Part two in a bed bug series may not be quite as exciting as awaiting the sequel of your favorite movie; however, we are pleased to present to you some additional frequently asked questions & answers that have been submitted to us. If you are among the folks who are searching for answers and have wanted to know some specifics about bed bugs, we are glad you found our blog.
Frequently asked questions about bed bugs.
1. What are some of the first indicators that I have bed bugs in my house?
Some people with a bed bug infestation are unaware that they even have a problem. The little critters are nocturnal, they emerge before dawn, feed for 5 to 15 minutes and then return to their favorite hiding place before they can be spotted. A bed bug’s ability to hide deep inside cracks and crevices can make it difficult to find them.
Some of the most common ways to confirm their arrival is by experiencing bites, noticing bloodstains on the bedsheets, finding fecal matter on the bedding, seeing shed skin casings, smelling a unique or different smell, or through the use of a bed bug monitor.
2. Can you get bed bugs just by being around someone who has bed bugs?
Yes, you can. Bed bugs can be transferred off clothes, handbags, backpacks, suitcases, or other personal belongings.
3. Can someone who has bed bugs bring them to your house?
Yes, bed bugs are known for their canny hitchhiking abilities. They will drop from a jacket or from the fold of a shirt onto your furniture, and now they are in your house too.
4. How long does it take to know if I have brought bed bugs into my house?
Usually, you will know if bed bugs have infiltrated your house within 8 weeks.
5. If I find a bed bug in a bedroom, does this mean they are in all of the rooms in my house?
No, not necessarily. Definitely, a thorough inspection of the entire house is recommended; however, generally, bed bugs will be discovered in a sleeping or lounging area long before they migrate into a non-occupied area.
6. Why do some bed bugs look different than another bed bugs in the room?
Bed bugs have seven different life stages. Their life begins as an egg which is about the size of a couple grains of salt. Larva hatch from the tiny eggs which then grow into nymphs. The nymphs grow through a few more stages and then eventually into a mature adult bed bug.
Bed bugs are sometimes different colors. Nymphs are translucent but have a white or yellowish color. A bed bug can be a bright red color just after completing a blood meal. As the bed bug slowly digests the blood, the body color will fade to a brown and will eventually darken to black. As the nymphs mature and advance to the next life stage, they will shed their exoskeleton skins, leaving behind the casings. All the different stages may give the appearance of the possibility there are different bugs present.
7. How do I check for bed bugs?
It is best to start your search in areas where people sleep such as near beds and lounge furniture.
Pull all the covers back so that the mattress is completely exposed. Check the ribbing around the edge of the mattress – this is a place that bed bugs love to hide. Check-in any folds or creases in the mattress. Move the mattress enough to be able to see the box spring. Many times, there are screens or a mesh that is stapled to the bottom side of the box spring set.
This is a very important place to look as bed bugs are nearly always found tucked away under these edges. Check the headboard carefully. Using a flashlight, inspect the bed construction joints that are either nailed or glued together. Any grooves in the composite or wood, any cracks, or cosmetic divots in the headboard are perfect places for a bed bug to hang out when they are not feeding. Both sides of bed rails and cross member braces should also be inspected thoroughly as well.
8. Do I need to be concerned if I have only seen one bed bug?
Finding a single bed bug is not a time to panic – it may have simply hitchhiked a ride on your jacket, you happened to see it just as it fell off, and you were able to kill it. If this is the case, it was your lucky day. (You may want to consider buying a lottery ticket.) Most people are not so fortunate because usually, where there is one, there will be more lurking in the shadows. Also, it should be noted that one impregnated female bed bug can lay up to five eggs in just one day.
A bed bug is a very fertile insect and can continue laying eggs for several weeks after a single mating. So, even one-bed bug has the potential of becoming a big problem. If you have found just one-bed bug, do not assume it is alone – do a thorough search for any companions that may have traveled with it.
9. Where do bed bugs hide?
Bed bugs like to hide where it is dark and undisturbed. They are most commonly found tucked under the pipping or ribbon that is around the edge of a mattress. Also, they like to crawl under the edge of the lining that is stapled on the bottom side of the box spring. Headboards that are attached to a wall or that are directly up against a wall make a perfect arbor for bed bugs.
10. Can I get rid of bed bugs myself?
Although professional bed bug treatment is the preferred and recommended method of caring for bed bugs, if you are so inclined, bed bugs can be eradicated successfully by DIYers.
11. What can I do to prevent getting bed bugs?
Thoroughly inspect the areas that you visit which are inhabited by people –especially rooms with bedding or lounging such as a motel, dormitory, or rental cabin.
Be aware that clutter is an attraction for bed bug harborage. Avoid having piles of clothing lying around. Also, stacks of old magazines, books, and newspapers are places that bed bugs will be attracted to once an infestation has begun to build.
12. Will bed bugs hurt my dog or cat?
Bed bugs normally do not bother household pets such as a dog or cat. A bed bug has difficulty navigating the hair masses that household pets have.
13. Is there a natural deterrent that I can use for bed bugs?
There are some things that bed bugs dislike such as some essential oils, black walnut, peppermint, dryer sheets, and rubbing alcohol. Remember that these products are helpful when used as a deterrent; however, they are seldom a sufficient solution alone to eradicate bed bugs.
We hope we were able to answer some of your questions within our Frequently asked questions about bed bugs.
Just as a “Part 2” movie or TV series poses an opportunity for you to develop a greater connection to your favorite character, we trust these FAQs have helped increase your awareness and knowledge of the common bed bug. If you have a question that we did not address, Bed Bug Heat Doctor/PrevSol is a reliable partner for all of your bed bug eradication needs, and we will be happy to help you when you have a question. Please call us at 844-364-3281. You can also send us a message here.