Nobody wants to discover a bed bug infestation in their home. It’s bad enough that these bugs bite; they’re also hard to remove. Gecko Pest Control provides pest control services in Longview to protect your family from biting insects. Call today to learn more about our options for total bed bug removal.
Bed Bug Detection: How To Spot And Confirm An Infestation
Identifying a bed bug infestation can be tricky. These insects are only about 1/4-inch long, which makes them hard to see. They’re dark, reddish-brown, and have flat, oval-shaped bodies. Because bed bugs are hard to spot, you should be aware of other signs of a bed bug infestation. You might find dark fecal spots on surfaces with bed bug activity. You may be able to see eggs, eggshells, and molted skins. Bed bug infestations can also create a musty odor in homes.
The clearest sign of a bed bug infestation is the presence of bites on your skin. These typically appear as itchy welts that are in clusters or lines. The bite itself is painless, so you probably won’t notice the bites until after some time has passed and they begin to itch.
Bed Bugs In The House: What Are The Risks?
Bed bug bites, though not medically dangerous, are itchy and uncomfortable. Scratching at them can break the skin and lead to infection. Infestations can also cause sleep loss and anxiety.
The biggest problem with bed bugs is that they won’t go away on their own. Without proper treatment, a bed bug infestation will only continue to grow within your home. That’s why catching it early and seeking professional treatment is so important. Home remedies typically are not effective against bed bug infestations, so you need professional methods to get rid of bed bugs.
Proactive Measures: Implementing An Effective Bed Bug Prevention Plan
You must take every precaution you can to avoid bringing bed bugs into your home. These insects are often called “hitchhikers” since they can easily climb onto a bag, coat, or other items. You will then bring them into a new location. You should be extra careful when you travel and when you shop for second-hand items by following these bed bug prevention tips:
- Carefully inspect hotel rooms and other lodgings for signs of bed bugs.
- Keep your luggage and belongings off of the floor in hotel rooms and on public transportation.
- Check second-hand items for signs of bed bugs before bringing them home.
- Vacuum your suitcases and other bags after returning home from a trip.
Whenever you travel, you should check the room where you stay for signs of bed bugs before you settle in. You should also keep your belongings off carpets and soft furniture since those areas can host bed bugs. When you return home from traveling, vacuum out your luggage to remove any bed bugs that might have hitched a ride. Before you buy a second-hand furniture item or article of clothing, look for signs of bed bugs. You can treat some items, but it isn’t worth bringing bed bugs home with your new-to-you couch.
If you suspect bed bugs are in your home, contact us for professional bed bug control services in Longview.
Don't Let Bed Bugs Take Over Your Home: Call Us Right Away!
If you’re worried about bed bugs in your Longview home, call Gecko Pest Control. Our service visits always begin with a thorough inspection to find any areas of your home with bed bug activity. We’ll also discuss what you’ve noticed and your concerns. We'll create a customized treatment plan based on our conversation and the inspection. We pay attention to even the smallest cracks and crevices that could harbor bed bugs. Every home is different, so our treatments aren’t just a one-size-fits-all product application. We want to be sure that you and your family will be safe from biting bugs, so we’ll return for follow-up visits.
Reach out to us at Gecko Pest Control for help with bed bugs and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Longview.