects is to contact the home pest control professionals at Action Pest Control. At the first sign of an infestation, we are here to help, and we even offer free inspections. Call us today to find out more and get started.