When it comes to the hardest pests to get rid of, four common critters reign supreme namely termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, and rats. While every household and pest control expert has their own horror story to tell, it’s apparent that the pests that make it to the very top of the difficult list are bed bugs.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are little insects that have been around for over 3,500 years. That fact alone gives insight into just how resilient they are and how well they adapt to harsh conditions over time.
They are as small as an apple seed and similar in shape, as well. They are somewhat oval, reddish-brown in color, and are flat when they haven’t eaten. However, once they do feast on blood, they balloon into a fuller, round shape.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Thanks to their size, bed bugs can easily hide in small cracks within the walls, blend into surfaces, and are also easy to miss when right in front of us. More often than not, they love to hide in piles of clothing, upholstery, and on the mattress as these places are within proximity to their source of sustenance – us.
How Long Can Bed Bugs Survive Without Food?
Bed bugs are notoriously resilient and can survive up to 3 months without meals. In cooler seasons, they are more efficient in saving energy, which allows them to live up to a full year without needing to eat.
What Happens When A Bed Bug Bites?
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not known to carry diseases. Instead, they carry human pathogens, which could cause allergies in some and common itchy spots in others. Studies show that about 30% of the population doesn’t have any reaction to a bed bug bite and may not even notice once they’ve been bitten.
How Can You Spot A Bed Bug Infestation?
There are several ways to tell if you have bed bugs in your home, including:
- If you notice bite marks when you wake up. These will mostly be on your arms, legs, and hands as bed bugs target the extremities.
- If there is a new, musty scent that is not coming from anything else. Because bed bugs feast on blood, they give off a small of rust, similar to the iron found in blood.
- If you find very small, circular bloodstain on your bed, this may mean that a bed bug was accidentally squished as you slept, allowing the gathered blood to pour out of their bodies.
- If you find empty translucent shells, this is the clearest sign of a bed bug infestation. Shells indicate that bed bugs have molted and shed their exoskeleton in order to grow.
- If you find oval-shaped objects that are pearl white and as small as a grain of rice on your mattress, that would be bed bug eggs.
How Are Bed Bugs Controlled And Killed?
- Regularly vacuum your home, especially cracks on the walls, upholstery, and your bed.
- Deep clean and sanitize your home regularly.
- After traveling, wash all your clothing in hot water.
- Keep your home clutter-free to reduce the spaces they can hide in.
- Hire professional pest control in Manteca, CA for regular inspections, preventative measures, and bed bug eradication.
Conclusion
With a clearer idea as to which pest is the most difficult to control, it is important to be more proactive in detecting infestations. The earlier you find it, the easier they are to control. For bed bugs and other pest control services, you can rely on Peace of Mind Pest Control to meet all your needs with efficient and thorough pest solutions.
