Where Do Bed Bugs Hide in Your Phoenix Home?
Bed bugs are the most common at home, and Phoenix is no exception. In fact, bed bug infestations are rampant across Phoenix and Greater Phoenix metro area which is one of the largest metro areas in the United States.They are sneaky and persistent, so it is important to know where bed bugs may be hiding in your home. So, where can you find bed bugs in your Phoenix home? This article will explore common hiding places, bed bug signs of infestation, and how to prevent these pests from invading your home.
Common Hiding Place
Bed bugs can be present even in the cleanest of homes, so keep an eye out for these critters in high-traffic areas of your home, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and closets.
Bed bugs are attracted to human body heat, so you can find them in places near their prospect host, such as mattresses and box springs. When not feeding, they like to hide in cracks and crevices around these items, especially the seams. Bed bugs will also hide behind headboards or near upholstered furniture.
They also may lurk behind wall hangings or under carpets and like to hide in small crevices, so pay close attention to cracks and crevices around skirting boards, door frames, and windows.
Bed bugs can be found hiding in furniture such as couches, armchairs, and cushions. Bed bugs also hide in clothing stored in closets or drawers. So be sure to check for bed bugs when you move furniture into your home.
Signs of Infestation
Although bed bugs can be difficult to spot because of their size, there are telltale signs of an infestation.
Musty smell -if you smell an unusual smell in your home, it may indicate bed bug infestation. It is like a pile of dirty laundry smell, but it is actually from pheromones emitted by bed bugs when disturbed.
Bite – Waking up with a bite may signify bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are nocturnal and feed on human or animal blood while the host is in a deep sleep. The bite marks may appear as small red bumps on exposed skin like the neck, face, arms, and legs.
Although bed bug bites can be the same as other bug bites, you can distinguish them by their zigzag pattern on the bite area. So it is always best to find bed bugs to confirm the suspected infestation.
Droppings – Bed bug droppings appear as black or brown spots on surfaces such as mattresses, box springs, bed sheets, and mattress covers. It consists of digested blood, so it doesn’t appear red. Bed bug droppings can be tricky to identify – while they may resemble another pest’s dropping, the best strategy is to investigate further. Look for indications like shed skins and eggs or any indication of blood as an easy way to determine if you have a bed bug infestation in your home.
Shed Skin – Bed bugs shed their skin several times throughout their life cycle, and you can find their shedding in bedding, furniture, and floorboards. Bed bug skin is a small and subtle sign of its presence; it’s translucent tan in color, appearing dry and flaky. It can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, so look for other signs like bites or eggs if you suspect an infestation.
Prevention
To prevent bed bug infestation in your Phoenix home, it is important to monitor for signs of bed bugs regularly. Inspecting your furniture, bedding, and carpets for signs of an infestation is a must.
Vacuum your home regularly, and do not forget to empty the vacuum cleaner after each use, as it can be one of the easiest ways for bed bugs to hitchhike from one place to another.
Keep your home clean and clutter-free. Although, as said above, the bed bug can invade even a clean and tidy home, they like to hide in clutter, so clean up and organize regularly.
It is also important for you to be vigilant about items brought into your home, such as second-hand furniture or clothing from thrift stores. You should carefully inspect items of this nature before bringing them into your home. This will help to reduce the risk of a bed bug infestation.
Finally, if you have noticed signs of bed bugs in your home or are suspected of dealing with an infestation, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Contact an experienced pest control in Phoenix right away. They can provide effective bed bug treatments that will help you get rid of the problem for good.