Dealing with pests can be an overwhelming process. One of the most common household invaders is the dreaded bed bug.

These little stowaways have been an annoyance for one in five Americans, and they have been around for centuries.

Have some questions about bed bug infestation? Here are some common FAQs asked of professional pest control companies.

These little pests are small parasites that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Adult bed bugs are about 1-7mm in size, and tend to be reddish-brown in color. Bed bugs are flightless, can live for months without a meal, and can fit just about anywhere.

Bed bugs can be found anywhere around the world. From North and South America, to Africa, Europe and Asia, they are a consistent pest problem, especially in developing countries. The can be found anywhere, regardless of how clean a place is.

Bed bugs are typically found in places where people sleep; humans are an easy meal after dark. They can infest apartments, homes, businesses, hotels, buses, trains, dorms, or any building with furniture. They hide in cracks and crevices, bed frames, wallpaper, and are so small they can fit in a screw head.

Bed bugs can cause serious physical and mental harm. While the initial bite may not hurt, the welts caused by bed bug bites can burn and itch. If you have a bad reaction, you can suffer from nausea and vomiting as well. Then again, some people don’t experience any after effects at all.

Mentally, bed bugs have a stigma connected to cleanliness. While these pests do infest areas that are often unclean, it’s not a requirement. They can nest anywhere regardless. However, for businesses, bed bugs can be a publicity nightmare. Additionally, if you have bed bugs in your home, their presence can cause night restlessness.

Bed bugs aren’t known to have any disease. They are annoying because of their constant night attacks, bite marks, and the general restlessness they cause.

Bed bugs normally go for exposed skin. The initial bite is painless, but the after effects from their saliva can cause itching and burning. Bites are usually in a centralized area, in clumps or a line, and they often look like a rash. These bites can show up immediately or after a few days. While anyone can be bitten by a bed bug, not everyone will have a reaction. Some will have a worse reaction then others.

Bed bugs cannot jump or fly, but they can easily grab onto clothing. They need to be introduced to your home, and usually that can be by clinging to something else from outside. Used furniture, transported luggage, or house guests can easily transport these pests into your home. Some people are completely unaware that they may have bed bugs. Additionally, you can bring them from hotels, dorms, school, or any place that may have a few.

No. Bed bugs can be in any furniture including chair cushions, couches, desks, or even picture frames! Sometimes they can get behind wall fixtures or wallpaper. They can also sneak behind electrical outlets, hide in baseboards, or even hide out in screw heads. They can live pretty much anywhere they can find a host.

No. While they prefer a human host, bed bugs can feed off any warm-blooded animals including pets like dogs and cats. Mice and rats can provide enough food for them if humans aren’t available, so if you happen to have these pests as well, it’s best to be rid of them.

You can look for the three stages of bed bugs in any of the three forms: eggs, nymphs, or adults. Bed bug eggs are normally small and yellow. You can find their exoskeletons near their nesting spots. Also, check for blood spots in your sheets, on your furniture, or on your pajamas. Other signs of bed bugs are dark or rusty spots near nesting spots, or fecal matter.

If you have welts on exposed body parts, that is a clear sign. Additionally, if you discover any bed bugs in the mattress, sheets, or in the bed frame, you may have an infestation. Be sure to look for blood stains on your sheets, and fecal spots on your walls, bed, and other furniture. If all else fails, bed bugs tend to leave a sweet, musty odor wherever they live.

Bed bugs can get out of hand and spread quickly. The best course of action is to contact a licensed pest management profession to determine the severity of your problem.

Don’t immediately discard your bedding or mattress. This could spread the pests to other areas of your home and to other people. Bed bug infestation is a big problem and it’s important to keep spreading to a minimum. Carefully inspect your clothes, bedding, and other furniture and launder your clothes.

Treating bed bugs is difficult because they are hard to find. They can live for months off a single feeding and they can be easily transported. They can withstand varying temperatures and usually if there are few, there are many.

Simply be vigilant. When you travel, be sure to inspect the bedding, bed frames, and room for the presence of bed bugs. Knowing what to look for can be helpful. Check your luggage and clothing when you return from any trips. Be aware that bed bugs don’t have to be in your hotel room; they can be in surrounding rooms and travel wherever they find a host. Bed bugs aren’t pests that are easily handled without a professional, but it’s good to be aware to prevent an infestation.

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