Checking for Bed Bugs and Safely Treating a Bed Bug Infestation in Your Home

A few weeks after buying that plush Victorian sofa on Instagram, you suddenly realize that you’ve been itching incessantly. You also notice red bumps on your arms. You take a closer look to confirm that these are not mosquito bites. Here’s the bad news. You could be dealing with a bed bug infestation. Not to worry, though, we’ve prepared this step-by-step guide on all matters of bed bugs, including checking for bed bugs and how to get rid of bed bug infestations with the help of a Pest Control expert.

Step 1: Understanding Bed Bug Behavior

Understanding these oval-shaped, reddish-brown bugs’ behavior is vital to know what to look for, where to look, and how to deal with a bed bug infestation. According to the EPA website, these are the main ways of understanding bed bug habits.

• Bed bugs feed for an average of 8 minutes and can move about 13 feet from their hiding spots to their hosts.
• Bed bugs go through six life stages, must feed first to move onto each step, and shed their skin during each phase.
• Most bed bugs can only survive in temperatures that don’t exceed 45°C (113°F).
• Tropical bed bugs are more resilient. Therefore, any heat treatment in such areas must exceed 45°C (113°F).

Step 2: Checking for Bed Bugs

Like all pest problems, early detection is the easiest way of preventing a feeding frenzy. Even before you begin checking for bed bugs, you’ll need the following tools.

• A working flashlight
• A thin, sharp object to use in crevices.
• Transparent packing tape to capture bed bugs. You may then take the captured bug to a qualified pest control company for confirmation.

How to Find Bed Bugs

Now that you’ve got the right tools. Let’s look at the common bed bug hiding spots.

• Your bed frames. Using your flashlight, check the frame and run the sharp tool along any crevices along the joints. Also, check your mattress cover for any tears.
• Doorframes. Again, using your sharp tool, check all cracks for any signs of bed bugs.
• Furniture. Inspect all furniture, including sofas, chairs, and shelves.
• Walls. Inspect all wall-mounted pictures and look for any tears on the wallpaper.
• All fabric materials. Ensure you check for bed bugs on all clothing, rugs, and curtains
• Suitcases. Check all storage bags, especially suitcases that you may have used for traveling. Hotel rooms are one of the most typical bed bug hiding spots.

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

To know whether there’s an infestation, you’ll need to check for these obvious signs.

• Actual bed bugs
• Reddish-brown casings
• Dark and rust-colored droppings on bedsheets and other fabric
• Bloodstains on beddings
• Bed bug bites

Step 3: Dealing with the Infestation

While these bugs are a nuisance, the good news is that they pose no significant health risks. So if you happen to have bed bug bites, you’ll most likely experience irritation and itching. Make sure you don’t scratch to avoid a skin infection.

As far as treating bed bug bites goes, you can visit the nearest pharmacy for an antihistamine that will relieve itching. You could combine this medication with home remedies such as applying essential oils or using ice packs. Note that in sporadic cases, some people experience allergic reactions from bed bug bites. In such situations, it’s best to seek medical advice.

It would be best to seek pest control services to get rid of your infestation safely. In the meantime, you might want to contain the bed bug infestation by doing the following.

• Vacuum all rooms and hiding spots
• Clean all laundry using the highest heat exposure possible
• Use a blow dryer on all crevices to kill bed bugs

Get Rid of All Bug Problems with McDonald Pest Control

DIY treatments are ineffective when dealing with a bed bug infestation. Remember, only an expert can correctly inspect all hiding spots and offer the safest and most appropriate bed bug treatment. McDonald Pest Control in Clearwater offers specialized bed bug heat treatment for all tri-county area residents. That’s not all.

We offer a $100 discount on our bed bug treatment services. For other pest control services, please check our website. Make sure also to view our packages, special offers, and coupons. To reach us, call us at 727-734-0963 to request a quote and schedule a no-cost consultation.