Itchy, crawly, cringy: what to do about a bed bug infestation

Since the early 2000s, bed bug infestations have become a common issue in the United States, as well as in countries like Canada and the UK. Some research even suggests that this increase in infestations is due to the fact that bed bugs have evolved to resist insecticides.

Do you have concerns about bed bugs in your home? Are you unsure of how to check for bed bugs or which bed bug treatment you ought to use?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about handling a bed bug infestation, from how to check for bed bugs to how to keep them from coming back.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Before we tackle the issue of getting rid of bed bugs, it helps to know what these creepy critters are and where they come from in the first place.

Bed bugs are small and wingless insects that have a reddish-brown color. They’re about a quarter of an inch long and do not fly or jump.

They do craw very fast, though, and they often enter people’s homes by catching rides on soft surfaces. For example, if you stayed in a hotel room or visited the apartment of a friend who had bed bugs, the bugs could find their way into your home by attaching themselves to your luggage or purse.

Signs You Have a Bed Bug Infestation

There aren’t many good things to say about bed bug infestations. One positive, though, is that the signs of one are pretty obvious. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action as soon as possible:

Bites

One of the easiest ways to tell that you have bed bugs is to look for bites on your body. Bed bugs often attack exposed skin while you sleep, so look for bites on your shoulders, neck, face, or arms. These bites will be tiny, red, and itchy.

Nighttime Discomfort

Bed bugs are most active at night. If you’re having a hard time falling asleep because experience itchiness or irritation, it’s possible that bed bugs are the culprit.

Blood Stains

Bed bugs often leave bloodstains behind on sheets and clothing, as well as the wallpaper near your bed and your headboard. Look for tiny reddish browns stains on the bedding and around your bed when you’re checking for bed bugs.

Smells

These critters release pheromones that have a very distinct smell, too. This is especially true when they’re present in large numbers…
 
 
Continue reading and learn more about bed bugs on Daisy Linden’s blog.