Bed Bugs In Cincinnati: What You Need To Know
Bed bugs have been one of the most feared types of home-invading pests for centuries. While these tiny bugs are not known to spread harmful diseases to people or pets, just hearing the word bed bug can make people shudder in fear. This is largely due to the fact that once these invasive bugs enter your home, it is almost impossible to get them out without the help of a professional.
At 1 Stop Pest Control, our experienced Cincinnati pest control technicians understand how to overcome the many challenges associated with bed bug control. We can help you find, identify, and remove these annoying bugs from your home for good.
Telltale Signs Of A Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs are small, typically only about 3/16 of an inch long. When they are unfed, they have flat, brown bodies that are shaped like ovals. After they have been fed, they will become swollen and look like small, red spheres. Whether the bed bugs are fed or unfed, their extremely small size makes them easy to overlook. If you don't see the actual bug in your home, there are some clues that you can look for. Some of the signs of a bed bug infestation include:
- Strong, musty odor that smells like old damp towels
- Dark rust-colored bed bug fecal spot on your bedding and other areas of your home
- Small, white bed bug eggs
- Discarded eggshells and old bed bug skin casings
When a bed bug bites you, it will typically bite several times in the same general area of your body. If you wake up to find several bug bites in a straight line forming a zig-zag pattern, there is a good chance that a bed bug has bitten you in your sleep.
How Serious Is A Bed Bug Infestation?
Bed bugs are not considered to be dangerous or hazardous to your health. However, that doesn't mean that they are completely harmless. While the bug itself may not spread diseases to you, the bug bite it leaves behind on your skin could cause some problems.
Bed bug bites are incredibly itchy. Many people complain that they cannot sleep because the bug bites cause such irritation. After scratching them for a while, some people may develop a skin rash or infection.
Bed bugs have also been known to cause severe allergic reactions in some people. The urine and feces they leave around your home could cause allergies or asthma symptoms in some people.
How To Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Into Your Home
Bed bugs are commonly found in public areas with a lot of foot traffic. Some places where you can find bed bugs include hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and shared laundry facilities.
If you are staying overnight in a hotel, make sure to keep your luggage off the floor because bed bugs can hide in the carpet fibers and climb into your luggage and hitch a ride back to your home. Also, when you return home from an overnight stay, wash and dry your clothes on high heat. If you are using a shared laundry facility, it is a good idea to keep your clothes in a sealed container after they have been washed and dried.
Contact The Pros At The First Sign Of Bed Bugs
If bed bugs have found a way inside your Cincinnati home, don't worry, we are here to help. At 1 Stop Pest Control, we have over a decade of experience dealing with these pesky bugs. We know the quickest and most effective way to get rid of bed bugs for good. Give us a call today to schedule your inspection.