Bed bugs are some of the most annoying types of pests that are found in Iowa. These pests are not just a nuisance; they have the potential to cause harm to you and your family. If you think that you may have bed bugs in your southwest Iowa home, you may need an experienced Council Bluffs pest control specialist to completely eliminate them. At Beeline Pest Control, we have years of experience dealing with these pesky insects. Here is everything you need to know about having a bed bug infestation in your home.
How Do I Check For Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs have small, round, and flat bodies that some people think resemble a tick. However, when they feed, their bodies swell up into little balls and turn red. Since they are so small, they can hide in incredibly tight and hard-to-reach places. Even if you don't see bed bugs in your home, there are still a few ways to tell if they are hanging around. Some of the telltale signs that you have a bed bug infestation include:
- Bed bug eggs: Bed bugs can lay between one and seven eggs in a day. The small, oval-shaped eggs are a grayish-white color and resemble a grain of rice.
- Skin casings: As a bed bug grows, it will shed its skin. Usually, a bed bug will molt about five times in its life. The light-brown, translucent shells can be found anywhere in your home, but are more commonly found around mattresses, furniture, and anywhere else that is hidden and out of the way.
- Blood stains on your sheets: Bed bugs like to sneak onto your bed and feed on your blood after you have gone to sleep. When they are filling up with blood, their bodies become easier to crush. If you see small, rust-colored blood stains on your sheets, you have probably accidentally squished a bed bug in your sleep.
- Smear marks: You will commonly find bed bug droppings around your mattress and furniture when you have an infestation. When a bed bug leaves droppings, they commonly drag their bodies over it which makes dark, irregularly-shaped smear marks.
If you have bed bugs in your home, you will also notice a damp, musty odor. This odor comes from pheromones that are found in their fecal matter. If the smell is exceptionally strong, you more than likely have a full infestation.
How Dangerous Is It To Have Bed Bugs In My House?
Bed bugs aren't known to carry or transmit any diseases. However, they can still be dangerous to have around. These tiny bugs will leave red bumps on your skin which can severely itch. The itchiness may cause you to lose sleep or could lead to a skin infection.
How Can I Prevent Bed Bugs From Coming Into My House?
You can pick up bed bugs from any public area and accidentally bring them home. However, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that they stay away from your home, which include:
- Keep your mattress encased in a plastic covering.
- Wash sheets and bedding in the hottest setting.
- Thoroughly wash all of your clothes after staying in a hotel.
- Keep your home organized and free of clutter.
- Avoid buying furniture from second-hand stores.
There is a common myth that suggests that bed bugs can only infest dirty homes. That is not true. A bed bug can be found in any home that has people living in it.
How Do I Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In My Home Permanently?
It can be exceptionally difficult to get rid of bed bugs on your own. If you think that you have bed bugs in your Council Bluffs home, don't hesitate to call us today. At Beeline Pest Control, we have the skills and knowledge that it takes to eliminate bed bugs from your home for good.