When we think of the most terrifying bugs we can imagine the usual culprits come to mind: tarantula spider, scorpion, brown recluse spider, and the black widow spider. In the United States there is an epidemic raging that is causing more fear than any of those bugs. According to a study done at Mississippi State University, bed bugs can cause long lasting anxiety and PTSD symptoms (see study).
Bed bugs used to be associated with wayward motels and downtrodden neighborhoods, but no more. Bed bugs are being found throughout the country across all economic and cultural lines. They are everywhere and not just in homes and beds. Bed bugs are being found in places such as nursing homes, schools and daycare centers, offices, college dorms, hospitals and public transportation. One of the leading places to pick up bed bugs is actually the seat on an airplane.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, to identify a possible infestation, look for physical signs of bed bugs. When cleaning, changing bedding, or staying away from home, look for:
- Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed.
- Dark spots (about this size: •), which are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would.
- Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale-yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.
- Live bed bugs.
There are also the physical signs that you have been bitten by bed bugs. You may have clusters of several red, raised, vaguely round marks all over your body. They will appear on the places where your skin is likely exposed, such as arms, shoulders and legs. In some people these bites may itch as well. There will also more than likely be bloodstains on the bed sheets. Bed bugs do carry diseases, so if any of these signs are present, call Amigos Pest Solution right way. We will come and give you a comprehensive inspection and get the infestation under control and eradicated before it can spread elsewhere in your home.