Do You Have a Bedbug Infestation?

By Renee Garcia

Do you know how a bedbug infestation starts? There are many possible ways with which bedbugs can enter your homes. For instance, you could have stayed in a hotel that is infested with bedbugs. And because you did not know this, the bedbugs could enter your house through your luggage.

Another way of getting bedbugs into your house is by buying used clothing or furniture. Also, if you live in a multi-unit apartment, building, or condominium, bedbugs can get from one place to the other through pets. It only takes getting in contact with these insects. Bedbugs can hitch a ride on your clothes or your shoelaces.

You must be aware whether you have a bedbug infestation or not. Bedbug bites are the first sign of infestation. These bite marks can be raised or flat lesions that are pinkish to red in color. Bedbug bites are easily identified because of their linear pattern.

A burning sensation and itchiness can be caused by the bedbug bites. To treat these, antihistamines or systemic corticosteroids are prescribed. And if you want the bedbug bites to disappear, topical corticosteroids are applied. It is advised not to scratch the lesions as this will cause scarring.

Once you have established that what you have are bedbug bites, finding the insects is the next step in determining bedbug infestation. You can begin with the mattress or sofa as these are the most preferred habitats of bedbugs.

Look for cracks or holes in the mattress or sofa. Also inspect for brown or red spots. The brown spots are the fecal matter of bedbugs. While the red spots are from blood of the crushed insects. If you see these signs, you definitely have a bedbug infestation.

How do bedbugs look like? The adult forms of these insects are wingless and reddish-brown. Adult bedbugs have flat oval bodies with a banded look because of the microscopic hairs. On the other hand, nymphs are lighter in color and translucent.

Now you know that you have a bedbug infestation. Call an exterminator to get rid of them. - 30195

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here