Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment. They can be found behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery, and in furniture crevices.

Bed bugs can come from other infested areas or from used furniture. 

Bed bugs like to travel and will hide in suitcases, boxes, and shoes to be near a food supply. They are elusive, nocturnal creatures. They can hide behind baseboards, electrical switch plates, picture frames, even wall paper. They come out at night for a blood meal.

Although bed bugs can dine on any warm-blooded animal, they primarily dine on humans. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites can become red itchy welts.

Bed bug bites typically look like small bumps that may become inflamed, itchy, and blistered. These bumps are often found in a zigzag pattern or a line. Bed bug bites tend to occur on areas exposed during sleeping, such as the hands, neck, face, shoulders, legs, and arms. 

Bed bugs can live without food for 3 weeks to a year, depending on temperature and humidity.

Signs that you may have bed bugs include bed bug shells or molted skins, fecal spots, and small blood stains around the edges, and crevices of mattresses and box springs. 

Prevent a bed bug infestation by vacuuming suitcases after returning from a vacation and checking your bedsheets for tell-tale blood spots. Consider bringing a large plastic trash bag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays. Carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual inspections. Bed bugs are elusive creatures, so it is imperative to seek professional pest control to address an infestation.