When is the last time you got a good night’s sleep? Our hope is that you are regularly sleeping well. However, if you are not, we are curious to know why. Is it time for a new bed, a new pillow, new blankets? Do your neighbors make noise in the middle of the night? Are you lying awake wondering if bed bugs are biting you while you sleep?
Although we cannot help you with your neighbors, or the condition of your sleeping area, we can help you find out if bed bugs are around and causing problems. Here are some things you should know about these invading pests, including one simple way to get them out of your Salt Lake City home.
How Bed Bugs Get Around
Most pests crawl and get inside through gaps, cracks, and other openings in the exterior of homes. Bed bugs do not do this. In fact, these pests don’t live outside, or at least not for long periods of time. In order to survive, bed bugs need moderate temperatures, protection from predators, and a steady source of blood to feed on. This is found within human dwellings and places that people congregate often. In order to get from place to place, bed bugs use items people carry around. Anything from a backpack to a couch could be used by these pests to invade your living areas.
Some Ways To Identify Bed Bugs
Although bed bugs themselves are small and hard to spot, the signs they leave behind are not. To help you identify these pests, keep your eyes peeled for these things.
Bloodstains on bed coverings and around sleeping areas
Reddish black fecal droppings around sleeping areas and in corners and cracks around rooms
Live, oval-shaped, apple-seed-sized, reddish-brown pests crawling on items and around sleeping areas
A musty odor in the air
Cream-colored eggs inside cracks and crevices and other secluded areas
Hot Spots For Bed Bug Activity
Now that you know how bed bugs get around and how to identify them, let’s talk about where you are most likely to find these pests. We call these areas bed bug hot spots. Here are a few you should be aware of.
Hotels
Most hotels are bed bug conscious and they thoroughly clean and inspect their rooms between visitors, others are not. Before settling into a hotel room, check the mattress, bed covers, and around the room for signs bed bugs leave behind.
Schools
Bed bugs are similar to lice in that they sometimes use kids to get around. We recommend teaching your kids what bed bugs look like so they can check their book bags each day before coming home.
Busses, Trains & Planes
Bed bugs do not always stay on just one item while traveling. Often they will shift from one piece of luggage to another. While traveling, be cautious where you leave your carry-ons and thoroughly check checked-in luggage before you bring it into your home.
What Should You Do If Your Home Has Bed Bugs
If you suspect your home has a bed bug infestation, this is what you need to do. Start by calling the professionals at Pest Pro Pest Control. One of our friendly service representatives will schedule your Salt Lake City home for a detailed inspection. We will then send out one of our qualified pest technicians to thoroughly evaluate your home to see if bed bugs are around and causing trouble. If they find any, they will let you know and walk you through the steps needed to get them out, before getting to work. Reach out today for our professional bed bug control service or home pest control solutions!