Creating A Positive Environment

For people who have never dealt with a bed bug infestation before, the idea of it can be disturbing. However, there's a lot of misinformation out there about bed bugs, the effects of an infestation, and what to expect of infestation treatment. Whether you are fighting a bed bug infestation or you just want to be prepared in case you ever experience one, here are a few things that you need to know.

They Don't Fly

For those who have never seen bed bugs, you could easily mistake other types of bugs for bed bugs. If you see a pest in your home that's small but has wings, you can be assured that it isn't a bed bug. They don't fly, so any pest you see flying can be ruled out as a bed bug.

However, if you see these small bugs on your mattress, in the seams of your furniture, or any similar area, and the bugs don't have wings, it's worth having a pest control contractor evaluate your home for the possibility of a bed bug infestation.

They Don't Typically Live In Carpets

When you're looking for signs of bed bug infestation or trying to prevent a huge problem, you might think that your carpets are a prime area to check. After all, other small insects, like fleas, can harbor in the carpets. This isn't, however, a likely place for you to find bed bugs. Because they feed directly on people, they usually stay closer to the areas where people sleep. You're more likely to find them on your mattress or inside the outlets or wall trim along the wall where your bed is.

Your Pets Can Be Bitten Too

You might think that you only have to worry about bed bugs being a problem for you and other family members. However, you also have to be attentive to what bed bugs can mean for your pets. These pests feed on warm blood, which is why they tend to bite people. As a result, they will also be likely to bite your pets, too. If you have any reason to worry about an infestation in your home, it should be addressed right away to protect both your family and your pets.

They Can Live For Months Without Feeding

One common mistake that people make is assuming that, if a place with a bed bug problem is left empty long enough, the bugs will die from lack of feeding. The truth is that adult bed bugs can live for several months, sometimes even as long as a year or more, without feeding. That means that even if the home has been vacant, the infestation may remain. You need to have the property treated by a bed bug exterminator to truly eliminate the problem.