Between the 1950s and the 1990s, bed bugs weren’t much of a problem in the United States, but things have changed, and more and more people are finding these nuisance pests in their homes and apartments. Many people believe a bed bug infestation is indicative of a messy, cluttered space. This, however, is a common misconception. Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers and will find their way from spaces such as schools, hotels, public transportation, movie theaters, or used clothing stores into almost any home. Today, we’re going to discuss how to identify an infestation and where you may find bed bugs hiding in your Fort Worth home.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Before you can start searching for bed bugs, you need to know what they look like. Adult bed bugs are small and approximately the size of an apple seed. Contrary to popular belief, they are not invisible. Even their eggs can be seen, although they are only the size of a speck of dust.
Typically, the adults are brown or reddish-brown in color. They have flat bodies that swell up after they’ve had a meal. If you know where bed bugs like to hide, you may be able to find the adults.
Other Signs of a Bed Bug Problem
The best way to identify a bed bug infestation is to look for the bugs. Check their favorite hiding places and look for adult bugs, eggshells, excrement stains, and bloodstains. Of course, on darker upholstered furniture or sheets, it will be more difficult to spot these signs.
Besides seeing the bugs themselves, there are other indicators that you have bed bugs in your home. Because the pests feed on blood, they are likely to bite you and leave behind evidence. Although you won’t feel the bite, you will see the welts and feel the itching of the bug bite. The bites are similar in appearance to mosquito bites and often appear in a linear pattern.
Another potential sign of an infestation is unexplainable stains. After feeding on you, bed bugs leave behind small blood stains on your pillows and sheets. They also may leave a trail of brown or reddish-brown excrement. At times, the excrement stains are left on your sheets, walls, and furniture.
Where Bed Bugs Can Hide in Fort Worth
The first and most obvious place for bed bugs to hide is under mattresses and in bedsprings. However, they have been known to take up residence in other areas of your home. Their size makes it possible for them to hide in any small spaces in your house or apartment. For instance, they may hide in the furniture adjacent to your bed or in your living room couch. They also tend to live in electrical switch plates, picture frames, and wallpaper. If the space is small and dark, there is a good chance bed bugs will hide in it.
How To Eliminate Bed Bugs
There’s no easy way to eliminate bed bugs. In fact, it is practically impossible to eliminate them without the help of an experienced pest technician. These bugs are expert hiders, and if they detect a threat, they will go into hiding for months. Therefore, you may think you have an infestation under control, but it will return months later. In the end, if you suspect bed bug activity or notice signs of bed bugs in your Forth Worth home, it is imperative that you contact a professional immediately.
Our professionals at Bullseye K-9 Detection know how to control your bed bug problem for good. We have the resources and experience to identify, eliminate, and exterminate the problem. Contact us today to make your bed bug problem a thing of the past.
