Are These Bed Bugs In My Redding Home?

You heard about them when you were a kid. They were written into bedtime rhymes whispered by parents, and a curiosity for many. Now as adults, bed bugs are more than a nighttime ritual, they are a real problem that plague homeowners around the world. Unfortunately, most people were not informed when they were kids on how to identify these invading, sleep-wrecking pests. This is what we are here today to do. Are there bed bugs in your Redding home? Let’s find out together.

How Often Do You Travel?

Do you travel often, either for work or pleasure? If you do, you could have an increased chance of bringing bed bugs home with you. This is because bed bugs travel when people do. Instead of crawling into homes through gaps, cracks, and other openings, these pests use carried items to get around. Every time you stay in a hotel, set your bag down at an airport, or step into a public area, you run the risk of picking up bed bugs. Some common hotspots for bed bug activity include hotels, hospitals, schools, airports, and entertainment centers.

Do You Know What Bed Bugs Look Like?

Most people have heard of bed bugs but don’t know what they look like. Some people believe the myth that these pests are too small to see. The truth is, bed bugs are large enough to perceive with the naked eye. Adult bed bugs are roughly 5-7 mm long, reddish-brown, and oval-shaped. Younger bed bugs may appear lighter in color ranging from cream-colored to light reddish-brown.

You Don’t Have To See Bed Bugs To Identify Them

If one thing is true about bed bugs it’s that they are elusive. More often than not, you won’t identify these pests by their appearance but rather by the signs they leave behind. Here are some things you should look for around your Redding home.

Blood Stains

Bed bugs do not know when to stop feeding. After taking a few long draws of blood from a victim, they will slowly crawl away, leaking droplets in the process. These droplets dry on bed coverings and turn a rusty dark red color, in time.

Fecal Droppings

After processing a blood meal, bed bugs excrete dark red fecal droppings. Look for these excretions around sleeping areas and around your home in secluded areas like inside cracks, crevices, and furniture.

Egg Shells & Eggs

Bed bugs lay their eggs inside cracks, crevices, and other tight, secluded areas around homes. Use a flashlight to check these areas for cream-colored specks.

Some Ways To Avoid Bed Bugs

The best way to avoid bed bugs is to know what they look like and be aware of the places they hide. Then, while you are traveling, inspect rooms you will be staying in for signs of activity before settling in. Also, be conscientious to not leave bags or other items in one place for more than 20 minutes. This is all the time bed bugs need to crawl over. Finally, inform your family and friends of what they need to know to prevent these pests.

What To Do If Bed Bugs Infest Your Home

If you suspect your home has an active bed bug infestation, here is how you find out for certain. Call the experts at Jefferson Pest Control. We will send one of our highly trained technicians your way ASAP to inspect your Redding home, identify bed bug activity, and address any bed bugs they find. Contact us today with questions you have about pests and start your journey to a bed bug-free home. We provide both residential pest control as well as commercial pest management services.