Do you plan on traveling or having guests over this holiday season? If so, you could be in danger of a bed bug invasion. Why? Because bed bugs are also planning on traveling this holiday season. The more we move from place to place, the more opportunities bed bugs have to move as well. If one of your relatives is dealing with a bed bug infestation, it is likely their beg bug problem will become yours, if they come to visit. If you go to a relative's home who has a bed bug infestation, bed bugs might catch a ride back home with you. To keep this from happening, we have put together 3 things you can do to avoid bed bugs this holiday season here in Pompano Beach.
Tip Number One: Know Your Enemy
The first step in preventing bed bugs is to know what they are and how to spot them. To identify a live bed bug, look for small, shield-shaped, reddish-brown pests. After feeding on blood, a bed bug can grow to be 5 times larger. But seeing live bed bugs is not the best way to know they are around because most often bed bugs hide during the day and only come out at night to feed. What you can do, however, is to look for the signs they leave behind. Here are some common signs to look for.
- Bloodstains on sheet linens which are the result of dribbling blood after a bed bug is done feeding.
- Bites on the skin. These bites will appear several at a time in a straight line or zig-zag pattern.
- Small dots of reddish-black fecal matter. Most often these can be found around areas where bed bugs feed, as well as along the route to their hiding places.
- With more severe bed bug infestations, you might notice a distinct smell. Many describe this scent as coriander, others liken it to moldy shoes or wet moldy clothing.
Tip Number Two: Keep Your Eye Out
Once you know what you are looking for, keep your eye out for bed bugs. If you stay in a hotel while on winter vacation, before settling in, store your luggage in the bathroom and thoroughly check around your room for signs of bed bugs. The same goes for staying at relatives' homes. It may be awkward telling your grandmother her home has bed bugs, but it will save other relatives from bringing home sleep-wrecking pests. Keep in mind that bed bugs can hide anywhere. Don’t let your guard down and you might catch them before they become a problem.
Tip Number Three: Spread The Word
When it comes to avoiding bed bugs, your vigilance is not the only factor needed for success. If your family and friends do not know how to identify bed bugs, they could bring trouble to your Pompano Beach home this holiday season. The best way to combat this is by sharing what you know. The more you work together, the more you will be able to avoid bed bug problems.
Who To Call For Bed Bugs
Once bed bugs get past your defenses, it is extremely difficult if not impossible to deal with them without professional help. Here at Pest-Aside, Inc, we have top-of-the-line equipment and extensive training to deal with any size bed bug infestation. If you suspect your home has bed bugs, give us a call today. We would be happy to find the solution to get you back to peaceful sleep.