Why Are There Bed Bugs In My Memphis Home?

8/30/2020

When insects start to appear inside your Memphis residence, you can usually guess what’s making them come around. You might conclude that your open outdoor trash cans or torn window screens are the reasons they are getting in. Perhaps you’ll think that your cleaning routines aren’t as thorough as they should be. These factors could be why ants or roaches are a problem for many homeowners. With bed bugs though, it’s a different story. 

The average person is puzzled by bed bugs. It’s difficult to deduce how or why they show up. Trying to figure out how to get rid of them is even more confusing. Meanwhile, you can’t get a good night’s rest because you know these tiny critters will bite you and suck your blood. In the morning, you’ll have itchy bumps on your skin. If you read on, you’ll find answers and learn how Dart Pest, Lawn & Wildlife can help with an infestation.

How Do Bed Bug Infestations Happen?

It’s a common misconception that only “dirty” homes have bed bug issues. Filth isn’t the main draw with these pests; it’s actually blood. They feed on this fluid to live. Thus, they infiltrate areas with human and animal populations. Public places, such as bus stations, hotels, and schools are hot-spots for them. These hitchhikers will catch a ride home with you after they’ve sneaked into your clothes or personal bags. When they crawl out, they’ll get cozy in the following:

• Appliances 
• Electronics
• Wallpaper
• Wood Trim 
• Flooring
• Couches
• Upholstery
• Laundry
• And even beds

Watch out for seemingly random stains and enduring odors, for these are signs of a bed bug takeover. You’ll find blood drops and reddish-brown blots on sheets and linens. Also, you’ll begin to see powdery black or brown feces. Mustiness will be in the air. Bites on your body will be crowded together and may resemble a rash.

Generally, bed bugs in homes are reddish-brown and oval-shaped. Their tails will be much bigger than their heads. They’ll have an abnormally formed midsection, along with two antennas and six legs. Size-wise, they’ll be about ¼ of an inch in length. If you discover eggs, they’ll be pearly white. The babies are translucent.

How Can Bed Bugs Be Prevented?

Considering how bed bugs operate, they are hard to avoid. However, it’s not impossible. There are defensive steps you can take both prior to leaving the house, and once you’ve returned. Even while you’re out, there are things you can do to protect yourself from these bloodsuckers:

• Don’t cuff your pants.
• Don’t set your backpacks, duffel bags, purses, or similar items on the floor in public places.
• Don’t place your personal belongings near other people’s items. 
• When traveling, put your luggage in a protective bag. 
• When staying at a hotel, check for bed bugs immediately. Alert staff and be relocated if you see any bed bugs or the signs of their presence.
• Wash your trip clothes in hot water, and dry them on high heat for 20 minutes when you return. 
• Inspect second-hand gear before purchasing it; especially appliances and furniture.
• Routinely vacuum and steam clean your upholstery and rugs.
• Regularly examine your mattress and bedding areas with a flashlight.

What Can Dart Pest, Lawn & Wildlife Do About Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs multiply very quickly. Between this fact and their size, it’s beyond tough to eliminate them. Every specimen, including eggs, must be killed for extermination to be complete. This necessitates the professional powers and expertise of Dart Pest, Lawn & Wildlife.

We’ll first perform a thorough inspection to determine the depth of the infestation. Then, we’ll apply treatments aimed at killing bed bugs. Our services come with a 30-day warranty, just in case further visits are required. You’ll be in capable hands as we’ve been in business for over 45 years. Call us today!

Tags: bed bugs | prevention | infestations