What Are Bed Bugs?

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

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Bed bugs are small, rust-colored bugs that feed off hosts such as humans. As adults, they are just under ¼ inch long, flat, and oval-shaped, with a lifespan that can exceed one year.

Bed bugs have adapted to living with humans due to the favorable conditions we live in. Extreme temperatures kill off bed bugs, so they prefer to live in environments that humans also find desirable, typically between 70-90° Fahrenheit.

You may be wondering, why do people get bed bugs? Where do bed bugs come from? These cryptic and resistant pests are difficult to understand without all the facts. Read along to learn about bed bugs and how they impact humans.

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How Does a Person Get Bed Bugs?

Bed bug infestations spread when an individual comes into contact with bed bugs and unknowingly brings them somewhere else. They are transported as stowaways, hiding in luggage, couches, beds, pillows, and wicker furniture, for example.

To survive in any environment, they need the following elements:

• A host – Bed bugs need to feed on blood meals to survive. Without a host, they do not have a source of nourishment.
• A place to hide – Bed bugs do not want to be found or disturbed. The most common hiding areas in a bed are the back of the headboard or under the box spring.
• Climate – Bed bugs prefer to live in areas that are 70-90° Fahrenheit.

Dirty houses do not attract bed bugs. Because they feed off humans and live close to their host, bed bugs do not spend time eating other insects or fallen crumbs like common pests such as ants and spiders.

However, clutter is a major issue when it comes to bed bugs. Once bed bugs find their way into your home and claim you as their host, clutter is a perfect hiding spot. Other common hiding places for bed bugs within homes are behind hanging picture frames, in the corners and tight spaces around your box spring, behind electrical outlet plates, in the crevices of couches and fabric furniture, and clutter in dresser drawers, under beds, and in closets.

What Are the Signs of Bed Bug Infestations?

When you mention bed bugs, most people think of bites and welts that they cause while you’re sleeping. While it’s possible that bites cause marks to appear on your skin, some individuals will not exhibit any visual signs after being bitten.

Even if you experience bed bug bite welts, everyone reacts differently. For this reason, it’s impossible to say with 100% certainty that you have markings caused by bed bugs.

Marks could be from another pest, such as fleas. Flea bites usually appear as a red mark with a “halo” shape around the center in clumps or in a straight line. Ankles, legs, and armpits are common spots for flea bites.

If you see markings similar to this on your body, call a pest control professional for an inspection of your home. Judging solely on the appearance of the bites will not give you much clarity. A professional inspection of your home will determine a breeding source or evidence of specific pest activity.

You can perform a visual inspection if you suspect you have bed bugs. The most reliable way to confirm you have bed bugs is to contact SOS Exterminating to identify a potential infestation in your home. However, there are key warning signs that you may have an infestation:

• Dark spotting or blood droplets on mattresses or bedding. These are waste products bed bugs excrete while digesting a blood meal.
• Visible observation of eggs, molted insect skin, or the insect. The failure to locate an insect does not indicate they are not present. Adult bed bugs are difficult to locate, and immature bed bugs can be difficult to see due to their size.

If you think you have a bed bug problem, you want to look throughout your bedroom, primarily in the box spring, headboard, and frame of the bed. They also make their way into other furniture in the bedroom like couches, chairs, or dressers.

Keep in mind that bed bugs are not exclusive to beds; you can have them anywhere in your home, such as behind electrical outlets and behind hung picture frames and artwork.

Keeping Bed Bugs at Bay in Arizona

Bed bugs are pesky intruders that sneak up on you when you least expect it. So it’s best to know that there are effective strategies to drastically reduce the likelihood of an unwelcome invasion in your home or business. The key to lasting bed bug prevention involves practical steps, such as:

1. Invest in high-quality mattress covers. These act as a robust barrier, keeping those tiny pests at bay and ensuring long, peaceful nights.
2. Inspect your hotel room meticulously. And treat your luggage with care.
3. Declutter regularly. Consistently cleaning your space significantly reduces hiding spots for bed bugs. 
4. Inspect your thrifted finds. You’ll want to inspect each piece carefully. This due diligence can save you from potential infestations.
5. Learn the signs of an infestation. Understanding the signs of a bed bug presence can empower you to act swiftly, preventing them from settling in.

How to Keep Bed Bugs Away

It’s an uncomfortable truth that bed bugs don’t discriminate – they can find their way into any space! So the best way to keep bed bugs away is to be proactive and practice prevention, including bringing in the professionals. By adopting preventative measures, you’re protecting your space and taking a significant step towards maintaining a secure and serene living environment.

6 Bed Bug Prevention Tips

Creating a safe haven free from bed bugs involves these multifaceted approaches:

1. Recognize the early signs of an infestation, including fecal and blood spots and peculiar bites.
2. Approach used furniture with caution. A thorough examination can uncover hidden guests before they enter your space.
3. Seal all potential entry points around your home or business. Bugs can enter through the smallest openings. 
4. Protect your mattress. A durable mattress cover can be a bed bug’s downfall, shielding your bed from becoming their new home.
5. Travel consciously. Research your lodgings, keep your clothes in vacuum-sealed bags, and always elevate your luggage.
6. Conduct regular inspections. Make a habit of checking your space for signs of bed bugs. A clutter-free and clean environment is your best defense.

Contact an Expert Bed Bug Exterminator Today

SOS Exterminating can get rid of the bed bugs in your home with a combination of steaming and professional pesticides. If you suspect you have bed bugs, give SOS Exterminating a call at 480-571-1486 or fill out the contact form on this page to set up an inspection at your home or business.