Bed bugs are a growing problem in many parts of the U.S. and the world. The tiny insects feed on human or animal blood to obtain nutrients for reproduction and survival. The bites that occur during the night can leave large, reddish welts on the skin. Allergic individuals can suffer worse skin reactions. You can protect your family from bed bugs with active pest control in Modesto.
A Brief History Of The Bed Bug Resurgence
Bed bugs were commonplace in the early 20th century, with most Americans traveling with oil-based insecticides to deter infestations. However, the discovery of DDT by Paul Muller in 1939 changed the bug’s history for nearly four decades. DDT, alongside other insecticides, effectively killed bed bugs, with infestations becoming almost a thing of the past.
However, the bugs have been working their way back into American homes for nearly two decades now. The gradual phasing out of DDT-based products in the 70s led to the emergence of insecticide-resistant species that continue to spread across the nation.
Moreover, increased travel fueled the infestation spread as the bed bugs hitched rides back into homes from infested areas such as hotels. With the invasive pests nearly eliminated in the late 50s, Americans became less vigilant, and fewer people could identify signs of bed bugs in homes.
Most Common Bed Bug Hiding Spots
Bed bugs are excellent at hiding, with most homeowners missing the infestations until they get out of hand. The insects are approximately the size of a poppy seed and can nest comfortably in cracks as thin as a credit card. Here are common areas bed bugs love to hide in:
- Seams of mattresses, carpets, and furniture upholstery
- Cracks in your bed frame or headboard
- Folds in your curtains
- Drawer joints
- Electrical outlets
You need to have a keen eye to spot the bloodthirsty insects hiding in your home. Local pest control for bed bugs can assist in inspecting and identifying the critters in your home.
Three Signs Bed Bugs Leave Behind
Bed bugs are nocturnal, feeding for up to 15 minutes and remaining engorged for days afterward. It can become difficult for homeowners to know if they are hosting the nasty biters. Here are three clear indications you need bed bug pest control in Modesto:
1. Fecal droppings
These droppings will be small, black, and pepper-like in appearance. They could be mistaken for dirt or lint but will be very different if touched. Lint will crumble, while fecal droppings will smear. You may notice these tiny, black specks on your sheets, mattress, or furniture.
2. Blood smudges
This sign is usually found on sheets. As the bugs feed at night, they can accidentally get crushed when their hosts move around. Smudges from their blood are small, dark, and can look like water stains. They are more visible on white or light-colored bed sheets.
3. Eggs
Females will breed in crevices, cracks, and other hiding spots. You may find eggs in areas that have been infested previously, including mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and dressers. The eggs are milky-white with an extended oval shape.
If you notice these signs in your home, seek bed bug control services near you.
Why You Should Skip DIY And Order Professional Bed Bug Control
Your best bet at controlling an infestation is to hire bed bug control companies near you. Bed bugs in Modesto are resistant to multiple types of bug sprays that homeowners typically use. Heat treatments and fumigation require specialized equipment that you don’t have.
Hiring bed bugs control services in Modesto allows you to leave the extermination to experts. Our professional pest exterminators at Insect IQ, Inc. can identify the hiding spots within your home before recommending the best pest control measures to kill the bed bugs. Call us today to learn more about our bed bug pest control service for your home.
