Why Do I Have Bed Bugs In My Austin Home?

close up of bed bug
|

Bed bugs are one of the most anxiety-causing pests to find in your home. They are difficult to spot and notoriously hard to get rid of on your own. The bites bed bugs leave on your body are unsightly and uncomfortable. This pest is often misidentified as well, giving an infestation more time to grow and become a major problem.

Do-it-yourself bed bug control is extremely inadequate and often fails. Contacting an experienced bed bug pest control in Austin is a better choice. In this guide, you'll learn more about bed bugs and how services from Aries Pest Control can keep your home pest-free.

How Can I Tell If It's Bed Bugs In My House?

Bed bugs are flat, oval-shaped bugs with six legs and two antennae. After feeding, they become round and turn from their normal mahogany color to a reddish-brown color. The nymphs, or babies, are colorless. Adults are around 1/4 of an inch long and can be seen with the naked eye. 

The most common sign of a bed bug infestation is noticing reddish-brown spots on your sheets or mattress. Bed bugs excrete fecal matter when feeding that can soil bedding and anything else they come in contact with. You may also notice their shed skins or empty eggshells. Another common sign of an infestation is noticing small, red bites on your body. If you notice any of these telltale signs, consider calling for specialized pest control to kill bed bugs.

Are Bed Bug Bites Dangerous?

While bed bug bites are uncomfortable and itchy, they are harmless for most people. Many people don't notice bites until after they are bitten, as the bites themselves are painless. The itching from bed bug bites can be resolved by applying a topical steroid or anti-itch cream. 

Bed bugs do not transmit diseases. A severe allergic reaction could occur after a bed bug bite on rare occasions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include an outbreak of hives, blisters, painful swelling, or anaphylaxis. As soon as you notice bites from these pests on your body, it's crucial to schedule extermination services from a bed bug control near you as it is likely you have an infestation.

How Do Bed Bugs Find Their Way Into Homes?

The best form of bed bug control is taking preventative measures to keep them out of your home in the first place. Notoriously known as expert travelers, bed bugs attach themselves to anything they can in order to move from one place to another. Here are some of the most common ways bed bugs can find their way into your home:

  • Moving into your apartment unit from another nearby unit
  • Hitching a ride on luggage after staying in a hotel room
  • Latching on to your clothing while riding on public transportation
  • Hiding in used furniture
  • Burrowing in seats at an airport or bus station
  • Hiding within seat cushions at a movie theater
  • Once they get into your home, bed bugs tend to spread out in their new environment. In your bedroom, they can be found within mattresses, box springs, headboards, and even curtains. Bed bugs also make their way into walls, electrical outlets, and any cracks in the wood. You may even find them under wallpaper or picture frames.

How Do I Completely Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In My House?

The best pest control to kill bed bugs comes from a professional exterminator. Aries Pest Control has been a trusted choice for bed bug pest control in Austin since 2018. Our commitment to quality customer service outmatches our competitors. Your family's health is a top priority, and our solutions are safe and effective. Give us a call today to schedule an inspection and estimate.