How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Your Virginia Home

Bed bugs have long been known as unwanted guests in homes. Infestations are often hard to spot until they become widespread. Many people mistake bed bug bites for a rash or misidentify the pests, delaying homeowners from taking action. Bed bugs are also notoriously hard to treat without professional bed bug pest control in Virginia. 

With a little education, identification of bed bugs is easy and allows you to act right away at the first signs of an infestation. If you discover you have an infestation, there are several ways to alleviate this troublesome problem. Learn more about how to get rid of bed bugs and why Albemarle Termite & Pest Control is one of the most trusted sources of pest control in Virginia.

How To Identify A Bed Bug Infestation

One of the most important elements of effective bed bug control is properly identifying these pests. Adult bed bugs are a mahogany color and have a flat shape, but they become round and more of a reddish-brown color after feeding. Bed bug nymphs are colorless. They have six legs, and two antennae and are roughly 1/4" long.

Adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. The most common places bed bugs are found are within mattress seams and box springs. If you have an infestation, you may notice reddish-brown streaks or marks on bedding from the fecal matter bed bugs excrete while feeding. You may also have bites on your body, which are typically small, red, and itchy. Bed bugs also molt as they grow, so you might notice their shed skins around your home. When you spot any of these telltale signs, it's time to contact a local pest control for bed bugs. 

The Problems Biting Bed Bugs Can Cause In Your Home

While bed bugs do not transmit disease, they are a public health nuisance pest and still cause issues within homes. Here is a list of the major problems:

• Allergies: Most people who experience bed bug bites will have a minimal reaction or none at all, but some are at risk of a serious allergic reaction. In rare cases, bed bug bites can affect the entire body or lead to anaphylaxis.
• Secondary Infection: Bed bug bites that become infected have been known to cause conditions like impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis.
• Mental Health Impacts: Having a bed bug infestation or discovering bites on your body can lead to anxiety. People may also experience insomnia or trouble sleeping.

Hiring a trusted bed bug pest control near you like Albemarle Termite & Pest Control is the first step towards becoming bed bug-free.

How Bed Bugs Find Their Way Into Homes

Bed bugs are expert travelers. They hitch a ride on whatever they can to get from one place to another. The below list contains some of the most common places bed bugs are found.

• Used furniture
• Luggage
• Public transportation
• Airplanes
• Hotel bedding

A good method of bed bug control is to check your belongings whenever you get home from a trip or use public transportation. Always inspect any used furniture before purchasing. Consider placing your luggage on a stand instead of on the ground whenever staying in a hotel.

The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Your Home

Treatment services from an expert in bed bug pest control in Virginia are the best way to stop an infestation. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, we offer affordable home pest control plans and services to keep your home pest-free all year long. Call us today for more information on how pest control can kill bed bugs and schedule a free inspection.