OKC Bed Bugs … What Are They?
In OKC, bed bugs are appearing more often. These small, reddish-brown blood-sucking insects get their name from feeding on humans while they sleep. Bed bugs also target other warm-blooded mammals like cats and dogs. If that’s not enough to cause concern, female bed bugs can produce hundreds of eggs throughout their lifetime. These eggs can be as small as a speck of dust. Due to how small adult bed bugs are, they often go unnoticed in public places. This allows them to hitch a ride on backpacks, pants, shoes, and coats and go unnoticed.
Why are bed bugs in my home?
As mentioned above, bed bugs are travelers. They often find their way into homes with little to no difficulty. Once bed bugs are introduced into a residence, they have little issue making themselves feel at home. They find themselves taking refuge in beds, wood, picture frames, and even electrical plates.
Bed bugs can make their way into the home in more ways than just attached to personal effects. When bringing in second-hand furniture, it is always a good idea to check it for bed bugs and other hazardous insects. Another common hiding place for bed bugs is in suitcases. Inspecting, vacuuming, and cleaning a suitcase after a trip in a smart way to avoid an infestation once home. Once that is done, washing every piece of clothing carried in said suitcase is also a good way to minimize the chance of an infestation.
The Signs of Bed Bugs…
While bed bugs may be hard to see when they first find their way into the home, they don’t tend to stay hidden for long. The first signs may be itchy patches on the skin that appeared overnight.
Other signs include:
- Blood stains on the sheets or pillowcases.
- Dark/rusty colored spots due to bed bugs excrement on sheets, mattresses, or walls.
- Finding eggshells and skin near the bed or around the home
- A offensive, musty odor from the bugs’ scent gland
In the event of a suspected bed bug infestation, begin checking bedding and around the bed for the above signs. Check box springs, headboards, and bedside stands for molted skin, empty eggshells, and of course, bed bugs themselves.
Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, flat, and about 3/16th of an inch long before feeding. Like many insects, they have 6 legs, and 2 antennae. While they have “wing pads”, bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. After feeding, the pests become redder in color and swell up in size.
The Threat of Bed Bugs:
As scary as bed bugs sound, they pose no real threat to life at this time. Their bites, while causing red, itchy welts require no professional treatment and are relatively harmless. If there is excessive itching, it’s nothing a topical steroid cream can’t handle. The other good news is that bed bugs can’t carry diseases.
However, the bad news is, if the infestation persists it can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Laying around hundreds of eggs over their lifetime, it’s no wonder bed bug infestation can take a grip of a home so quickly.
How to get rid of OKC Bed Bugs
Call Priority Pest & Mosquito Solutions
If you think you can simply wash your sheets and vacuum your mattress, think again! Bed bugs are very small and can hide in many hidden places. The pros at Priority Pest have been cleaning up bed bug problems for 10+ years. All you have to do is call and schedule an appointment. Same day/next day appointments may be available!
Why Priority Pest & Mosquito Solutions?
Not only do we have top-tier Customer Care and Support, but we also provide thorough estimates, prompt service, and guaranteed results! With over 10 years of service to the OKC Metro, Priority Pest & Mosquito Solutions is committed to ongoing, affordable, and effective pest control. Call today to get the best pest and mosquito solutions OKC has to offer!