Bed Bug Identification & Prevention Guide

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are common biting pests here in the greater Austin area that feed on the blood of warm-blooded mammals, with a preference for humans. If people are not available, they'll feed on pets and other animals. These parasitic insects are common invaders anywhere people live or visit including homes, hotels, and other public places.

Adult bed bugs are about 1/4 of an inch long. They have flattened, oval-shaped bodies that are reddish-brown and wingless, and long proboscises that they use for feeding that lie beneath the body when at rest. Immature bed bugs (nymphs) resemble adults but are smaller and are yellowish or translucent in color until they have their first blood meal.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are not dangerous, but their presence will cause stressful days and sleepless nights. They are prolific breeders and a few can quickly lead to a large-scale infestation. Bed bugs feed on our blood, and people who are allergic to their saliva will develop itchy allergic reactions at the bite sites which requires medical attention in severe cases. Bed bugs are also capable of harboring some disease-causing pathogens. They can also cause damage inside your home or business by staining fabrics, floors, mattresses, walls, and box springs with blood and excrement.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

Because bed bugs are wingless and do not jump; the easiest way for them to move from place to place is by hitchhiking. Bed bugs crawl onto people or their belongings, where they are then unknowingly introduced into a home or other location. There are a lot of places people come into contact with bed bugs. Some of the most common include hotels, public transportation, hospitals, schools, movie theaters, libraries, laundry mats, and shopping centers.

Where will I find bed bugs?

You are going to find bed bugs living in places where people sleep or sit for a while. Bed bugs are nocturnal and hide during the day. Common hiding spots include in the cracks of wooden furniture or walls, electronics and keyboards, the seams of mattresses and box springs, wall voids, behind electrical outlets, underneath piles of dirty laundry, and behind wall hangings such as clocks and pictures. Bed bugs come out of their hiding spots at night to feed and are most active right before dawn. They typically first take up residence in the sleeping areas of a home and, as the infestation grows, they will move through walls and floors; infesting multiple rooms and stories of your property.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

At Roberts Termite & Pest Control, we have been providing high-quality pest control here in Austin, TX for over 60 years. Our technicians use advanced techniques to get rid of bed bugs and other common pests. Through quality customer service and flexible scheduling, we work with you to meet your unique pest control needs. Learn more about our bed bug control services or schedule a free consultation by reaching out to Roberts Pest Control today!

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

In addition to our professional bed bug control services, the following prevention tips will help you to prevent problems with bed bugs in your home or business:

• Regularly wash and dry all bedding, inspecting your mattresses and box springs for bed bugs during the process.

• When traveling, always inspect your hotel room for bed bugs before bringing luggage inside.

• Never purchase used furniture, mattresses, or furniture for use in your home.

• Vacuum out and wipe down any suitcases used before storing them away.

• When at work or school, keep your belongings away from other people's belongings.

• When in public, always keep bags, coats, and other personal belongings off the ground.

• After returning home from a trip, immediately wash and dry all clothing on the highest heat setting possible.

• After buying new or used clothing, immediately wash and dry the items on the highest heat setting the fabrics can handle.