Bed Bug Identification & Prevention Guide

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of animals – preferably human. They are nocturnal and most active right before dawn. Bed bugs are wingless and do not jump; to move from place to place, they hitchhike by crawling onto people or their belongings. Bed bugs are an oval shape and flattened from top to bottom, and their brownish-red bodies measure about 1/4 of an inch in length, resembling an apple seed with legs.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are mainly considered nuisance pests. However, there are various reasons why these biting insects should never be allowed to live in your house. Those who are allergic to their saliva may develop itchy allergic reactions at the bite site. If the reaction becomes severe or the bites become infected, medical attention may be required. Bed bugs are also capable of harboring some disease-causing pathogens. Besides the physical problems bed bugs cause, knowing these biting pests are in your home can lead to interrupted sleep for you and your family.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

Bed bugs can become a problem inside of any home. They are indoor pests, and our temperature-controlled houses allow them to thrive year-round. Due to their small size and ability to hide, bed bugs are unfortunately a problematic pest to try to avoid. After coming into contact with bed bugs in a public place and introducing them into your home, they will seek refuge in dark cracks and crevices. Bed bugs are prolific breeders, and just a few adults can create a large infestation in a relatively short time.

Where will I find bed bugs?

Humans are a bed bug's primary source of food, which means that bed bugs live wherever there are people. Homes, hotels, apartments, health care facilities, dormitories, movie theaters, schools, and airports are all examples of common places where you may find bed bugs.

Inside your home, bed bugs typically first take up residence in sleeping areas. They hide behind baseboards, in the seams of mattresses and box springs, in the cracks of wooden furniture, and in the wall voids behind electrical outlets. Eventually, these bed bugs will spread out from sleeping areas and find their way into other rooms by traveling through walls and underneath floors, quickly infesting all throughout your home.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

For home and business owners who want to eliminate bed bugs from their property, partnering with a professional is the best way to be successful. At Jury Pest Services, we provide exceptional pest solving strategies that will eliminate bed bugs and prevent their return. Our green pest control solutions protect the environment, while still being effective against our area’s toughest pests. Serving Richmond County in Georgia and Aiken County in South Carolina, Jury Pest Services is committed to our customers and to providing trustworthy pest control services. We also provide our professional pest control services to homes and businesses in Columbia County, GA, Edgefield County, SC, Barnwell County, SC, and beyond. To learn more about our bed bug control services, contact Jury Pest Services today!

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

In addition to the professional bed bug control services offered by Jury Pest Services, use the following tips to help prevent problems with bed bugs:

• When returning home from travel, always wash and dry all clothing on the highest heat setting possible.

• Never purchase used furniture, mattresses, and box springs for use inside of your home.

• Place bed bug-proof covers over all mattresses and box springs in your home.

• Always keep your personal belongings up off of the floor in public places.

• Keep your bags and coats away from other people's belongings when in public.

• Regularly vacuum your floors and the seams of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture.

• Always inspect your hotel room or another type of rental for bed bugs before bringing your luggage inside.