How To Tell If You Have Bedbugs

How to Tell if You Have Bedbugs

Bedbugs are insects that were almost unheard of following World War II. However, the banning of the pesticide DDT and increased overseas travel to areas where bedbugs are prevalent has led to a reoccurance of infestations in our country.

Bedbugs are small insects that are brownish-red in color, have long antennae and flat bodies, and feed on the blood of living hosts. Sleeping humans are their preferred targets, hence the name bedbugs. Most of the time, these pests live close to where they feed, which is most commonly mattresses. This video below gives a graphical representation of a bed bug feeding, not for the squeamish!!!


Bed Bugs In Action. - video powered by Metacafe

 

So, how to tell if you have bedbugs? There are several things that can tip you off:

First of all, if you go to bed without bug bites and wake up with them, it's probably bedbugs. These bites are often similar in appearance to mosquito bites, and leave red, itchy, and burning welts and bumps on your skin. Also, bedbugs leave behind evidence in the form of dried excrement which shows up as dark spotting on your mattress or furniture. You may also see spots of blood as well. In places where infestation is especially severe, there may be an unpleasant odor.

Once bedbugs have been spotted, it's crucial to take action. These pests can multiply quickly and have hundreds of offspring at one time. If left untreated, they'll spread from room to room and become an uncontrollable problem. This is why bedbugs are especially problematic for apartment buildings and hotels.

Frequent vacuuming of your mattress, furniture and carpet is one great way to prevent these critters. You can also steam clean your items. All bedding and plush toys should be immediately laundered. One way to prevent these pests from reaching your mattress is to cover the legs of your bed with double-sided tape or petroleum jelly. Bedbugs cannot fly, and aren't the best climbers, so these methods are often effective.

To get rid of bedbugs for good, you'll probably need the services of a professional. An exterminator will come into your home, inspect thoroughly for bedbugs and figure out exactly where they are. Once their location is determined, it will be time to get rid of them. There are a variety of ways a professional can rid your home of bedbugs, many of which are completely safe for children and pets.

Copyright 2009 Thomas Proctor- All Rights Reserved

To Contact Us  | Banish Bedbugs Home  | Sitemap | Privacy Policy  | 

Bed Bug News:
Winnipeg Free Press - Tiny bats give hope to proposal for park
March 4, 2010 -- BACKERS of a proposed provincial park at Fisher Bay think little brown bats could be the big hook that gets the province to designate the area...

Enjoy the great outdoors with the John Muir Award - Sunderland Echo

Enjoy the great outdoors with the John Muir Award
Sunderland Echo
Getting muddy, meeting hedgehogs and building a hotel for bugs EUR doing the John Muir Award can be a real adventure. .

..

Lice, scabies and bedbugs continue to be problematic for dermatologists - Pediatric SuperSite

Lice, scabies and bedbugs continue to be problematic for dermatologists
Pediatric SuperSite
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) have also become a growing nuisance in recent years, increasing in prevalence by as much as 500%, according to Yan, .

and more »
..

New Videos Offer Free Training on Bedbug Prevention in Healthcare - Infection Control Today

New Videos Offer Free Training on Bedbug Prevention in Healthcare
Infection Control Today
EURœBedbugs have staged a real comeback over the past decade and healthcare professionals are eager to find comprehensive information on how to help prevent .

..

Bedbugs, Scabies and Head Lice EUR Oh My! - Ethiopian Review

Bedbugs, Scabies and Head Lice EUR Oh My!
Ethiopian Review
If simply the thought of bedbugs, scabies and head lice makes you feel a little itchy, imagine how those affected by these common infestations feel when .

and more »
..

10 Good Things About Depression - Huffingtonpost.com
A radio talk host recently asked me this question: "If you could have had your way and never deal with a mood disorder in your life, would you do that. Or has the depression, somehow, enhanced your life?" Thankfully he asked that question on a fairly ...

Oscars: Score one for the elitists - MyNorthwest.com
In the epic battle between the elitists and the populists at this year's Academy Awards, the elitists came up big. THE HURT LOCKER, a movie almost no one has seen, vanquished AVATAR, the movie everyone has seen, for Best Picture. In fact, in the ...

Pioneer Pest Management Earns Coveted Angies List Super Service . - Earthtimes
Portland Oregons Pioneer Pest Management has been awarded the prestigious 2009 Angies List Super Service Award.The award reflects companys consistently high level of customer service. Portland, OR (PRWEB) March 9, 2010 -- Portland pest ...

Slugs: Get them now, or they'll get you - Oregonian
I'd like to say, "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful," but since I write about gardening, I'll say instead, "Don't hate me because I don't have slugs." Also, don't hate me because I said I would post this last Thursday. I got a new dog and took the ...

Daily Mirror, The; London (UK) - ARE YOU THE WEAKEST LINK?
March 6, 2010 -- 1. In politics, who has been the longest-serving post-war Chancellor of the Exchequer? 2. In history, in which European country...

Oscars: The Best Picture Winner Is. - 411mania.com
Before we get started, I want to clarify the changes made this year to the Best Picture category. Most of you realize by now that there are 10 nominees instead of 5. The reasons for this are simple. Many pictures are helped when they receive a ...

Pioneer Pest Management Earns Coveted Angie's List Super Service Award - PR Web (press release)

Pioneer Pest Management Earns Coveted Angie's List Super Service Award
PR Web (press release)
The company provides both residential and commercial pest control removal including bugs and rodents such as bed bugs, bees, rats, roaches, carpenter ants, .

and more »
..

Pioneer Pest Management Earns Coveted Angie's List Super Service Award - Earthtimes (press release)

Pioneer Pest Management Earns Coveted Angie's List Super Service Award
Earthtimes (press release)
The company provides both residential and commercial pest control removal including bugs and rodents such as bed bugs, bees, rats, roaches, carpenter ants, .

and more »
..