Bed Bug Identification & Prevention

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small, oval insects whose nutrition comes exclusively from the blood of their hosts, which are often humans. Bed bugs do not live full-time on their hosts; they crawl onto their hosts to feed and then retreat back out of sight to their hideouts. Bed bugs are closely associated with people because we are their preferred hosts. If we are unavailable, they can feed on the blood of cats, dogs, rodents, and birds.

In addition to their oval shape, we identify bed bugs by their reddish-brown color, lack of wings, and short antennae. Adults grow to about the size of a lentil or 3/16th of an inch. After feeding, bed bugs become rounder and more elongated.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are biting pests, difficult to control, and quickly establish large populations within our homes, but they aren’t necessarily dangerous. Unlike other blood-feeding pests, bed bugs aren’t currently known to spread disease-causing pathogens to people. However, that doesn’t mean we should open our doors to these unsavory pests. Bed bugs bite through our skin, leaving us vulnerable to infection, and people allergic to their saliva can develop red itchy rashes around the bites. Additionally, people knowing they are sharing a home with bed bugs usually don't experience sound sleep due to the stress and anxiety associated with these pests.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

Bed bugs live where people live and spend their time; it is very easy to unknowingly come into contact with bed bugs while traveling or doing daily activities like going to school or work or when visiting friends or family.

Some of the most common places to encounter bed bugs include:

• Hotels
• Airports and other public transportation hubs
• School and dormitories
• Hospitals
• Shopping centers and secondhand stores
• Apartment buildings
• Movie theaters and libraries

The bed bug is sometimes mistaken for other common pests like ticks, cockroaches, and carpet beetles. Therefore knowing typical bed bug signs is critical to identifying and eliminating an infestation from your home as quickly as possible.

Common signs of a bed bug problem include:

• Finding piles of their exoskeletons under mattresses, pillows, on the floor, or inside drawers or closets
• Discovering rust–colored blood spots (excrement) or drops of blood on mattresses, bedding, pillows, or upholstered furniture
• Noticing a sweet, musty odor has developed within your home, which is a sign of a large bed bug infestation

Bed bugs have adapted to living inside structures with people, and it is important to understand that they can become a problem in any of our homes at any time of the year.

Where will I find bed bugs?

Bed bugs move from structure to structure by hitchhiking. They crawl onto our clothing or belongings and move wherever we take them.

Once introduced into your home, they will find a daytime hiding spot that gives them easy access to their sleeping human hosts. Some of the most common places to discover these hiding pests include the seams of mattresses or upholstered furniture, cracks in headboards, footboards, and walls, behind baseboards, and within electrical outlets.

At first, a bed bug infestation can go unnoticed because they are active while we are sleeping. But as the infestation grows and matures, their large populations won’t be able to remain completely hidden.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Bed bugs have become common household pests; if you ever discover them in your Morristown home, immediately reach out to a professional. Though DIY bed bug treatments are widely available, they are largely ineffective and will cost you time and money. We offer thorough inspections and reoccurring, effective treatments to quickly and completely eradicate bed bugs from New Jersey homes. For the best bed bug control in Morristown, contact us now.