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What are these little bugs in my bed?

If you’ve noticed tiny black bugs in your bed, you may have a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped bugs that feed on human blood while people sleep. An infestation can happen in even the cleanest homes, and getting rid of them requires professional treatment. This article will explain what bed bugs look like, where they come from, and how to get rid of them safely.

What do bed bugs look like?

Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, have flat, oval-shaped bodies, and are about the size of an apple seed. Newly hatched bed bugs are tiny and translucent. You may be able to see their black eyes and dark coloring inside their bodies. Bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. They also cannot jump but can quickly crawl across surfaces.

One way to identify a possible bed bug infestation is by looking for physical signs they leave behind. Here are some things to look for:

  • Dark stains from bed bug droppings on sheets, mattresses, and other areas where they hide
  • Whitish yellow skins that are shed as bed bugs grow
  • Rusty-colored blood stains from crushed bugs
  • Pale yellow eggs or empty tan-colored shells

You may also notice a sweet, musty odor from bed bug secretions. If you think you see signs of bed bugs, it’s important to get confirmation by having a professional inspect.

Where do bed bugs hide?

During the day, bed bugs hide in dark, protected areas near where people sleep. Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices. Favorite hiding places include:

  • Bed frames
  • Mattress seams
  • Under mattress tags
  • Behind headboards
  • Inside bedside furniture
  • Behind wall hangings and pictures
  • Under loose wallpaper
  • In clutter around the bed

At night when a person is lying in bed asleep, bed bugs will emerge to feed. They may crawl several feet looking for exposed skin. Common bite sites include the face, neck, arms, and hands.

Where do bed bugs come from?

Bed bugs do not come from poor hygiene or dirtiness. Even five-star hotels can have bed bug problems! They are very good at hiding, so can inadvertently hitchhike into clean homes and businesses on luggage, furniture, clothing, and more. Understanding how an infestation happens is important for controlling the spread.

Ways bed bugs infiltrate your home

  • Used furniture: Bed bugs can hide in crevices of chairs, headboards, couches, etc. Always inspect secondhand furniture carefully.
  • Travel: Hotels and public transportation are common places to pick them up in clothing and luggage.
  • Visitors: Bed bugs unknowingly carried in on a guest’s clothing could fall off and start an infestation.
  • Adjacent apartments: They can crawl through small cracks and holes to spread between units.
  • Laundry facilities: Shared washers and dryers could have bed bugs that transfer to your clothes.

Once established, an infestation can grow rapidly. A female lays up to 500 eggs in her lifetime, at a rate of several per day. With no treatment, a few bugs can turn into thousands within months.

How to inspect for bed bugs

If you suspect you may have bed bugs, a thorough inspection is the next step. Their small size and tendency to hide makes them hard to find. Here are some tips for checking your home:

  • Inspect crevices around the bed frame, mattress, box spring, and headboard using a flashlight.
  • Pull back bedding, including sheets, skirts, and mattress covers, to check the mattress seams.
  • Remove outlet covers, picture frames, curtains, and other items mounted on walls around the bed.
  • Check upholstered furniture, under rugs and carpets, behind baseboards, and in piles of clutter near sleeping areas.
  • Use a crevice tool to inspect cracks and tight spaces.

You can use magnifying glasses and phone cameras to get a closer look. It also helps to use a mechanical blade to scrape at eggs and collect samples. If you find signs of infestation, it’s highly recommended to get professional pest control inspection and treatment.

Bed bug inspection checklist

Print this checklist to take with you and mark areas where you see evidence of bed bugs:

Location Signs of bed bugs?
Bed frame Yes/No
Mattress seams Yes/No
Box spring Yes/No
Headboard Yes/No
Bedding Yes/No
Behind wall hangings Yes/No
Under wallpaper Yes/No
Outlet covers Yes/No
Upholstered furniture Yes/No
Under carpet/rugs Yes/No
Other: Yes/No

How to get rid of bed bugs

Don’t try to tackle a bed bug infestation on your own. These pests are masters at hiding and spreading, so DIY attempts often fail. Professional exterminators have the tools and training to eliminate an infestation and prevent ongoing issues.

Treatment steps

A proper bed bug treatment protocol includes:

  1. Inspection and identification: Confirming you have bed bugs and locating all hideouts.
  2. Preparing the area: Reducing clutter, washing and bagging linens, installing encasements.
  3. Applying pesticides: Using combinations of sprays, dusts, steam, and heat in targeted areas.
  4. Follow-up treatments: To kill bugs that hatch later and prevent re-infestation.
  5. Proofing your home: Caulking cracks and crevices to make it less hospitable.
  6. Monitoring: Continued inspections and trap monitoring.

Depending on the extent of infestation, it may take professional treatments spanning weeks or months to fully eradicate bed bugs. Follow all preparation and post-treatment instructions provided by your pest specialist.

Treatment costs

On average, homeowners pay $500 to $1,000 for initial bed bug control treatment by a pest management professional. Cost depends on the size of home, severity of infestation, and your geographical location.

Here are some examples of average costs:

Treatment Cost
Inspection only $50 – $75
1-2 room home treatment $300 – $600
3-6 room home treatment $600 – $1,200
Follow-up visit $150 – $300
Preparation activities $100 – $500
Proofing + caulking $500 – $2,500
Canine inspection $250 – $350

Severe infestations or large homes with ongoing issues may cost several thousand dollars over multiple treatments. But this investment is worthwhile to be rid of bed bugs and avoid paying for replacement furniture and belongings.

Some pest control companies offer payment plans to help manage costs. You can also save money by doing prep work like laundering fabrics and reducing clutter before the technician arrives.

Preventing bed bugs

Once you have eliminated bed bugs, there are steps you can take to avoid another infestation:

  • Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it home.
  • Check luggage after staying in a hotel and wash clothes immediately.
  • Seal cracks and crevices where pests can enter and hide.
  • Encase mattresses and box springs in covers that trap bugs.
  • Keep clutter away from sleeping areas.
  • Inspect for signs of bed bugs regularly.
  • Treat other affected units to prevent migration between areas.

While bed bugs are difficult to prevent completely, early detection and treatment helps stop them from spreading and avoids a more costly major infestation.

Frequently asked questions

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs feed on blood but do not spread disease. However, their bites can become red, swollen, and itchy. Severe infestations can cause stress, insomnia, and exhaustion. Use over-the-counter anti-itch creams for relief.

Can bed bugs infest my car?

Yes, bed bugs can infest cars if brought inside on clothing or other items. They can hide in seats and carpet. To inspect, check crevices thoroughly with a flashlight. Pest control professionals can safely treat vehicles.

Do bed bug bites go away?

The red welts and itching from bed bug bites usually go away within 1-2 weeks. Try not to scratch as this can lead to skin infection. Use hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines to help manage itching as they heal.

How do I choose a pest control company?

Look for licensed, experienced exterminators with positive reviews for bed bug treatment. The company should do a thorough inspection first and explain their full treatment plan. Get at least 3 estimates before selecting a professional.

Conclusion

Discovering bed bugs can be disturbing, but take heart – with professional treatment, you can eliminate them and prevent their return. A thorough inspection is the crucial first step in identifying all nesting spots so they can be targeted. Be extremely wary of companies making unrealistic promises of overnight cures. Effective treatment takes patience and diligence overseen by an expert. With persistence, you can be bed bug free and sleep easy again.