Are you worried that bedbugs might’ve invaded your home when you weren’t looking? Unfortunately, these pests are incredibly elusive so they’re difficult to spot. However, there is always a chance that you’re going to find bedbugs strolling through your home. They might be looking for a place to hide. You might spot a few bedbugs walking around your home. If you have and it is only a few bedbugs, you may decide to ignore the problem. You shouldn’t. Even if it was two or three bedbugs, you need to take the problem seriously and deal with it by working with a professional.
Doing so will help because bedbugs tend to live in groups and reproduce rapidly. These pests usually remain hidden so you likely won’t realize it until the infestation has expanded. Don’t choose an exterminator haphazardly. Instead, you need to get quotes from multiple companies and research each option. Once you’ve done that, you can pick the best exterminator in your area. Below, you’ll learn more about the risks associated with a few bedbugs.
Why Several Bedbugs Can Create Problems
When you encounter a few bedbugs in your home, you may not think it is a big deal. You might believe you can get rid of those pests and there won’t be more. You might’ve returned from a vacation and the pests came out of your luggage. Alternatively, they might’ve been hiding on a piece of used furniture you recently purchased. Although this might happen, it is unlikely. Instead, there is a good chance that you have more bedbugs in your home, but they’re hiding from you. Therefore, you cannot ignore the problem. It will worsen and you’ll soon regret your decision.
Bedbugs tend to live in large colonies with thousands of other bedbugs. Therefore, you likely have an infestation. Furthermore, you might’ve found a pregnant, female bedbug. If she is pregnant, she might lay eggs soon. When they hatch, the infestation will quickly worsen. Female bedbugs can lay as many as 500 eggs before they die. Suffice to say, you need to fix this problem as soon as you identify it. Once you’ve found these pests in your home, pick up the phone and contact a professional. Bedbugs are roughly 7mm in length with females having round abdomens. Males have pointed abdomens.
Since they’re so small, it is different to spot the difference. Working with a professional is the best way to evaluate the problem and find out how severe the infestation is. Plus, a professional will have tools and techniques for eliminating them.
It Is Hard To Spot Bedbugs In Your Home
Finding bedbugs hiding in your home won’t be easy because they’re smart and tricky. These pests are thin and stealthy. They can hide in the smallest cracks and holes. Plus, they’re reddish-brown like many of the furniture items in your dwellings. They often blend in with their hiding places and this makes it incredibly tough to spot them. Since they sleep during the day and feed at night, you likely won’t find them crawling around your home.
Although bedbugs bite, they don’t always leave a mark. In some cases, the victim will develop a red, itchy welt. However, they may not. You might get bit several times without realizing it. As a result, it is hard to know when bedbugs have invaded your dwelling.
More About Bedbug Appearances
It is important to learn how to identify bedbugs. If they sneak into your home, you’ll want to make sure it is a bedbug. These pests are often mistaken for others, including fleas and carpet beetles. They’re also similar to cockroach nymphs. They’re less than 10mm in length with small antennas and six legs. They’re reddish-brown and oval.
You’ll need to look closely to confirm that you’re looking at a bedbug.
Bedbug Common Signs
Are you concerned that bedbugs might be living in your home? They could be but you may not realize it. Look for the following signs to determine whether you have bedbugs.
- Bloodstains – First, you need to check your home for bloodstains. When a bedbug has eaten, it will carry blood in its body. If it gets crushed, it will leave a small, red stain on the surface.
- Exoskeletons – You’ll also find bedbug skins or exoskeletons in your bedroom. These pests shed so they’re going to leave exoskeletons everywhere. Although they look similar to bedbugs, they’re translucent.
- Eggs – When bedbugs reproduce, they lay eggs. Those eggs will eventually hatch and you’ll find egg casings in your home. Unfortunately, they’re as small as a pinpoint so they’re going to be difficult to spot.
- Feces – When bedbugs eat, they use the bathroom on your sheets, mattress, and furniture. Their fecal matter is dark black and small. Some argue that it looks like a small ink spot.
- Bites – Some bedbug bites will create bite marks on the victim’s body. When you have a bedbug infestation, you may find small, red welts on your arms, hands, legs, and neck. Check the parts of your body that touch the bed when you sleep.
- Sniff Test – Finally, you need to check the odor of the room. Bedbugs produce a musty, sweet odor that smells like soda. If you notice an odd odor in your home, it could be bedbugs.
Thoroughly Searching A Dwelling For Bedbugs
It is wise to begin searching your home for bedbugs soon. If you have bedbugs, you need to find out so you can deal with them swiftly. Remember that these pests are difficult to spot. Therefore, you’ll want to use a credit card and flashlight to make the process easier. You’ll also need to know where to look. For instance, you should check your bedroom, bed, mattress, and box spring. It is best to start here since most bedbugs are going to hide on your mattress and box spring. Remove the pillows, covers, and sheets. Then, check the creases of the fabric. Once you’ve checked one side, flip the mattress and check the other.
You’ll also need to check the bed frame. These pests often hide around the small gaps and crevices of the frame. You might need to take the frame apart so you can look in the small crevices. Don’t forget to check your baseboards and other small crevices. These pests can hide in the smallest gaps. Using a credit card and flashback can help. Besides looking for live bugs, you’ll also want to check for eggs, egg casings, skins, and bloodstains.
Hiring A Professional Exterminator
Once you’ve confirmed that bedbugs are living in your home, begin taking steps to fix the problem. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to handle it. For starters, you can try dealing with it on your own. Grab your clothes and sheets and throw them in the dryer. Switch it to the hottest temperature settings and turn it on. Allow your clothes to dry for 15 minutes will kill any bedbugs hiding on your clothes. However, you’ll need to hire a professional and let them deal with the remaining pests.
Again, make sure that you research the exterminators in your area. Doing so will help ensure that you’re going to get the best service. Take your time and obtain quotes too.
Questions You May Have
Is It Only One Bed Bugs?
It could be one bedbug. It might’ve entered your home from outside or climbed out of your luggage. However, there is a better chance that more bedbugs are hiding in your home.
What Needs to Be Done?
If you’ve found bedbugs in your home, contact an exterminator. Even if it one or two bedbugs, call a professional to prevent it from worsening.
How Many Bedbugs Are Needed For An Infestation?
There is no exact answer. Infestations can have hundreds or thousands of bedbugs.
