I Found A Few Bed Bugs – Does That Mean I’m Dealing With An Infestation?

Have you found a few bedbugs in your home? Was it two or three bedbugs? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, you likely didn’t think much about it. You might’ve figured that the bedbugs could be removed and you wouldn’t have to worry about it. Unfortunately, it isn’t this simple. The problem is that bedbugs are not solitary pests. They rarely travel alone. These pests thrive when living in large groups. If you find a few pests in your home, you might have an infestation. It is time to begin digging deeper so you can find out what is going on. You can try searching your home thoroughly to find out what you’re dealing with. You’ll also want to hire an exterminator since you’re going to need a professional’s help to wipe out the infestation. When choosing a professional in your area, carefully research your options and obtain quotes from multiple firms. Don’t give the cheapest firm immediately because doing so could lead to problems. Instead, consider their reviews and histories too.

Why You Should Worry About A Few Bedbugs

You may believe that a few bedbugs aren’t a big deal, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It might be one or two bedbugs. For instance, you may have just returned from vacation and the bugs climbed out of your luggage. If this happened, you can get rid of the pests and you might be fine. However, there is a higher possibility that there are more pests in your home. Bedbugs occasionally enter homes from the outside too. Again, it might be one or two bedbugs, but this isn’t likely. Instead, these pests travel in large packs. They rarely live alone. On top of that, you have to be worried that a female bedbug has infested your home. If it is a female bedbug, she could be pregnant or she might get pregnant soon. Unfortunately, one female bedbug could create a full-blown infestation in your home soon. She can lay as many as 500 eggs during her life. If she is pregnant, she is going to lay eggs and they’ll hatch. Then, your small infestation will turn into a massive problem. Suffice to say, you cannot ignore the risks associated with one or two bedbugs. Once they’ve entered your home and you’ve found them, call a professional. Bedbugs are small pests that reach 7mm in length. Females have round abdomens. If you look closely, you might be able to spot the difference. Otherwise, you’ll want to call a professional and let them deal with it for you.

Why Is It Difficult To See Bedbugs?

It won’t be easy to spot a bedbug infestation. You’ll likely have difficulty finding bedbugs in your home. These pests are great hiders so you won’t find them strolling around your home in the middle of the day. Bedbugs are a reddish shade of brown so they’re difficult to spot when hiding on furniture. Plus, they’re incredibly thin and small. Unfortunately, this combination allows them to hide and remain hidden for months. Another thing that makes them difficult to spot is the fact they hide during the day and roam at night. Even if you get bit by bedbugs, you might not develop a rash or welt. Some bites will lead to the development of a welt, but others do not. Depending on the situation, you may develop an allergic reaction. Bedbug bites lead to red, itchy welts.

Are You Sure It Is A Bedbug?

Are you sure that you’re dealing with a bedbug? Although professional exterminators can identify them easily, you might not be able to do the same. Unfortunately, these pests are sometimes mistaken for carpet beetles, fleas, and cockroach nymphs. It is pertinent to know what you’re dealing with before calling an exterminator since some charge for inspections. Therefore, you should learn more about the appearance of bedbugs. In general, they’re oval, small, and have six legs. They are always less than 10mm in length. They also have small antennas. Once you’re sure you’re dealing with bedbugs, it is time to call a professional.

Common Signs Of Bedbugs In Your Home

You need to learn how to identify a bedbug infestation. If you can remember the common signs of bedbug infestations, you’ll be able to identify the problem and fix it sooner. Below, you’ll learn more about the common signs of bedbug infestations.

• Bloodstains – After bedbugs consume blood and they get crushed, they’re going to leave a bloodstain on your mattress and covers. If you find many bloodstains on your sheets and covers, it could be a sign of a bedbug infestation.
• Exoskeleton – During their lives, bedbugs will shed their skin multiple times. Although it is disgusting, this makes it easier to identify an infestation. When bedbugs shed their skin, you will find it and you’ll realize you have a problem.
• Eggs – When bedbugs reproduce, they lay eggs. Eventually, those eggs are going to hatch. Then, you’ll be able to find the egg casings in your home.
• Feces – Bedbugs eat frequently. When this happens, they’re going to use the bathroom in your home. Bedbug fecal matter is black and will closely resemble ink spots.
• Bites – Have you been bitten by a bedbug or two? If so, you’ll find red welts on your arms, legs, back, and shoulders. Bites often lead to the development of red, itchy welts.
• The Smell – Don’t forget to smell the room. When the infestation grows, your room will develop a musty, moldy odor.

Inspecting A Home For Bedbugs

Once you become suspicious that your home has bedbugs, it is pertinent to find out for certain. You’ll need to begin searching the room carefully to find out what is going on. Finding out how to properly searching a home for bedbugs can help. Start by checking your bed since most bugs will hide on the mattress and box spring. Get help moving your bed away from the walls in the room. Once you’ve done that, begin searching the mattress and box spring. Remove the sheets and lift the mattress. Check both sides while paying close attention to the folds and cracks. Bedbugs usually group on mattresses, box springs, covers, and bed frames. You’ll want to check these items thoroughly. If you have bedbugs in your home, you’ll likely find them on your mattress. In some cases, you’ll need to take the frame apart so you can see what is hiding in the cracks and crevices. You can use a flashlight to highlight the small cracks and folds. A credit card can help find bedbugs hiding in the baseboards. Carefully check your bedroom’s walls, carpenters, and furniture. Don’t forget to look at your electrical outlet because bedbugs could be hiding there as well. During your search, you’ll want to check for live bedbugs, bedbug eggs, egg casings, and exoskeletons.

Hiring A Qualified Professional

Once you’ve found bedbugs in your home, take steps to get rid of them. One of the first things you should do is grab your clothes, bed sheets, pillowcases, and covers. Throw these items in your dryer and switch to the hottest temperature. Turn on the dryer and let the items dry for 15 minutes or longer. The hot temperatures produced by the dryer will eliminate the pests. Ultimately, this is a good way to eliminate bedbugs hiding on your clothes and sheets. After that, you’ll need to focus on eliminating the bedbugs elsewhere in your home. Although you can try using DIY methods, it is often best to hire a professional and let them tackle it. When you hire an exterminator, a professional will enter your home and perform a thorough inspection. They’ll gather information and develop a plan to combat the problem. With a professional’s help, you’ll get rid of bedbugs, bedbug eggs, and bedbug larvae. Before hiring an exterminator, get multiple quotes and pick the best company for the money.

Questions You May Have

Is There One Bedbug In My Home?

There might be one bedbug in your home, but there are likely more. Bedbugs usually live in large groups so you likely have more bedbugs in your home. Plus, it could be a pregnant female and she might be ready to lay bedbug eggs in your home.

What Is The Best Thing To Do?

Don’t delay getting assistance. You may believe it is only one bedbug, but it could be more. Therefore, it is best to take the problem seriously. Get in touch with a local exterminator.

How Many Bedbugs Does It Take To Create An Infestation?

A bedbug infestation can have hundreds or thousands of bedbugs. There is no exact number.