Sharing your home and, even worse, your bed with bed bugs is stressful and can lead to a lot of sleepless nights. These parasitic insects feed on warm-blooded mammals and prefer to take their blood meal from people. If you are struggling with a bed bug problem in your home, you have come to the right place.
Finding bites on your skin isn't enough to confirm you have bed bugs, so we'll review other signs to check for. We'll also explain the most common causes of a bed bug problem, the best way to get rid of these pests, and how to prevent reinfestations. Learn more about effective bed bug control in Kansas City with the experts at Augustine Exterminators.
Bed Bug Detection: How To Spot And Confirm An Infestation
Many insects bite and leave red bumps behind, so it takes more than bites to confirm an infestation of bed bugs. The following list includes the most common bed bug signs we find in homes:
- Bites that appear in clusters or rough lines, often with a darker spot in the middle
- Seeing the actual insects, which are about the size of an apple seed
- Finding reddish-brown fecal spots on sheets, mattresses, upholstery, and walls
- Finding empty off-white egg shells or molt skins
- A musty odor in the house
If you need assistance determining whether or not bed bugs are the problem in your home, contact us today at Augustine Exterminators. Our experts can help to identify the type of pest you have and the best way to eliminate them.
Unwanted Guests: Common Causes Of Bed Bug Infestations
The most common question homeowners have after we confirm an infestation is, "What causes bed bugs?" Bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers who will catch a ride home with you if they get an opportunity. Here are some typical ways people pick up bed bugs:
- In a hotel room while traveling
- Putting your shopping bags on the floor of public spaces
- In items brought home from school or dorms
- On secondhand furniture
However they get in, getting them out as soon as possible is essential. Contact us today at Augustine Exterminators to schedule a bed bug inspection and eliminate these troublesome pests from your home.
Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite: Contact The Pros Right Away
Over-the-counter DIY products aren't enough to eliminate bed bugs and can often worsen the problem, causing them to spread out further. Store-bought products need to contact the bugs directly, and bed bugs are experts at hiding in areas that are hard to access. These insects reproduce rapidly and can hide in tiny cracks and crevices throughout the house.
Professionals have the tools and products to eradicate your bed bug infestation. Contact us today at Augustine Exterminators to learn more about our bed bug control services or to schedule an inspection.
Long-Term Bed Bug Prevention: Tips To Prevent Reinfestation
Careful vigilance can help you to avoid reinfestations. Don't unpack your luggage when traveling until you inspect the hotel room for any signs of bed bugs, and switch to a non-adjacent room if you see any indications of these pests. Avoid putting your bags on the floor in public spaces and carefully inspect secondhand furniture.
Contact us today at Augustine Exterminators to learn more about our bed bug services or to schedule an inspection. Our pros can help you quickly get rid of this pest and provide additional recommendations to avoid reinfestations. Say goodbye to bed bugs and get back to having a good night's sleep.