Bed bugs feed on the blood of animals and humans. Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown and about the size of an apple seed. They are flat with oval-shaped bodies. Young bed bugs are smaller and yellowish in color.
Bed bugs don’t really cause any damage, but they can cause nasty bites while you’re asleep. Bed bugs are active mainly at night. They use their beaks to pierce the skin and take your blood.
This results in bites, which can happen in a straight row or zigzag pattern. They can also be in a random pattern.
Bed bugs are hard to get rid of. Don’t keep waking up with nasty, itchy bites. Ready for a peaceful night’s rest? Get help from Magic City Pest Control. We help homeowners and business owners live pest-free lives.
Are you tired of dealing with bed bugs? Contact Magic City Pest Control at 205-927-3980 for bed bug treatment in Pelham, AL today.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Detecting bed bugs early can help prevent a full-blown infestation. Here are some common signs of bed bugs:
- Live bed bugs. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed. They are also flat and brownish. Seeing them is the most obvious sign of an infestation. You may find them in the seams of mattresses, a box spring, furniture joints, or cracks in the wall.
- Bite marks. You may see small, red, itchy bumps on your skin, often in a line or cluster. Reactions to bites can vary from person to person.
- Blood stains. These are tiny blood stains on your sheets, pillowcases, or mattress. These can appear as small red or rust-colored spots.
- Fecal stains. These are small, dark spots about the size of a pen tip. These are usually found on bedding, mattresses, bed frames, and other furniture.
- Shed skins. As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons. Look for these light brown, translucent shells around the edges of mattresses and other hiding places.
- Eggs and eggshells. Bed bug eggs are tiny and white. Empty eggshells can also be found where bed bugs have hatched.
- Musty odor. You may notice a strong, unpleasant, musty odor. Bed bugs release pheromones, which can create a noticeable smell.
Where Can I Find Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs can be found in various places within homes and other buildings. Here are some common places where bed bugs might be hiding in your home:
- Mattresses and box springs. Check seams and tags of mattresses and box springs, as well as any cracks in the bed frame and headboard.
- Bed frames and headboards. Look for signs of bed bugs in any crevices or joints.
- Furniture. Look in sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture, especially in the seams and under cushions.
- Luggage. Bed bugs often hitch a ride in luggage, so inspect bags and suitcases if you’ve traveled recently.
- Clothing and linens. They can hide in folded clothes, sheets, and blankets.
- Carpets and rugs. Check the edges of carpets and under rugs.
- Behind wallpaper and wall hangings. They might hide behind loose wallpaper and picture frames.
Outside the walls of the home, bed bugs hide also in:
- Hotels and motels. Due to the high turnover of guests, these establishments are prime targets for bed bug infestations.
- Hostels. Similar to hotels and motels, hostels see a lot of different people, increasing the risk of bed bug introduction and spread.
- Apartment complexes. Multi-unit dwellings can easily become infested if bed bugs spread from one apartment to another.
- Hospitals and nursing homes. These facilities have a constant flow of patients and visitors, providing opportunities for bed bugs to be introduced.
- Public transportation. Buses, trains, and airplanes can harbor bed bugs, which can then be transported to other locations.
- Movie theaters. With many people sitting in close quarters for extended periods, bed bugs can easily find new hosts.
- Office buildings. Bed bugs can hitch a ride on employees’ belongings and spread throughout the building.
- Retail stores. Bed bugs can be brought in on clothing and other items, particularly in second-hand stores.
Preventing Bed Bugs With Bed Bug Control
Avoid a bed bug infestation by doing the following treatment methods:
- Perform regular inspections. Regularly inspect beds, mattresses, and furniture, especially if they are second-hand. Watch for small reddish-brown insects, tiny white eggs, and rust-colored stains on bedding or furniture.
- Keep your home clean. Vacuum floors, carpets, furniture, and mattresses regularly. Wash and dry bed linens, blankets, and pillowcases on high heat weekly. Also, minimize clutter in your home.
- Be cautious when traveling. Check hotel beds and furniture for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. Place luggage on a rack or in the bathroom rather than on the bed or floor. After returning home, wash and dry all clothing on high heat
How Our Bed Bug Treatments Can Help Those in Pelham, AL
Magic City Pest Control should be your first choice when dealing with bed bugs and other pests. We have many satisfied homeowners and business owners in the Pelham area.
Bed bugs are one of the hardest pests to eradicate. These annoying creatures can be hard to kill, but the team at Magic City Pest Control knows what works best: heat treatment.
We use a highly effective heat bed bug treatment to eliminate your bed bug problem – and not just for a few weeks or months. We get rid of these blood-sucking pests for good.
With this bed bug treatment, we heat your home to a super-hot temperature in which the bed bugs can’t survive. Bed bugs cannot get away from the heat. All bed bugs will die, including eggs and babies.
Heat treatments are very safe for treating bed bugs and much less dangerous than spraying pesticides all over your home. Is the heat bed bug treatment the perfect solution for you? Contact us today to learn more about our integrated pest management company and to get rid of bed bugs.
Contact Us Today For Bed Bug Treatments
Bed bugs are annoying insects that can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. Don’t let these bugs stress you out.
With help from an experienced pest control company, like Magic City Pest Control, you can sleep tight and not let the bed bugs bite. Roll out of bed well-rested, not itchy and covered in red bumps, as our treatments can kill bed bugs. For the best bed bug treatment options in Pelham, AL, before you call other pest control companies, contact us today at (205) 880-4466 to control bed bugs and get rid of all the bugs in your house as well.