No matter where you live, bed bugs are proving to be more and more of a serious problem. Bed bug infestations are on the rise across the country with many pest management companies reporting a drastic increase of bed bug calls over the last few years. At times, bed bugs are hard to notice by even the pest professionals, which is one of the reasons why they are considered the hardest pest to eliminate. Though many of us equate bed bugs with unsanitary conditions, the reality is that even world-class hotels and other high-end establishments have suffered infestations. Read on to learn more about bed bugs in Charleston, South Carolina.
About Bed Bugs in Charleston
Adult bed bugs do not have wings, so they are unable to fly. To move around, they use their six tiny legs. Adult bed bugs are roughly the size of an apple seed and appear reddish-brown in color.
Bed bugs have three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Both male and female nymphs feed on blood. They eat about once per week and must consume blood to survive to adulthood. Females must also feed on blood in order to mate and lay eggs, which resemble grains of salt. Adult females typically live for around a year in favorable conditions and can lay hundreds of eggs during their lifespan.
How to Spot Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can be hard to find. Often, the first sign that your home may have bed bugs is unexplained bites or skin irritation. However, not everyone reacts to bed bugs in the same way. Some people have a reaction several days after being bitten, while some may never react at all.
Actually spotting bed bugs is a good first indicator of an infestation. Since bed bugs are more likely to bite when humans are asleep, the bedroom is often the first place to start an inspection. Bed bugs prefer to be in groups so are often found together. Look for bed bugs in obscure hiding places such as mattress seams, along headboards, in cracks or gaps in the wall, along baseboards, in night stands, or any other area within several feet of the bed.
Look for bed bugs’ black-colored fecal matter, their cast skins, and blood spots on the sheets or bedding. While this inspection can be done by a homeowner, it is best to have a professional do the work, as they have been trained in what to look for. At Dodson Pest Control, we even have specially trained bed bug dogs that can sniff out any hiding bed bugs.
How Do You Get Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs make their way into homes and businesses by latching onto items brought in from an infested location. These items may include clothing, luggage, backpacks, furniture, and many other objects. To avoid bed bugs, thoroughly inspect any personal items after traveling and be wary of any “new” items brought in.
What to Do
Successfully removing bed bugs is a job for a pest management professional experienced in bed bug control. It is NOT a Do-It-Yourself project. The sooner pests are found, the less extensive the infestation is and the more treatment options remain available, plus the treatment should be less expensive as well.
If you are in Charleston, S.C., and suspect a bed bug problem, let our experts handle it. Contact us for a free inspection today.
