Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

The first step in getting rid of bed bugs is to understand what these pests are, where they come from and what they do. Bed bugs are small, only around a quarter of an inch in length. They are rusty brown in color, and have lengthly antennae. Bed bugs cannot fly, and are not the strongest climbers. They survive by feeding on the blood of living hosts, preferably humans.

Bed bugs got their name because they're most active at night. Because they like to live close to where they feed, they're often found in mattresses. Most people are unaware that they're being bitten, because the bed bug uses a sharp, long beak to extract blood. This beak is so miniscule, it causes no pain when it pierces the skin, much like a mosquito bite. However, in the hours and days following the initial bite, a person may experience uncomfortable symptoms like welts, bumps, blisters, redness, swelling, itching and burning.

Bed bug infestation is commonly discovered by the appearance of dark spotting on mattresses and furniture. This spotting is leftover bed bug waste, and may be accompanied by tiny blood spots, eggs and bed bug eggshells. Bed bugs breed rapidly and in great quantities, and can quickly spread from room to room. This makes them especially troublesome in apartment buildings and hotels.

So how do you go about getting rid of bed bugs? There are several ways. Be sure to keep all upholstery, carpet and furniture clean and vacuumed. You may even want to steam clean your mattresses periodically. Pesticides are often used to get rid of infestation. Rather than dealing with the problem on your own, it's a good idea to retain the services of a qualified exterminator. Your exterminator can offer you a variety of options to rid your home of bed bug infestation. Today's pesticides are safer, and even more effective, than the harmful pesticides of years past.

If you're forced to live with bed bugs for a period of time, there are ways to prevent them from reaching your mattress. Wrap the legs of your bed in double sided tape or petroleum jelly, either of which can prevent these pests from getting to you at night.

To find out more information about getting rid of bed bugs, hop online and do some research. Not only will you find out more information about these pests, you'll find lots of various ways to get rid of them, as well as listings for exterminators in your locality.