Bed Bug Pest Control (Greensboro Exterminators)

In this article, Go-Forth Pest Control, the leading pest control company in the Triad region, would like to talk about the insects that terrorized, and continue to terrorize, millions of Americans each year. They will also share some tips and tricks on how to get rid of bed bugs for good. At the end of this article, you will be well-equipped on how to prevent bed bug infestation in your house.

So, keep reading and you will find out more about these pests.

History Of Bed Bugs In The United States

So how did our Greensboro residents get these pesky insects? Bed bugs first appeared in the United States during the 18th century through the ships that traveled here from all over the world. After arriving here, bed bugs terrorized homeowners in the early to middle of the 1900s. Due to advancements in pest control technology however, the bed bug population was successfully controlled in the 1950s. Mankind enjoyed relative peace as they slept every night for 4 decades straight. That was until the 1990’s when bed bugs made a huge comeback. Now, bed bugs are stronger than ever, having developed resistance to some of the pesticides that once helped eradicate them.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that are brown in color, with flat bodies that are oval in shape. They are the size of an apple seed. They grow to only about 5 mm to 7 mm.

A bed bug’s body has three segments: the head, thorax, and the abdomen.  It has two eyes, six legs, and two antennae. Its mouthparts have teeth that can pierce human skin and jaws that are strong enough to bite. Inside its body, the male bed bug has a scent gland, testis, and intestines. On the other hand, a female bed bug has scent glands, intestines, eumycetoma, ovaries, ovarioles, and a genital chamber.

Bed bugs are bloodsuckers that feed on human and animal blood. They are nocturnal creatures, which is probably a result of their hosts being asleep at night and is the only time bed bugs can feed on them. After a blood meal, they turn bodies bloat and turn red.  

What Happens When Bed Bugs Bite?

Bed bugs attack you when you sleep at night when you are defenseless. Their bites are painless because they secrete an enzyme that makes you feel numb to their bites. After secretion of that enzyme, then they suck some blood until they bloat.

Initially, you would not feel the bed bug bites. Its effects will turn up after 7 days to 2 weeks, in which time the bites would start to appear. They look unsightly and, to be frank, very embarrassing. They appear as red bumps on the skin, arranged in a vertical line. They are in clusters, and each cluster is composed of 3 to 5 bites. Then, the itching would begin.

Since most people do not see the bed bugs, they commonly mistake these bites like mosquito bites. Mosquito bites, however, do not appear in clusters. To be certain that the bites on your skin indeed bed bug bites, look for these signs.

Bed Bug Signs

Looking for bed bug infestation signs is important since getting rid of them as quickly as possible has to be done. These pests multiply quickly, and the more they are, the harder it would be to get rid of them.

Here are signs that you have bed bugs. 

1. Bed bug excrement on your sheets, pillows, and mattresses. These look like black or brown specks of dirt.

2. Tiny specks of blood on the sheets, blankets, mattress pads, headboard, and box springs. These could be bed bugs that were crushed to death.

3. A sweet, musty odor. Bed bugs have scent glands that produce such an odor as it helps them communicate with one another.  

4. Presence of eggs. Female bed bugs lay eggs after mating. The eggs are white and oval in shape. They typically lay their eggs in cracks and crevices. Since bed bugs are the size of an apple seed, the eggs are small too.

5. Exoskeletons. Bed bugs normally shed their outer shells. If you see shell-like remains on your bed, then these probably belong to the bed bugs.

6. Actually seeing a bed bug.

Do remember that bed bug bites show up a week or two after the bite, so these are not accurate signs for you. By the time you discover you were bitten by these pests, it would probably be too late.  

Treating Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites normally heal on their own after a few days. However, if you wish to treat them, you can by using these tips.

1. Wash the area of the bite with soap and water. This will reduce itchiness and prevent infection.

2. Apply corticosteroid cream to the bites. There are over-the-counter corticosteroids that you can purchase freely; stronger ones need a prescription.  

However, if these conditions are present, you need to consult a dermatologist.

1. Blisters

2. Skin infection

3. Allergic skin reaction

4. Many bites

Bed Bugs As High Health Risks

Bed bugs are considered as high health risks by three United States government agencies, namely the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Center for Disease Control, and the Environmental Protection Agency. This tells a lot about the dangerous effects of bed bugs.

Even though there is no conclusive evidence yet that bed bugs can transmit diseases, they are dangerous to homeowners. People with bed bug infestation problems report cases of stress, anxiety, insomnia, social isolation, and even depression. These are mental health issues that are just as debilitating as a physical illness.  

Hiding Places For Bed Bugs

Bed bugs initially go to the bedrooms, usually hiding in beds. This is because they need to be near their food source, which is humans. They can be found on mattresses, on the bed frames, on the headboards, and on the pillows and pillowcases. Bed bugs reproduce very quickly and could easily scatter all over the place; not just in your bedroom, but in the entire house. They can be found in cracks and crevices of the walls and floors, in drawers, electrical receptacles, in cabinets, clothes, and furniture. They will also have a tendency to move to your neighbor next door. An adult female bed bug can lay hundreds of eggs in its lifetime. When bed bug infestation becomes heavy, they can even scatter to the next-door apartment, if you are living in a multi-unit home. 

How Did I Get Bed Bugs?

The biggest reason why bed bugs made a huge comeback is due to the increase in travel. Modern technology has made traveling easier, safer, and a lot more common than ever.

Travelers are the source of bed bugs, though not a fault of their own. Bed bugs are very good hitchhikers. They can easily attach to luggage, clothes, and other materials that you bring with you home.

Bed bugs are not choosy about the place they stay in. Whether the place is a 5-star hotel, a cheap motel, a big mansion, or a humble apartment, bed bugs would not mind living in them as long as there are humans to host them. This is why travelers have to be aware of their surroundings and inspect for bed bugs first.

Another way a house gets infested with bed bugs is when you buy from a garage sale. The seller’s home may have bed bugs, and if they are selling their stuff like furniture, clothes, or bags, it is possible that a few bed bugs are hiding in them.

If you already have bed bug infestation problems, you need help. It is virtually impossible to stop them by yourself once they increase in numbers. For this problem, you will need a professional pest control service. Of course, you would only want the best.

For the best pest control service in Greensboro, call Go-Forth Pest Control. 

Why Go-Forth Pest Control?

Go-Forth Pest Control will help you get rid of these pesky bed bugs. We use family-friendly and pet-friendly methods of pest control, so you can be sure that you and your family are safe. Our years of experience make us the best company for the job of killing pests.

We are the best-reviewed pest control company on social media. For more information, or to request for a free quote click here.