Bed bugs are small wingless insects that feed exclusively on blood. The two main species feed on human blood. They find unsuspecting victims during the night usually between midnight and 5 AM. During the day, they hide away in cracks, crevices, or inside pillows, mattresses and furniture.
As if this wasn’t bad enough, bed bugs like to travel. They’ll hitch a ride wherever they find an opportunity – in your shoe or luggage, by train, plane, bus or automobile. Over the past few years, bed bugs have become a larger problem in many areas. It’s time we know what to look for and how to avoid becoming a bed bug transport station – and their dinner.
Anywhere that people congregate can be a potential spot for bed bugs. Reception area chairs, theatre seats, but the most problematic sites are hotel rooms. Since bed bugs feed at night and rest during the day, beds are practically buffets. If you suspect bed bugs may be in your hotel room or home, check the mattress and box springs thoroughly using a flashlight to aid in spotting signs. Check the seams and cracks for rusty stains left by the bugs after feeding. They will shed their skin several times as they mature, so also look for brown, oval exoskeletons.
Bed bugs find comfortable hiding places in cracks, crevices, around wall outlets and in furniture. If you suspect bed bugs have traveled to your area, check closets carefully because they can also cling to clothes. Believe it or not, your sniffer can also help you detect problems. Bed bugs release pheromones which can smell musty and in large numbers can smell like a dirty locker room.
So, how do you protect yourself? Here are a few tips:
- When traveling, be careful where you stay and inspect rooms before you bring in and unpack any luggage. Look at mattresses, box springs, headboards and furniture – especially near the edges.
- Use the luggage rack. Avoid placing your belongings on the floor, sofas or other upholstered furniture.
- If you suspect you’ve encountered bed bugs, unpack your suitcase outside and wash travel clothes in hot water separately from other laundry immediately.
- Store luggage or any other items that may have bed bugs or eggs in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- If you find a bedbug in your home, take action immediately. Don’t give them time to reproduce. Contact a pro from May Exterminating for an inspection and help right away.
We hope you never run into this nasty hitchhiker, but if you do cross paths with a bedbug. Know it’s a problem that can be solved. Just give us a call at 910-455-5888 or contact us here.
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