June 4th through June 10th, 2023 is Bed Bug Awareness Week, and for good reason: Bed bugs are very much aware of us, so in order to protect ourselves, we should be aware of them too!
Even though Bed Bug Awareness Week is only seven days long, bed bugs are a year-round threat - We can pick them up just about anywhere, even on public transportation or in movie theaters. Knowing this, it stands to reason that bed bugs don't necessarily have a "season" like many other pests, although bed bug cases typically do peak around late spring and through the summer, coinciding with times that people are traveling more frequently.
Because bed bugs do not jump or fly, they are skilled hitchhikers, moving place to place on clothing or inside luggage. This method of transportation is especially successful when people are on the go – and when they don’t know how to avoid bringing home these unwanted, bloodsucking bedfellows. Here’s what you should know about bed bugs and how to protect yourself.
What do bed bugs look like?
Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown in color and about the size of an apple seed, with a flat, oval shape, six legs, and two antennae. Their body will swell and become darker in color after a blood meal.
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Signs of bed bug infestation include blood stains on clothing or bedding; dark stains or spots on mattress, bedding, or walls; live bugs, shed skin casings, or eggs, and bite marks, rashes, or welts. It is important to note that bites may itch, but that is not the case for everyone; in fact, some people have no reaction to bed bugs whatsoever.
How can I inspect for bed bugs?
Lift bedding and check the mattress seams. Look in dark, undisturbed areas such as the bed frame and around headboard or footboard. Despite their name, bed bugs aren't exclusively found in beds - you may also find activity on curtains, in closets, on furniture, behind picture frames, and inside drawers.
How can I avoid getting bed bugs?
Unfortunately, there's no way to guarantee you'll never bring bed bugs home, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances:
- Regularly wash your bedding
- Vacuum floors, rugs, and upholstery, especially around and under beds
- Reduce clutter to limit bed bug hiding places
- Avoid taking furniture or mattresses from curbs, yard sales, etc.
- Inspect luggage after traveling and wash belongings promptly
- Inspect your hotel room or other accommodations when traveling and immediately report any sign of bed bugs
- Do not put your luggage on the floor or bed when arriving at your destination - use the luggage rack, leave it in the car, or put it in the bathtub until you have inspected for bed bugs
If you suspect that, despite your best efforts, bed bugs have made themselves cozy in your home, call a professional right away. Because bed bugs reproduce very quickly, it is critical to identify them and start treatment as soon as possible. The Burgess Pest team has the expertise and the latest technology to get rid of bed bugs, so you can sleep soundly.
