It’s the time of year when families are gearing up for summer vacation. Increased travel means a greater chance of bed bug encounters. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) revealed that in 2018 the majority of pest control providers in North America dealt with bed bug infestations. Most of these service calls came in the summer months.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Adult bed bugs are approximately 1/4 – 1/8 inch long. They are flat and oval shaped and resemble an apple seed. They are reddish brown in color and may look redder and more bloated after they had had a meal. Nymphs are visible but hard to see. They can be as small as 1/32 inch; about as small as the tip of a pen. Since their main meal source is humans they can infest just about anywhere! Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and it only takes one to hitch a ride for them to be introduced into a home. Bed bugs are hard to control because they are very hardy and elusive. Giving these pests a little of your attention could prevent you from dealing with a bed bug infestation nightmare.

Bed Bug Prevention

• Place your luggage on non-upholstered furniture away from the bed. This can be the desk or in the bathroom until you’ve done an inspection.
• Check the bed with a flashlight. Pull the corners of the bedding back, check the mattress and box spring for bed bugs. Look very closely to seams where bed bugs like to hide.
• Inspect the nightstand for signs of bed bugs.
• If you think there might be bed bugs in the room, alert the front desk right away You want to be moved to a room that is not directly above, below or next to your current room.
• Inspect your luggage before you bring them into your home when your vacation is over.
• Before you wash your belongings throw them all in the dryer for 15 minutes on high heat. Heat is a proven method for killing bed bugs.

Signs of Bed Bug Activity

When bed bugs infest, they leave their feces in many places. Black streaks can be found on bedding, on the seams of mattresses or the stitching of upholstered furniture. These streaks can also be found on baseboards, outlet covers and other places these they are congregating. You may also notice bed bug shells. Bed bug infestations also have an odor that some describe as a wet, dirty locker room smell. Bites are another sign you may be dealing with bed bugs. Bites are slightly raised, red welts in small clusters or a zig zag pattern. These bites can look similar to those of mosquitoes or fleas, though flea bites tend to appear around the ankles while bed bugs feed on any exposed area of the skin.

Bed Bug Control & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas

Bed bugs have become one of the leading problems in the insect world. Don’t let them crash your summer vacation. If you suspect or discover an infestation, contact the professionals at A-Tex Pest Management right away.