Bed bugs are experts at hiding. When they get into Modesto homes, they stay hidden in tight spaces, dark voids, and compressed spots. It is very difficult to tell that bed bugs have invaded your home at first. But it won’t take too long before you start to realize, perhaps to your horror, that you have a biting pest living inside your home. Bed bugs leave multiple bites. While slight at first, they can be numerous. When immature nymphs grow to be adults, and adults feed on you repeatedly, numerous slight bites can start to be numerous sore welts. We hope you detect bed bugs long before this. That’s why we’ve put together this quick reference guide to bed bugs in Modesto. Here are five signs bed bugs are infesting your home.
- Black Stains: Bed bugs leave their excrement in many places. Sometimes they’ll stain bedding after feeding. If you start to notice black stains on your sheets, pillowcases, or other bedding, be aware that this is a warning sign of a bed bug infestation. While there are other pests that can stain fabrics with black feces, bed bugs are the ones that are most likely to do this to sheets and pillowcases.You may also see black streaks around beds, couches, and chairs. Take a minute to examine bed frames, nightstands, alarm clocks, baseboards, wall outlet covers, and other surfaces. If you see black streaks, it is a good idea to contact a licensed professional to find out what insect pest is making those streaks.
- Brown Stains: Bed bugs sometimes excrete blood after feeding. These stains are left at night and may appear brown when you see them. You may also see them days after you or someone else in your home suffered a bed bug bite. If you notice small brown stains on sheets when doing your wash, take notice, especially if those stains are mixed with black stains. It could be the warning sign you need to prevent bed bugs from becoming a serious issue.
- Insect Skins: Bed bugs shed their skins as they grow. These skins may be pale or tan in color, and you’re most likely to find them in compressed spaces or in gaps and creases. We recommend using a debit card to dislodge skins that may be in the seams of your mattress or box spring. You may also use a butter knife or something else that is thin. This will bring the skins to the surface. It may also bring other evidence to the surface, like the bugs themselves. So prepare yourself for what you might find.
- Tiny White Eggs: The eggs of bed bugs are 1mm long. They may be scattered individually or in a bunch. These eggs can be found in dark places, tight spaces, and compressed areas. You may be able to discover eggs early and prevent an infestation if you inspect luggage, duffel bags, backpacks, sleeping bags, pocketbooks, and other items after spending the night somewhere away from home. If you do, put the item into the dryer for 30 minutes. This will kill bed bugs in all stages of development.
- Early Bites: Bed bugs have a somewhat unique bite pattern. This is because each individual bed bug bites more than once (often three times). If you see three bites in a line or zig-zag pattern, they could be bed bug bites. If you see several bites that look like a trail across your skin, there is an even stronger possibility that bed bugs are biting you. If you detect these patterns early, you can get rid of bed bugs before the tiny bites start to be painful welts.
You Have Bed Bugs, Now What?
If you detect bed bugs in your home and you’re unable to eliminate them by throwing an item into your dryer, we recommend contacting a licensed pest control professional. Bed bugs can be challenging to exterminate. These insects have been dwelling with people almost exclusively since the dawn of civilization. If they were easy to exterminate, they would be extinct.
Complete Bed Bug Control With Peace Of Mind Pest Control
Remember that Peace Of Mind Pest Control is here to assist you with all of your pest control concerns. Our highly-trained service professionals know what is required to get control of bed bug infestations. We’ll walk you through the process and guide you in selecting the right treatment options for your specific needs and budget. You don’t have to let the bed bugs bite. Reach out to Peace Of Mind Pest Control today with questions or to request a bed bug inspection. We’re here to help you get control of pest issues in Modesto. Reach out to us today to learn more about our bed bug control options.
