One annoyance of discovering that bed bugs have invaded your home is that you have little to no idea how they got in. Unlike other pests in Salt Lake City that invade homes with the use of destruction, bed bugs are brought into your home through contact with other materials. Once brought in, they settle into beds and other similar spots. Find out why these pests only bite at night, the challenges of getting rid of bed bugs on your own, and why the best solution to remove bed bugs from your home is to contact Pest Pro Pest Control for effective pest control in Salt Lake City.
Bed Bug Bites Are Often The First Sign Of An Infestation
Bed bugs are tiny insects that often resemble apple seeds. Once they feed on blood, they swell and turn a red, purple color. For these reasons, signs of a bed bug infestation are commonly mistaken for fleas or cockroaches. While both fleas and bed bugs are known to bite humans and animals, bed bugs in Salt Lake City present less of a threat to your health.
Other signs of a bed bug infestation in Salt Lake City are:
- Odors that smell sweet and musty
- Rust-colored stains on bed sheets, sleepwear, and surrounding objects
- Finding molted skins
- Seeing live bed bugs in folds of bed sheets and mattresses
A noticeable way to distinguish between bed bugs and fleas is their speed. Fleas are equipped with a jumping ability for quick transfer and escape. Bed bugs move a lot slower and have no jumping ability.
Why Bed Bugs Like To Bite Sleeping People
Bed bugs are nocturnal, like many other pests. However, their food source depends on humans and animals, as they live off blood and the carbon dioxide we create when we exhale. Bed bugs are unique because they inject an anticoagulant and a numbing agent when they feed, meaning you will not feel the bite as the blood flows freely. Because of this, bites can take days to appear on the skin.
Bed bug bites are not a threat to humans or animals. However, in the rare cases that a bed bug bite does cause severe allergic reactions, effects may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen tongue
- Blisters
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat
- Feeling extremely ill
We recommend seeking immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur after a bed bug bite.
Why It's Impossible To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs On Your Own
These tiny pests may seem easy to get rid of, but they are far more resilient than you might think. Listed below are some of the reasons bed bugs can be impossible to remove on your own:
- Size: Their tiny size is an advantage to their survival. It allows them to hide behind wallpaper, along baseboards, under floorboards, and inside electrical outlets.
- Evolution: Much like we become immune to certain viruses and diseases, the bed bug exoskeleton has adapted to break down household products commonly used to remove them.
- Reproduction: Female bed bugs spend most of their lives pregnant. They can produce hundreds of eggs in one sitting that hatch and repeat the cycle.
- Food: Bed bugs can survive for over 500 days without food. Bed bugs can consume up to 200% of their body weight in one sitting for survival over long periods.
Don’t let bed bugs get the upper hand in your home by attempting to ward them off yourself. If you notice a bed bug infestation, seek professional help from a certified Salt Lake City bed bug control company near you.
The Best Way To Stop The Bed Bugs From Biting
Prevent bed bugs from entering your Salt Lake City home with the help of Pest Pro Pest Control. Our services promise effective results with plans tailored to your specific needs to get rid of bed bugs in Salt Lake City. Contact us today for an inspection of your home, and be on your way to a restful night of sleep.