Check for Early Signs of Bed Bugs with Rose Pest Solutions
Summer is a season filled with vacation and fun summer activities, but it’s also a season full of increased pest threats. With increased vacations, traveling, and resort stays, bed bugs can be a common fear during the summer. Bed bugs are tolerant to varying temperatures, and they stay active all year. Increased travel in the summer months result cause a peak in bed bug transfer. We experience higher volumes of calls for bed bugs in the winter due to the time it takes for a bed bug to settle in, reproduce, and start biting for people to notice they have an infestation. We’re here to help you stay vigilant and avoid bringing bed bugs home during your travels. To prevent a bed bug infestation, familiarize yourself with the signs of bed bugs and take steps to help stop the spread of these invasive pests.
Are Bed Bugs Worse in the Summer vs. the Winter?
Summer is known as the peak season for bed bug activity. However, bed bugs aren’t a seasonal pest as they’re active year-round. Bed bugs seek heat signatures to find blood to feed on. If a house is warmer in the summer due to lack of air conditioning, bed bugs may be more active instead of hiding in cryptic places. They are known to be at their peak from June to October. The real reason why bed bugs seem worse in the summer is due to an increase in travel and movement during peak vacation time. Increased travel during the summer allows bed bugs to move from place to place quickly and spread from one location to many. Bed bugs are active year-round, including during the winter.
What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?
It’s important to know what you’re looking for when checking for the presence of bed bugs. Adult bed bugs are oval and approximately the size of an apple seed. They have flat bodies that swell after feeding. Depending on whether or not they’ve fed recently, they can be either translucent or reddish brown in color. They darken as they take blood meals or molt into older life cycle stages. Bed bugs have six legs with antennae that point forward and are about half as long as the body. They lay small, pear-shaped eggs that are sticky and whitish. Bed bug nymphs are nearly colorless but turn brown as they grow older.
How to Inspect for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are typically found in and around beds and mattresses because that’s where their meal spends a lot of time. Check the mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and nearby furniture. Our pest control experts at Rose Pest Solutions recommend removing the sheets and checking for signs of bugs. Use a flashlight to inspect the mattress and box spring. Pay close attention to the seams. Check anything stored under the bed, including drawers, crevices, narrow spaces, electronics, and wall hangings. Look out for the following signs of bed bug presence:
- Bites: If you notice a pattern of bites when you wake up in the morning accompanied by a rash, you may have bed bugs. Bed bugs tend to bite in a linear pattern, unlike mosquitos which bite at random or fleas which only bite your ankles and feet.
- Blood stains: If you see brown or red blood stains on your bedding or pillowcase, look in the mattress seams for signs of bed bugs.
- Flecks of insect skin and feces: Look out for black flecks the size of ground black pepper, as well as shed shells in bed seams, furniture, and wall outlets.
- Smell: Bed bugs release a pheromone that gives off a distinct smell due to digested blood, often compared to the scent of a locker room or a wet towel.
What Should I Do If I Find Bed Bugs?
If you find bed bugs, seek the help of a professional right away. The sooner a bed bug situation is identified, the more effective control will be. Avoid the use of over-the-counter products for bed bugs. These will worsen and spread the problem due to their resilience to commonly used products. Our pest control experts offer safe and effective bed bug solutions. If you’re worried about bed bugs, now is the time to act. We highly recommend reaching out to us to discuss a prevention program if your building is prone to this sort of invasion. The following are things you can do to deal with bedbugs:
- Don’t panic. Professionals will know exactly what to do
- Contact Rose Pest Solutions right away
- Dry all clothing and bedding on high heat for at least 30 minutes
- Contain contaminated suitcases in sealed bags
- Immediately notify staff (if at hotel or Airbnb)
Contact Our Pest Prevention Professionals
To learn more about preventing and managing bed bugs, contact our experienced pest control professionals. We have decades of knowledge and expertise in preventing bug infestations. Our team offers safe and effective solutions for eliminating and preventing pests from entering your home. We follow a proven, systematic process and work with our customers continually to provide the best possible customer service. Let our professionals provide you peace of mind and help you protect your home or business. We’ll identify pests and generate a personalized pest control plan to address your needs.
