When it comes to bed bugs in Houston, many people are aware of just how challenging it can be to fully eliminate an infestation once they’ve spread out into a home. However, people are often left wondering if these infestations are just hard to get rid of or if they pose other threats as well. The truth is, bed bug infestations can lead to other health problems in people which is why it is so important for you to do everything in your power to prevent bed bug infestations from occurring. Additionally, you need to act quickly should your Houston home become infested with these parasitic pests.
Identifying Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small oval-shaped pests that grow to be about ¼ of an inch long. They are often described as apple-seed-like due to their shape and reddish-brown color. Additionally, they have six legs and are wingless. Bed bugs feed on the blood of both mammals and birds, though their favorite source of food is the blood of humans. As such, bed bugs like to make their homes inside of our mattresses and box springs so that they can feed on us while we sleep. However, while a bed bug infestation might start around the bed, once they get inside, bed bugs can spread to all areas of a home which can make eliminating the infestations quite challenging.
Signs of a bed bug infestation include red or rust-like smudges on sheets and pillowcases, a musty odor emanating from around your bed, and bite marks on your body after sleeping. It is important to catch bed bug infestations before they spread throughout the home, so, if you notice any of these indications, call the professionals here at Cantu Pest & Termite right away.
How Bed Bugs Get Into Homes
The most common way that bed bugs get into homes is by sneaking in on people or their belongings after hitching a ride on them while out in the world. Usually, a person will pick up bed bugs, unknowingly, in a bed bug hotspot, and then introduce the bed bugs into their home when they return. Bed bug hotspots include any area where there are large volumes of people coming and going regularly. These include transportation hubs such as airports, bus stations, and train stations; lodging establishments such as hotels; and other locales with lots of people such as hospitals and schools.
In addition to riding in on people, bed bugs will also sneak into homes on second-hand items such as appliances, furniture, and clothing. If you purchase any second-hand items be sure to inspect them for bed bugs before introducing them into your home.
Health Concerns Associated With Bed Bugs
Unlike other parasitic pests such as ticks, there is currently no evidence that bed bugs transmit disease. However, this does not mean there aren’t other health concerns associated with bed bugs. For instance, bed bug infestations can raise stress levels in people and induce insomnia. Additionally, people who are bitten by bed bugs can succumb to secondary infections due to scratching. Moreover, if a bed bug infestation becomes large enough, it can cause anemia. As such, it is important to act urgently should you find yourself dealing with a bed bug infestation.
What To Do If Bed Bugs Infest Your Home
Because bed bug infestations are so hard to prevent and eliminate, you should contact the trained pest professionals here at Cantu Pest & Termite at the first sign of a bed bug infestation. At Cantu Pest & Termite, our trained pest technicians have the experience and the expertise required to effectively eliminate any bed bug infestation with which you are dealing. So, don’t let these parasitic pests cause harm to you and your family. Call Cantu Pest & Termite today to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest management options.