As a homeowner in Live Oak, you have probably come across numerous species of insects, bugs, and rodents in the area. However, finding bed bugs at home can be a nasty experience. Let’s make one fact clear – unlike many other pests, such as roaches, rats, and mice, bed bugs are not known to spread diseases to humans. That detail may give you some relief, but bed bugs can be a nuisance in other ways. In this post, we are discussing some initial signs of infestation, what you can do to prevent bed bugs, and why calling a Live Oak pest control company is important.
Finding bed bugs
Like many other insects, bed bugs are mainly active at night and feed on blood. Obviously, these parasites need a host. If there are bed bugs in your home, you may find:
- Small-sized blood stains on sheets, linens, and pillowcases
- Bed bug excrement, which may look like dark spots on walls and mattresses
- Shed skin and eggshells close to the mattress and bed
- A musty odor that’s hard to describe
- Bite marks on your body, usually in a row
Beware of the common myths
- Bed bugs are only found in beds: No, you can find these insects everywhere
- Alcohol is enough to kill bed bugs: No, it won’t get rid of the infestation
- Bed bugs can damage wood: No, these pests live on blood
- You can find bed bugs in dirty homes: No, it’s a key factor
What can you do to prevent bed bugs?
- Get rid of clutter around the bed, which can reduce hiding spots for bed bugs.
- Clean your clothing, linens, and sheets in hot water.
- Scrub mattresses every week
- Vacuum the bed area regularly
Calling pest control
While you may feel that DIY hacks are enough to kill bed bugs, calling pest control is your best bet. These companies have the tools, equipment, and resources to get the work done and can ensure that the infestation doesn’t return. You can also go for a maintenance contract for preventive pest control. Typically, heat treatments, EPA-approved chemicals, cryogenic freezing, and fumigation are used for exterminating bed bugs. Call a local pest control company to get an inspection done, and once they know that you have a bed bug situation, they can suggest the best treatment options.
The pest control company may have to repeat treatments to eliminate the infestation entirely.
