Bed bugs can be very difficult to spot, but they are not invisible to the naked eye. If you suspect that you have bed bugs, a close inspection of the affected area will reveal them if you know what you are looking for. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed or smaller. Bed bugs that haven’t recently fed are long, brown, and oval-shaped. Those that have recently fed will appear more swollen and balloon-like with a reddish-brown hue. Bed bugs even have a musty “sweet” odor that is produced through glands on the lower side of their body. Younger bed bugs, called nymphs, are smaller and will have a translucent or a yellowish-white color to them.

How Do You Get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs can be found in every state in the country. They don’t just come from hotels or dirty environments. In fact, there are a myriad of ways bed bugs can find their way into your Eureka home. Bed bugs can survive in most public places and will hitch a ride into your home on your baggage or clothing. They can come from daycares and schools, hospitals, other homes, your workplace, and any other place where people congregate. Since bed bugs are so widespread and can be transported so easily, there are a number of ways you can pick them up and take them elsewhere.

Bed bugs are nocturnal, parasitic, blood-feeding insects. They prefer to feed on human blood though they will also feed on your pets. Unlike other blood-feasting bugs, however, bed bugs don’t have a way to get near their food source. They can’t fly like mosquitos, and they can’t attach to a food source like ticks, so they live near the food source and feed when it is safe to do so.

Signs Of A Bed Bug Infestation

Despite the name, bed bugs aren’t only found in beds. They can be found in dark crevices near where you sleep, behind loose wallpaper and paneling, on furniture, and anywhere near where a food source is sleeping.

Even if you don’t actually spot the bed bugs, there are several signs you have an infestation including blood stains on sheets, pillows, and pillowcases, little dark fecal spots, shed skin, and eggshells. Bites on your body aren’t always a sign of bed bugs because they could be caused by any number of other insects, but bites and excessive itching are certainly enough reason to consider the possibility of bed bugs.

While bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, their bites can cause rashes, itching, and even allergic reactions, so it’s important to take action as soon as you spot any of the signs of a bed bug infestation.

How to Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Once You Have A Problem

Getting rid of bed bugs in your Eureka, CA home isn’t an easy task. To minimize bed bugs, be sure to inspect and wash your clothing after travel. Furthermore, wash your bedding regularly and try not to bring second-hand items into your home unless you inspect the items carefully. When traveling, keep a flashlight handy for close inspection of your environment and keep luggage and clothing off of the beds and floor.

If you have a bed bug infestation, you may be tempted to use DIY methods to solve the problem. Though these methods may seem to work, bed bugs will hide and survive for months without food when threatened. Therefore, your problem will likely return in the future. In the end, it's best to contact a professional to eliminate your bed bug problem completely.

Accurate Termite & Pest Solutions Is The Answer

When you have a bed bug infestation in your Eureka, CA home, your best bet for the complete elimination of the problem is Accurate Termite and Pest Solutions. We combine top-level professional pest control with exceptional customer service to exceed your expectations in all aspects of pest control. We also offer free pest inspections, a pest-free guarantee, and 24-hour emergency service. Call us at (707) 682-7637 and let us get rid of thebed bugs in your Eureka home today.