Pest Control Service
Think you might have bed bugs, but you’re not sure?
It can be tricky to know, since bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and like to stay hidden during the day. Here’s what to check for:
THE TOP 5 BED BUG SIGNS
1. You notice red stains or blood smears on sheets or pillowcases.
Unexplained bloodstains found on your light-colored sheets and pillowcases can be a result of bed bugs snacking on you and your family during the night. These rust colored stains may also be visible on furniture and clothing.
2. You have red, itchy bites on your skin, sometimes in straight lines.
It is often difficult to determine what type of insect has bitten you, especially here in Florida where we have plenty of insects menacing our communities. However, if you wake up with bug bites you don’t remember from the night before, or if the bites appear in a line, there is a good chance that you are dealing with a bed bug infestation.
3. You see tiny white eggs or eggshells, smaller than a grain of sand.
Bed bug shells are a result of a boost in the bed bug population. These clear or white-colored shells are extremely small, but are tell-tale signs of an infestation. They are often found in the corners or crevices of mattresses, in side box springs, or in carpeting.
4. You see spots that look like ground black pepper along seams and joints in your bedding.
These dark spots may be the fecal matter left behind by bed bugs. When wiped with a wet cloth, these dark spots will smear or stain. Mattress seams, bed corners, and box springs are where these stains tend to be spotted.
5. You see live bugs or skins left behind from bed bugs molting.
If you suspect bed bugs you should investigate your mattress. Pull back the seams, and look for signs of infestation. While the egg and fecal matter is small, you will often see it in significant amounts, as well as live adult and juvenile bed bugs hiding in the nooks and crannies.
If you have noticed any of the top signs you have bed bugs in your home call your bed bug control company right away. The EPA, CDC, and USDA all consider bed bugs to be a public health pest, and recommend professional extermination. If you live in the Southwest Florida, contact the Pest Control Experts of PestMax®. Learn how we can eliminate bed bugs without the use of pesticides.
WHY NOW?
Bed bugs have been biting humans since antiquity. So why is there a recent increase in bed bug infestations after a half century of hardly any? Here’s what the experts think:
- As more and more people travel the world it increases the spread of bed bugs.
- The overuse of pesticide results in a larger population of pesticide-resistant bugs.
- Our complacent belief that it won’t happen to us.
Bed bugs can survive for months without feeding, and they like to hitch a ride in bags and luggage. Donated bedding, clothing, and blankets can also provide transport. Unless you never leave your house and nobody ever visits you, it’s possible for bed bugs to find a way inside your home!
WHY ME?
Anyone can find their home infested. It doesn’t matter if they’re rich or poor, live in a rural area, suburban community, or city apartment.
If you think you might have bed bugs, don’t wait until it gets worse. It’s natural to wish it isn’t happening to you, or to feel embarrassed if it is. But don’t let that stop you from getting help!
PestMax Pest Control® can get rid of bed bugs in one visit.