Pest control in Elizabeth City is a challenging endeavor, certainly. Sitting right on the water, our lovely home is also prime real estate for any number of pests and nuisance wildlife. These animals love to work their way onto homes and businesses and can really cause a lot of headaches. It's unavoidable, especially in the warmer months.
Today, we're looking at bed bugs. They aren't nature's most vicious or dangerous pests, but they are persistent and seriously bad roommates. What makes bed bugs particularly scary is that they quite literally feed on our blood, not unlike the way mosquitoes and ticks do.
This handy guide is a must for any homeowners looking to stay one step ahead of invasive pests like bed bugs.
How To Identify A Bed Bug
Want to know how to find bed bugs in Elizabeth City? It can be a little tricky, and we'll touch on why it's usually easier to look for the signs of them rather than the insects themselves. That said, they are reddish or brownish in color and are about the size of an apple seed.
Younger bed bugs are translucent or slightly pale in color and are smaller than their adult counterparts. They can still be seen with the naked eye, however difficult it may be.
Bed Bug Bites Are Usually The First Sign Of A Problem
No matter how hard we try, we may come up short in identifying a bed bug infestation. They are, as their name implies, creatures that like to hide in bedding and other materials that are practically camouflage for them.
Bed bugs also come out primarily when we're already sleeping, using the C02 content in our breath to determine the best time to make their move. That means that detecting them is more about noticing the signs of their presence and not about noticing the bugs themselves.
There are lots of early signs of bed bugs to be on the lookout for, but bites on your skin, particularly small reddish ones that appear in a line or cross pattern, are a good indicator that there may be bed bugs present in your home.
Bed Bug Control Solutions For Elizabeth City Homeowners
If you want to know how to get rid of bed bugs permanently, then pick up the phone! Homeowners don't stand much of a chance at eradicating a full-blown infestation once one has taken hold. Bed bugs can regenerate their population and feed almost entirely out of sight, so there's probably no knowing where the source of their infestation lies.
It's a job best left to the pros at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control. While there are a number of DIY "solutions" online for controlling wildlife of all kinds, these are often ineffective and can be dangerous to homeowners. Further, most pests and wildlife survive much tougher things than what the average person can throw at them! That's why seeking professional pest control to kill bed bugs – and keep them away for good – is so important.
How To Prevent Future Bed Bug Infestations
People ask us, "How long do bed bugs live?" and, "Can we wait out the infestation?" Without a doubt, playing the odds and trying to wait out an infestation of bed bugs is fruitless. If you're dealing with an infestation of bed bugs, only a professional solution will do.
Once they're gone, however, it'll be up to the homeowner to keep their home free and clear of bed bugs in the future. Here are some tips for preventing future bed bug problems:
- Inspect your room for bed bugs anytime you stay somewhere overnight.
- Never place your luggage directly on the floor when traveling.
- Wash and dry your clothes on high heat after you come home from a trip.
While these measures can help you to avoid picking up bed bugs again, if you ever find yourself dealing with an infestation in the future, be sure to call the bed bug control professionals at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control.