Have you slept (at least once) throughout the night on a bed infested with blood-sucking bed bugs? It’s like a nightmare coming true! Several people have woke up with tell-tale signs like bites, rashes and in worst case allergic reaction. Besides, these nocturnal creatures have played a villain forcing several in the hospitality industry on the brink of bankruptcy.
If you are facing the menace of these sly critters, here are a few things that you should know, as it will help you get rid of them:
What Are Bed Bugs?
Stealth as they are, these insects are hard to spot. However, if you ever notice tiny, oval-shaped creature rapidly crawling over the edge of your mattress, be assured it’s a bed bug. It’s an indication that there’s an entire colony (happily) thriving and procreating in your mattress.
These microscopic critters feed solely on animal and human blood. While you are fast asleep, these pests scurry over your body to get a good feed.
These pesky parasites use their long beaks to pierce through your skin and suck up the blood. Since their saliva contains mild anaesthesia, you don’t feel them biting while you are asleep. You realise its presence when multiple welts suddenly erupt all over your body.
Most people tend to blame mosquitoes or allergies for the itchy red spots, while completely ignoring the probability of having bed bugs.
How to Identify Bed Bug Infestation?
Bed bugs are sort of social beings and prefer to live in groups. So, you spot even a single vermin, there’s a high possibility that an entire colony is buried deep within mattresses, headboards, bed frames, beneath the carpet.
They are hard to spot, however in a rare occurrence, you might find a live bug moving along the seam of the mattress. Moreover, the best way to identify an infestation is to look out for old skins these insects shed or a trail of excreta they left behind.
Above all these, if you wake up scratching your body, don’t blame it on allergy or a mosquito. It might the work of bed bugs.
How Do the Bed Bugs Find Their Way Into Your Property?
Whether it’s a home, office or hotel room, bed bug-infestation is quite common! These creatures often hitch a ride on shoes, luggage or clothes.
It’s even observed that second-hand furniture sometimes acts like the “Trojan Horse”. You might be super happy to get a beautiful couch at a good price, without realising that it may harbour a swarm of blood-sucking bugs.
How Do You Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?
The bed bugs are like those unwelcomed guests; once they’re in, it becomes almost impossible to get rid of them.
There are numerous tips on the internet that talks about several DIY and home remedies to keep these pests at bay. However, let’s understand that these creatures have developed a resistance to the usual treatments. In other words, it’s not easy to kill off these pests with your regular insecticides.
Therefore, it’s best to call in a professional to inspect the extent of the infestation and devise a sure shot plan to eradicate their menace for once and all. Using a combination of appropriate insecticides and their expertise, you can easily get rid of these stubborn critters.