Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are problematic pests that emerge after dark and crawl toward sleeping humans, using their specialized mouthparts to pierce the skin and consume blood. Bed bugs typically prefer human blood; however, they will sometimes also target other types of mammals. Found throughout most of the U.S., bed bugs are a more common pest than many individuals realize.
Are you wondering how can I get rid of bed bugs quickly? In most cases, professional treatment is the best way of efficiently expelling bed bug infestations. An experienced Kansas City metro pest control professional receives extensive training regarding these pests and knows how to identify bed bugs that might exist in your home. The Missouri Department of Agriculture maintains statewide licensing responsibilities for service providers operating in this industry.
Signs Of Bed Bugs In Your Home
Adult bed bugs in the Kansas City Metro area measure roughly 1/4 of an inch long and are often described as resembling an apple seed. Bed bugs are wingless creatures that appear reddish-brown with six legs and antennae. Unlike many types of home-invading pests that reside in natural, outdoor settings, bed bugs usually enter homes burrowed inside people's bags, suitcases, or laundry baskets.
How do I know if I have bed bugs living in my Kansas City Metro area home? Because of their small size and nocturnal nature, homeowners might struggle with detecting these pests. Some of the primary indicators of bed bug activity include:
- Victims bitten by bed bugs often develop itchy, red, and irritated patches of skin that might appear similar to flea bites.
- Look for small red blood stains or darker stains from feces on pillowcases, sheets, and other bedding materials.
- Bed bug eggs, broken egg shells, and shed skins often appear on mattresses, bed frames, or headboards.
What do bed bug eggs look like? Bed bug eggs typically appear whitish and are approximately the size of a pinhead. Females lay up to five eggs in one day, often placed in crevices that exist throughout walls, floors, or furniture. In their lifetime, female bed bugs might generate hundreds of eggs; therefore, rather small bed bug intrusions often expand into full-blown infestations in a matter of weeks or months.
Bed Bugs Can Be Found In More Than Just Beds
Why do bed bugs bite people? As ectoparasites to humans, bed bugs rely on human blood as their primary food source.
After consuming a blood meal, bed bugs usually retreat into hiding spots. Some of the likely areas where bed bugs will rest during the day include underneath or behind baseboards, on upholstered furniture, or behind covers for electrical outlets. Keep in mind that bed bug infestations might spread into other rooms of a home or adjacent units in multi-family homes or apartment buildings.
Why It's Impossible To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own
What can I use to kill bed bugs in my Kansas City area home? Home improvement stores and other local retailers promote a host of do-it-yourself bed bug treatment options. Unfortunately, these traps, sprays, or fogging systems often generate only short-term benefits that prove insufficient against developed bed bug infestations. A better solution involves speaking with a local home pest control company that has the tools and equipment to get the job done.
Call The Professionals At The First Sign Of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a problem always best left to the professionals. Bed bugs are nearly impossible for homeowners to remove on their own, but Augustine Exterminators has all the tools and know-how required to keep bed bugs at bay for good.
Since 1966, the specialists with Augustine Exterminators have helped Kansas City homeowners struggling with many types of bothersome pests. Aside from bed bugs, we offer a comprehensive array of solutions for ants, cockroaches, rodents, and more. After contacting our office, we will deploy a trained technician to the premises for a thorough property assessment.
We look forward to hearing from you.