If you’ve ever had to deal with a bed bug bite, you know that the pain is real. The tiny insects from the genus Cimex feed on human blood at night. Upon contact with the bug’s bite, you’ll experience skin rashes, prominent blisters, and sometimes allergic reactions. Here are a few things to keep in mind about bed bug bites:
Bedbugs are not a huge problem if you live in a clean place, but you should always make sure to inspect your used items carefully. Bedbugs are not known to hide under your clothes, so you’re best to wear pajamas. If you’re staying at a hotel, check the seams of your bed for signs of bedbug excrement. Place your luggage on dressers or tables to minimize their chance of being in your clothing.
To kill bedbugs, dispose of discarded items in a proper manner. If you find an infested item, you can discard it in the trash. If you’re not sure whether or not you can discard it, look for holes and tears in the fabric. Using plastic wrapping to protect your belongings can prevent bedbugs from getting out. Also, defacing or marking your belongings with stickers or markings will discourage others from picking them up, which will limit the spread of bedbugs.
A bed bug’s bite may not be visible unless you notice an itchy welt. The bites may be mistaken for other skin conditions. Symptoms of a bed bug infestation can vary greatly from person to person. Some people might not notice them and assume they’re just a normal reaction to flea bites, but others may experience severe itching and a rash. While it may be difficult to spot a bed bug infestation, it’s important to get rid of it quickly to prevent further damage.
Adult female bed bugs lay one to two eggs a day. These are whitish and very small, making it hard to detect them without magnification. In a temperature-controlled building, these bugs may live for one to four months without feeding. This is enough time for the bugs to disperse to nearby units and reduce their activity until re-occupancy occurs. The lifespan of a bed bug can range from three to ten months.
In single-family homes, the responsibility for extermination rests with the tenant. As long as a landlord has not yet declared a bed bug infestation, the tenant is responsible for the cost of hiring a licensed pest control professional to take care of it. A landlord should also encourage tenants to report bed bugs if they notice them. They should respond promptly to complaints and follow the guidelines in reporting bed bug infestations. That way, they can prevent spreading the infestation.
Getting rid of bed bugs can be difficult, and if you’re not sure how to treat them, consider hiring a pest control company to help you. Not only will they help you get rid of the infestation, but they will also eliminate any future infestations. If you’re concerned that you’ve got a bed bug infestation, contact a licensed pest control company to get rid of it as soon as possible. You’ll be glad you did!