Bed bugs are small parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. These insects have become increasingly common in recent years, and there is still significant debate about how they should be treated. People can avoid the health issues associated with bed bug bites by knowing how to identify these insects and treat their bites.
Bed bugs range in length between 5mm and 7mm. They have flat bodies and elongated legs with flat ends that enable them to hide in crevices during the daytime. They are reddish-brown with dark red legs and abdomen. Bed bugs typically live in cracks and crevices in bed frames, mattresses, seat cushions, wardrobes, bookshelves, paper bags, and other furniture.
Adult bed bugs usually hatch eggs at night while people are sleeping. They then seek human hosts to feed on their blood before returning to their hides to survive and reproduce. Even though bed bugs bite are not considered dangerous, their bites can cause many health issues such as allergies, anemia, inflammatory responses and more.
Bedbugs are a common problem for many people today.
Bedbugs can feed on any warm-blooded host, and that includes humans. They will also feed on the blood of animals like mice, cats, and dogs. They are known to be present in homes, schools, and hotels. Bed bugs are usually found in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and other furniture. However, they can also be found in other parts of your home, such as on the carpet and furniture bins. You can find bed bugs in your home by looking for signs of them and by finding their eggs. Since they seem to be present everywhere, they may be difficult to control, and even though they do not carry or spread diseases, they can disrupt your sleep at night.
Bed bugs can spread if not controlled.
Bed bugs are a common problem in many areas worldwide since they feed on humans and their blood or other bodily fluids. They are difficult to notice because they are very small and often missed. They can also hide in small crevices and areas that are difficult to reach. In addition, bedbugs are not attracted to light, thus, they often can come out at night.
According to EPA, a single female bed bug can lay more than 500 eggs during its lifetime, so imagine what 100 would do! This is why it's essential to take bed bug infestation seriously and prevent them from spreading widely or building an empire within your home.
Signs of bed bugs
One of the most common pests in the home is the bed bug. They are tiny and difficult to see, which makes them hard to detect. They are small, but that doesn't mean they can only be seen with the help of a magnifying glass or microscope. Nope, you don't need those tools to find them. Bedbugs are difficult to remove because they are resilient and can hide in tiny cracks and crevices. If you are having problems with bed bugs, it can be challenging to know what to do. Many signs suggest that you might have bed bugs in your home. Some of which are;
- They smell musty and release pheromones (also produced by other insects). However, they can also smell like they have a sweet smell close to that of berries.
- They also release some unpleasant smell when killed, especially when done with your finger.
- Bed bugs may also stain your bed with blood when you kill them or after feeding; they may also leave dark spots on your bedsheets or clothing.
How to prevent bedbugs
There are many different ways to get rid of bed bugs. However, the easiest way to prevent bed bugs is to ensure you do not bring them into your home.
If you know that you have bed bugs, then you should search for a bed bug exterminator (with an excellent professional, bed bugs and their eggs can be destroyed within 90 minutes at 48 °C). If you are the exterminator, you should use your knowledge of bed bugs and pest control to keep yourself from getting bed bugs. If you are not an exterminator, get one by checking online. Asking a family member or friend would make it less stressful as well. You can also purchase pesticides that are designed specifically for bedbugs.
A local way of getting rid of bedbugs is to get your furniture and bedding outside in the sun, where the temperature is high. This will disperse them from their hidden positions, but the temperature may not be high enough to kill them or destroy the eggs.
FAQs
How do you check if there’s a bed bug in your bed?
As identified in the above paragraphs, bed bugs are usually found in the cracks and crevices of your furniture, the angles of your bed support, the folds of your mattress cover, or any dark areas of your bed. So target these areas whenever you are looking for bedbugs in your home.
Can you see a bed bug on your mattress?
Yes! You spend most of your time on your mattress while you sleep. So bed bugs will always find their way to where they can easily access their host! Yes, you. So expect them on your mattress if you don't take the necessary measures to get rid of them.
What kills bed bugs permanently?
High temperatures of about 45 degrees Celsius will destroy bed bugs and their eggs. A steamer kills the bedbug instantly! But getting the steam to all the stuffed corners is a challenge.
You can also search for pesticides explicitly designed to kill bed bugs. When you get one, follow the instructions on how to use it.
What do bed bugs feed on?
Bed bugs feed on human or animal blood to survive; that's why they need you around and ensure you don't leave unless you take all necessary precautions to get rid of them.
Can bed bugs lay eggs on human skin?
The simple answer is "NO," as they cannot burrow through your skin. They are somewhat more suckers than burrowers. They lay their eggs in dark places and cracks in your furniture or spaces within the foam of your mattress.