What are bed bugs?

The bed bug is a hearty indoor pest that has been around since ancient times. Bed bugs are small, brownish-red insects with six legs and wingless, oval-shaped bodies that are flat from top to bottom. Adults grow to about 1/4 of an inch in length. The bed bug’s sole source of food is blood; humans are their preferred food source, but they will feed on pets and other animals if people aren’t available. After consuming a blood meal, the bed bug’s flat body swells. Nymphs are translucent or yellow, turning red after feeding.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are considered nuisance pests, and while they aren’t a significant danger to people, they should never be allowed to live inside your home. Bed bugs are prolific pests that can create large scale infestations. They use their specialized mouth parts to feed on our blood, and people who are allergic to their saliva develop itchy red rashes that, with excessive itching, lead to secondary infections that need medical attention. Additionally, their presence in your home or business causes anxiety and disrupts your sleep.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

The first thing to understand about a bed bug infestation is that it is not because your home is dusty, dirty, or cluttered. Bed bugs are not attracted to areas of filth or decay, but to environments where people, their primary food source, are present. We often come into contact with bed bugs while out in a public place. Since bed bugs can’t fly or jump to forage for food, they hitchhike from location to location. They enter our homes on our clothing or personal belongings such as bags, purses, and luggage. Once inside, they will hide out during the day in tight cracks and crevices, emerging at night to feed.

Where will I find bed bugs?

Bed bugs are active throughout the entire year, inhabiting homes and businesses. However, if you had to name a bed bug “season,” it would be between April and November when the warm weather and availability of hosts allow bed bugs to thrive. Common places you can come into contact with bed bugs include airports, hospitals, hotels, libraries, movie theaters, schools, and shopping center. After hitchhiking their way into your home or business, bed bugs will take up residence in sleeping areas. The seams of box springs and mattresses make perfect initial hiding spots. As the infestation grows, bed bugs will travel through walls and floors, inhabiting other areas of your property. Inside wooden furniture, behind baseboards, behind wall hangings, and the spaces behind electrical outlets are all common bed bug hiding spots.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Get rid of bed bugs the easy way by partnering with an experienced, local pest control expert. Squash-A-Bug Pest Control is a family-owned and locally operated company that has over 15 years of experience keeping Atlanta area properties free of pests. Our certified professionals provide highly effective pest control services that eliminate bed bugs from your property and minimize their return. To learn more about our exceptional, 100% guaranteed residential or commercial pest control solutions, call Squash-A-Bug today!

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

Keep bed bugs out of your Atlanta Metro area home or business with the help of the following prevention tips:

• Keep luggage and other personal belongings up off of the ground when traveling or spending any time in a public place.
• Do not purchase used furniture, mattresses, or box springs for use in your home.
• Regularly vacuum floors, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and box springs.
• Regularly change bedding and inspect mattresses and box springs for bed bugs.
• When traveling, always inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bugs before bringing luggage into the room.
• After purchasing new or used clothing, immediately wash and dry the items on the highest heat setting the fabrics can handle.