Bed Bug Identification & Prevention

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny parasites known for hiding out during the day and emerging at night to feed on human blood. Here are some basic identifying characteristics to keep in mind about bed bugs:

• Color – They have a brownish-auburn-red coloring and get darker after feeding.
• Size – They're about 3/16 of n inch long, and they get bigger after feeding.
• Body – Their bodies are broad and oval-shaped, flattened from top to bottom.
• Appendages - They have antennae, six legs, and no wings.
• Features – They have an elongated mouth called a proboscis they use to feed on their host's blood.
• Habits – They are nocturnal pests that feed for anywhere from 3 to 10-minutes at a time.

Where do bed bugs live?

Because bed bugs feed on human blood, they go where they have easy access to humans. Common problem areas include sheets, pillowcases, mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. But they're not limited to the bed. They can spread all around your Granbury, TX home, discovering all kinds of other hiding spaces like furniture, upholstery, clothing, wall voids, wood moldings, floors, and even electric outlets. They prefer dark remote areas that are soft and humid, making fabric one of their favorite places to hang out. You may find them on the seams of your couch, on chairs, cushions, and curtains.

How do I know I have a bed bug problem?

Discovering a bed bug problem in its earliest stages is key to managing the infestation before it has a chance to control you. That means it's crucial to be able to detect signs of bed bug activity. Here are some of the most common indications of bed bugs:

• Dark, red spots on bedding or clothing - These spots are bloodstains that are left after a bed bug feeds on its host.
• Small black spots on bedding and linens - These spots are fecal matter that the bed bugs leave behind.
• Egg casings or traces of shed skins - Bed bugs leave these signs behind as they move through the various stages of their life cycle.
• A moldy, musty odor - Bed bugs emit an unpleasant smell through their scent glands.

If you detect any of these visual signs and suspect there may be a bed bug infestation in your home, it's time to take immediate action. Getting ahead of the problem is the best way to prevent it from getting out of control.