Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and other animals. They are most active at night and prefer to feed while their hosts are sleeping. Bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable.

How to identify bedbugs:

Bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed and have a reddish-brown color. They are flat and oval-shaped, with six legs and two antennae. After feeding, bedbugs become swollen and elongated.

Where do bedbugs come from?

Bedbugs can be found in any type of housing, including homes, hotels, and apartments. They can travel from one place to another on clothing, luggage, and other personal belongings.

How to prevent bedbug infestations:

There are a few things you can do to prevent bedbug infestations:

• Inspect used furniture and bedding before bringing them into your home.
• Wash bedding in hot water (at least 122 degrees Fahrenheit) and dry it on the high heat setting.
• Vacuum regularly and pay close attention to cracks and crevices.
• Seal any cracks or holes in your walls and furniture.

How to get rid of bedbugs

If you do have a bedbug infestation, it is important to take steps to get rid of them immediately. This may involve hiring a professional pest control company or using over-the-counter treatments.

Here are some tips for getting rid of bedbugs:

• Clean all bedding and clothing in hot water and dry it on the high heat setting.
• Vacuum regularly and pay close attention to cracks and crevices.
• Seal any cracks or holes in your walls and furniture.
• Use a bedbug mattress cover to encase your mattress and box spring.
• Consider hiring a professional pest control company.

Bedbug bites

Bedbug bites are typically raised, red welts that appear in a zigzag or linear pattern. The bites can be itchy and uncomfortable, but they usually go away on their own within a few weeks.

How to treat bedbug bites

There is no specific treatment for bedbug bites. However, there are a few things you can do to relieve the itching and discomfort:

• Wash the bites with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress to the bites.
• Use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching.
• Take an oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

If you have a severe reaction to bedbug bites, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, seek medical attention immediately.

Bedbug shapes

Bedbugs are flat, oval-shaped insects with six legs and two antennae. They are about the size of an apple seed and have a reddish-brown color. After feeding, bedbugs become swollen and elongated.

Here is a more detailed description of the different shapes bedbugs can take:

• Unfed bedbugs: Unfed bedbugs are flat and oval-shaped. They are about the size of an apple seed and have a reddish-brown color.
• Fed bedbugs: Fed bedbugs are swollen and elongated. They are about twice the size of unfed bedbugs and have a darker reddish-brown color.
• Bedbug nymphs: Bedbug nymphs are smaller than adult bedbugs, but they have the same oval shape. They are also reddish-brown in color, but they may have lighter markings on their backs.

Bedbugs can also take on different shapes depending on where they are hiding. For example, they can flatten their bodies to fit into tight spaces. They can also curl up into a ball to protect themselves from predators.

Ways to combat bed bugs

Here are some ways to combat bed bugs: 

Inspect used furniture and bedding before bringing them into your home.

Wash bedding in hot water (at least 122 degrees Fahrenheit) and dry it on the high heat setting.

Vacuum regularly and pay close attention to cracks and crevices.

Seal any cracks or holes in your walls and furniture.

Use a bedbug mattress cover to encase your mattress and box spring

Treatment

Heat treatment: Heat treatment is one of the most effective ways to get rid of bed bugs. A professional pest control company will use special equipment to heat your home to a temperature that is lethal to bed bugs.

Chemical treatment: Chemical treatment is another effective way to get rid of bed bugs. A professional pest control company will use special pesticides to kill bed bugs and their eggs.

DIY treatments: There are a number of DIY treatments available for bed bugs, but they are generally not as effective as professional treatments. Some common DIY treatments include using diatomaceous earth, rubbing alcohol, or essential oils.

Additional tips

Move your bed away from the walls. This will make it more difficult for bed bugs to climb into your bed.

Place interceptors under the legs of your bed. Interceptors are small traps that can catch bed bugs as they try to climb up or down the legs of your bed.

Use a dehumidifier. Bed bugs prefer to live in humid environments. Using a dehumidifier can make your home less hospitable to bed bugs.

Be patient and persistent. It may take several treatments to completely get rid of bed bugs.