Bed Bug Services
Signs & Treatment

Beg Bug Signs & Treatment

Bed Bug Characteristics

A bed bug is very small (no bigger than a ¼”), oval-shaped body, and has brown coloring. Bed bugs live off of the blood of warm-blooded animals, but prefer the blood of humans. After a bed bug feeds, its body coloring will turn a dark shade of red.

Signs of a bed bug infestation

Finding small, dark bloodstains on used linens is a huge indicator that bed bugs have infiltrated your home and have begun to feed on its inhabitants (you or your family). The larger the population of bed bugs in your home, the larger the number of bloodstains on your linen. There may also be small blood stains on the areas surrounding the bed, such as the walls or headboards.

Where bed bugs can be found hiding

  • Mattresses- In the seams, buttons, in between the mattress pillow and the box spring and around the frame
  • Nightstands- Bed bugs can hide in any small crack they can find in furniture. The cracks and drawers in a nightstand or the lamp on top of it are the perfect hiding spot.
  • Other furniture- Chairs, ottomans, and other upholstered furniture have seams, loose cushions, and cracks between the fabric and when the legs meet.
  • Artwork- Even the beautiful artwork you may have hanging on the walls offer a perfect hiding spot for the small insects. Be sure to check between the frame and wall and around the glass and frame.
  • Headboards- Headboards are the most common area where a bed bug will hide. Be sure to check any cracks and/or around any designs on a headboard.
  • Wallpaper- If you find any wallpaper that is peeling or lifted, check behind it. It could be coming off of the wall because bed bugs are hiding there!
  • Outlet- If you have an outlet that had any dark spots around it, it could be because of the presence of bed bugs.
  • Crown molding- Cracks and crevices in crown molding offer a safe hiding spot.
  • Ceiling- Dark spots on the area where the wall and ceiling meet.

The best course of action to take when dealing with bed bugs

  • Catching and treating the problem early. The earlier the problem is handled, the less expensive treating it will be.
  • Properly identifying a bed bug. Mistaking a bedbug for another insect gives the insect more time to increase the population and spread throughout the home.
  • The BEST thing a homeowner can do if they suspect they have bedbugs is to have a professional come and inspect right away.

Bed Bug Prevention

  • Bed bugs are not only a threat within the home but a threat outside of it. You can pick up a bed bug while traveling or at work! The best ways to help prevent bringing these pests into your homes are:
    • Constantly being aware of your surroundings:
    • While traveling, inspect your surroundings. Look under and around your mattress for any signs of an infestation. (Any brownish/reddish colored spots on the mattress)
    • Keep your suitcase on a higher surface away from the bed.
    • Once you arrive back home, sort through your suitcase outside of the bedroom.
    • Once home, keep any and all clutter to a minimum. This will make the presence of any pests more noticeable.
    • When washing bed sheets, make sure to wash in hot water.
    • Closely inspect your home after purchase, vacation, or when you have an overnight guest.
    • While at work, thoroughly inspect the office furniture for any signs of an infestation. These insects can grab onto your clothes and make their way into your home.
  • The best way to ensure your home is free of bed bugs, have a professional come out and inspect and rid your home of any threats. Contact Pacific Exterminator for a FREE estimate.