Bed bugs are often hard to detect in your home. They are often only active at night while you sleep, and their bites are easily confused with bites from other insects. You might have a bed bug infestation for a long time before you realize they are there. The first step to effective pest control in Covington is knowing how to identify a pest infestation. Let’s take a look at some of the warning signs of a potential infestation in your home and see what you can do to mitigate these pests. If you do discover evidence of a bed bug infestation in your Covington home, our team at Havard Pest Control is always ready to help.
What Does A Bed Bug Infestation Look Like?
Let’s talk about bed bugs first so that you can identify them if you see them. Bed bugs are wide, flat, oval-shaped insects with six legs and two antennae. Adult bed bugs are usually about a quarter of an inch long. Before they have fed, bed bugs are flat and a brownish color. After feeding, they become swollen and reddish-brown. Though they are quite small, seeing adult bed bugs with the naked eye is possible. Bed bug nymphs are smaller and paler, so they are usually more difficult to see.
Now that you know how to identify bed bugs when you see them, let’s go over some common bed bug signs. Bed bugs, as their name suggests, most commonly hide in mattresses, box springs, and furniture — any location where people are likely to rest. Around these areas, you may see reddish-brown stains. Bed bug bites are another common indicator of these pests, but it can be hard to identify an infestation from bites alone. There are several other kinds of insects whose bites produce similar effects.
Why Bed Bug Infestations Sometimes Go Unnoticed
Why do bed bugs often go unnoticed for a long period? It’s partly because of their nocturnal nature; they feed while their prey sleeps. They are also very good at hiding. Bed bugs often get into homes on clothing, suitcases, or secondhand furniture, so examining any items you bring into your house is important. If you are going on a trip, you should check each place you stay for signs of bed bugs and make sure there are no signs of these pests on your luggage or clothing when you return. You can wash items that you suspect of being infested on the hottest cycle. These simple bed bug control techniques for your home should help decrease the risk of an infestation. They won’t get rid of all the risks, however. That’s why calling a professional pest control company is often the best course of action for pests like bed bugs.
Five Telltale Signs That You Have Bed Bugs
We’ve gone over some of the signs that indicate you might have bed bugs in your house. Here we will outline five of the most common signs of these pests. Keep in mind that some of these signs are not conclusive on their own. These signs are:
- Reddish-brown spots on floors, walls, or mattresses
- Itchy insect bites on you, your family, or your pets
- Trouble sleeping or waking up frequently during the night
- Active bed bugs in clothing, luggage, or furniture
- Molted bed bug skins or bed bug eggs, both of which are a pale white color
As stated before, not all of these signs are cause for alarm on their own. But if you see several or all of these signs, you should seek out professional bed bug pest control services for your home.
Why Covington Homeowners Call Havard Pest Control For Bed Bugs
If you are experiencing a bed bug infestation in your Covington home, Havard Pest Control is here to help. Our expert pest control team has served Alabama, Louisiana, and Missouri since 1947. The employees of our family-owned company have over 70 years of combined experience providing outstanding services to homeowners like you. Across three states, people know us as the foremost experts in bed bug control. We offer a customer satisfaction guarantee backed by our commitment to free and honest evaluations, quality products, fair prices, and unbeatable customer service. Make the smart choice for your home and contact Havard Pest Control today.