Bed Bug

Bed Bug FAQs in Northfield, IL

How Do Bed Bugs Enter the Home?

Bed bugs primarily enter the home by hitchhiking on furniture, luggage, clothing, or a person. Once they enter your home, they find their food source. Because they are tiny, it may be impossible to identify them at first, so staying proactive is crucial for prevention.

How Can I Prevent Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are an incredibly common pest across the United States. Finding a bed bug in your home isn’t a sign of uncleanliness. However, there are a few ways to prevent them from taking up residence in your bedroom. Some preventative measures you can take include:

• Inspect Second-Hand Items – If you’ve recently acquired furniture from a friend, relative, or thrift store, inspect it for signs of bed bugs.
• Maintain a Clutter-Free Space – Reduce the number of hiding spots for bed bugs by eliminating clutter.
• Be Cautious When Traveling – When checking into a hotel, inspect the mattress for signs of bed bugs.
• Monitor Your Sleeping Area – Regularly check your bed, bed frame, and surrounding area for signs of bed bugs.
• Call a Pest Control Company – Our skilled and experienced technicians can inspect your home to provide peace of mind.

What Does a Bed Bug Look Like?

Understanding what bed bugs look like is crucial for early detection. Bed bugs have a thorax, six legs, and a segmented abdomen, which allows them to expand when feeding. Young bed bugs, or nymphs, can be challenging to detect. They are typically less than 4 mm long and are translucent or light yellow. After feeding, they become red. Adult bed bugs are oval and are roughly the size of a kennel of corn. Bed bug eggs are challenging to detect and are approximately the size of a pinhead.

Do Bed Bugs Only Live In Mattresses?

Many people think disposing of their mattresses will eliminate bed bugs. While bed bugs get their name from predominantly residing in the folds of mattresses, it is not the only place they live. Simply removing your mattress is not enough, as they’ll live in any dark corner of your home, including the headboard, baseboard, electrical outlet, and carpets. In fact, moving a mattress that could be infested could cause the problem to spread to other rooms or units if it’s in an apartment building.

Can Bed Bugs Fly?

No. Bed bugs cannot fly or leap large distances. Instead, they use their six legs to crawl. Their primary mode of traveling is hitchhiking. They will attach themselves to an article of clothing, piece of furniture, or some other object to move to a new location in search of a food source.

What Do Bedbugs Eat?

The primary food source of bed bugs is human blood. However, they have also been known to feed on other warm-blooded animals, including cats and dogs, if necessary. Bed bugs typically feed at night, while people are generally asleep, so they can eat undisturbed.

What Does a Bedbug Bite Look Like?

Bed bug bites present differently for everyone, but bed bug bites usually appear in a linear pattern, reflecting their feeding habits as they crawl. The bites may appear anywhere the skin was exposed while sleeping, including the legs, arm, stomach, or back. Some people have no reaction at all to bed bug bites. However, others may experience severe itching, swelling, or even an allergic reaction. Over time, repeated bites may lead to increased sensitivity, resulting in more intense reactions.

Do Bed Bugs Carry Diseases?

While their bites are annoying and occasionally uncomfortable, the consensus is that bed bugs do not transmit diseases via bite. However, infection due to itching and scratching the welts left behind from a bite is a genuine concern. Proper wound care and hygiene are recommended to minimize this risk.

How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without Feeding?

Some homeowners think sleeping in a different bed or going on vacation for a week will starve the bed bugs, causing them to die off on their own. Unfortunately, bed bugs can live without a meal for several months. The best way to deal with bed bugs is with a reliable pest control professional.