Unfortunately, as fun as travel is, one of the downsides to all that jet setting is the risk of bedbugs. While most people think bedbugs happen only in unkempt or neglected houses, this is a misconception. One of the most common ways to get bedbugs is traveling, so that means we Chicagoans have got to be on the lookout. In this post, we’ll talk about what bedbugs look like, how to spot them, and what to do about them if you get them.
How To Spot A Bedbug
Contrary to popular belief, bedbugs are not microscopic. They are small, but you can totally see them with your naked eye, though they’re often mistaken for lice, fleas, or ticks because they somewhat resemble these pests. They’re tan to dark brown, almost round when they’re unfed and more oblong after they’ve fed, and they’re tiny – usually between 1 and 7mm in length (around the same size as an apple seed). That means you’ll need to look really hard if you’re trying to spot them.
Normally, the first sign you have bedbugs isn’t seeing a bedbug. Though they aren’t microscopic, they’re master concealers, hiding in just about every conceivable spot. Besides their favorite hiding place inside your mattress creases, you might find bedbugs in places like behind light switch covers, inside kitchen appliances, under the keys of your keyboard, and even in the seams of picture frames! Needless to say, you’re probably not going to figure out you have bedbugs by finding one just chilling on your kitchen countertop.
Signs You’re Infested
The bad news is bedbugs are one of those pests that can get themselves really established before you ever figure out they’re there. In fact, bites are one of the first signs you might notice. Bedbug bites are small, pink or red, and usually clustered in lines that run along where your body comes in contact with the bed.
Other signs of bedbugs includes:
- Bedbug Eggs: These look like tiny grains of salt or white poppy seeds. They are so small you may not be able to see them without a magnifying glass.
- Bloodstains: When bedbugs bite you, they deposit partially digested blood on your bed sheets, leaving small round stains that are either red or brown in color.
- Bedbug Exoskeletons: These are shed skins you may find in and around your bed and furniture.
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to start looking for bedbugs. Since bedbugs come out at night to feed on you while you sleep, your mattress is the first place to search. Look inside creases and seams, under buttons, and any other nook and cranny you can find. If you do see bedbugs, don’t hesitate. They breed like bunny rabbits and have developed increased resistance to chemical pesticides with each generation. That’s why you’ll need professional help.
Here at Aerex Pest Control, we’ve been kicking the bugs out of bed since 1948. With all that experience, we can inspect your home to figure out if your infestation is bedbugs (even if you’re not sure), and we offer safe, effective treatment plans that can eliminate the infestation in its entirety. So give us a call or visit our contact page at Aerex Pest Control to set up your inspection today.