Bed bugs are a pest that is hard to fight once they’ve invaded your home but understanding a little more about them is the first step. These are some of the most commonly asked questions people have about bed bugs in their home.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are a type of parasitic insect that survive by feeding on the blood of both people and animals. The bugs are very small, smaller than a penny, and they can live months at a time without a meal which makes them very hard to detect.

Where Do Bed Bugs Live?

Bed bugs can be found in any area of the home, but they’re normally found close to where you sleep. They tend to hide in the crevices of mattresses, curtains, dressers, headboards, and any other accessible surface. Bed bugs are prevalent in first and third world countries and their existence isn’t necessarily dependent on cleanliness. Hotels, movie theaters, and other public places can be a place where bed bugs attach to your clothing and make their way into your home.

What Are Signs of A Bed Bug Infestation?

Most people recognize the bite marks left by bed bugs as the first sign of an infestation, but these bites can take 7-14 days to become visible. Some people will show no reaction to a bed bug bite, while others will have severe reactions. Bite marks typically appear in a straight line which is a tell-tale sign of bed bugs. If you notice these bite marks on yourself but other members of the household don’t have any visible bites, it doesn’t mean there isn’t an infestation happening. You may also notice rust colored marks on your mattress, sheets, or carpet which are the result of blood-filled fecal matter from the bed bugs.

How Do I Treat a Bed Bug Infestation?

If you believe you have a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control expert right away. You should limit visitors to your home and trips to other people’s homes to avoid spreading the infestation. Contact your landlord right away if you rent, especially if you live in an apartment complex. Bed bug infestations can take over an entire apartment building if not properly treated and controlled.

The treatment used by pest control experts will vary based on the degree of the infestation and your individual home, but you should never try to treat bed bugs on your own. Contact Pied Piper Pest Control for a reliable and long-lasting solution against bed bugs!