If you keep waking up in your Augusta home with bites on your arms and legs, you might have a bed bug problem. Bed bugs are an extremely common infestation throughout the United States, and Maine residents would do well to get rid of them as soon as possible.
There are a lot of misconceptions about bed bugs. What do they look like, and how do they get in? Let’s review everything that Augusta residents should know about bed bugs, including how to get rid of them.
Bed Bug Identification Tips
Bed bugs are tiny – even for insects. These small bloodsucking pests only grow to about ⅕ of an inch, about the size and shape of an apple seed. Bed bugs have reddish-brown bodies, six legs, and are nocturnal pests, so you probably won’t see them while the sun is up.
Bed bugs are obnoxious pests to deal with. They only feed on blood, which is why their presence in your house results in itchy bites on your arms and legs. While you sleep, bed bugs feed on your blood and then go back into hiding, nestling themselves into whichever nooks and crannies they’ve found throughout your home.
Luckily, bed bugs aren’t known to transmit any diseases. Still, knowing that bugs are sucking your blood can cause many sleepless nights, especially because these pests are so hard to get rid of. So, how did they get in your home in the first place?
How Bed Bugs Travel
How did bed bugs get into your home? The truth is, you can pick up bed bugs almost anywhere. These pests are hitchhikers, meaning they don’t get into your property by their own accord but latch onto you from some public place. Grocery stores, office buildings, and public transportation are all common places to pick these bloodsuckers up.
Because general travel is the number one way to pick up bed bugs, there are a few things you can do any time you go out to make sure you don’t bring bed bugs home.
- Keep your carry-ons properly sealed, otherwise bed bugs will try to hide in your purse or bag.
- Don't leave your belongings on the floor in public spaces.
- Check your backpack and bags for bed bugs before bringing them inside.
- Examine your clothes, especially jackets and pants, for bed bugs.
- Wash and dry clothes on a high heat setting after extended travel.
What To Do When You Find Bed Bugs
If you find bed bugs on any of your belongings, place the item securely in a bag, and put a no-pest strip in the bag with it. Make sure that bag is in a well-ventilated area, and let it sit for a week to make sure the bed bugs are killed.
Aside from your clothing or carry-on items, bed bugs can also hitch a ride on your groceries or through online delivery items. Always check your items before bringing them inside.
If you find bed bugs indoors, your best bet is to contact the pest professionals at Bug Busterzzz Pest Control today. Bed bugs are impossible to get rid of on your own, so you need the response of Augusta’s best pest professionals to secure your home once again. Reach out today, and let’s get your sleep back.