What Everyone Ought To Know About Bed Bugs In Baltimore

Bed bugs can cause problems for Baltimore homes. Everybody’s wary of them, but how much do you really know about these pests? ATC Pest Control has answers to all of your Baltimore pest control questions, including how you can have a home that’s free of bed bugs.

How To Properly Check For Bed Bugs

Unlike other pests, bed bugs in Baltimore don’t always make their presence known. They’re only about 1/4 inch long and darkly colored, which makes them hard to see. That’s why it’s so important that you’re able to recognize other signs of a bed bug infestation besides seeing the bugs themselves.

Whether you’re staying in a hotel or bringing home a secondhand couch, look for these pieces of evidence:

• Blood spots
• Fecal staining
• Small, whitish eggs or eggshells
• Molted skins
• Musty smell

All of these are signs of a bed bug infestation. They can be subtle, but you’ll find the evidence you need with a close enough inspection.

What It’s Like To Have A Bed Bug Infestation In Your Home

Because bed bugs are so hard to see, you might not notice them at first. They typically stay out of sight and will spread throughout a home. Chances are, the first thing you notice are the bites. Bed bug bites often appear as red welts in clusters or lines. They’re painless, which means you probably won’t feel them at first. Later on, the bites will start to itch.

Despite their name, bed bugs don’t stay in beds. They’ll hide just about anywhere—mattress and cushion seams, corners, around outlet covers, and tight gaps. If a space is wide enough to fit a credit card, it can fit a bed bug.

If you notice bed bug bites on yourself or a family member, check the whole house for signs of bed bugs. Remember that they could be anywhere.

The Many Ways Bed Bugs Can Find Their Way Into Your Home

Bed bugs are pretty good at traveling. They’ll hitch a ride on a bag or coat and eventually find their way into a house. Because of this, the best way to prevent bed bugs is to keep them from climbing onto your belongings.

Following these precautions can keep bed bugs away from your Baltimore home:

• Whenever possible, keep your belongings separate
• Inspect secondhand items before bringing them home
• Check hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs
• Preventatively treat your belongings after traveling

Chances are, you’re in public spaces most days. Whether you take public transportation or use a shared coatroom, there are opportunities for bed bugs to reach your belongings. As much as you can, keep your things away from other people’s. You should also avoid placing bags and other items on carpet or soft furniture in public places, including hotel rooms. Instead, use tables or luggage racks.

Before settling into a hotel room or bringing home the new-to-you sofa you got a great deal on, look around for signs of bed bugs. Remember that these can be hard to see, so look closely. It’s always better to catch a bed bug infestation before you get too comfortable so the pests aren’t brought into your home.

After traveling, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of any bed bugs that might have joined your trip home. Vacuum out your luggage to remove bed bugs or eggs that might be on the interior or exterior. Wash and dry your clothing on high heat to kill any bed bugs. This might seem like an unnecessary step, but it could be what prevents a bed bug infestation in your home.

Bed bugs are hard to get rid of. No matter how hard you try, you might still find some in your home. If you’re struggling with a bed bug infestation, contact a professional pest control company for help. 

How Professional Bed Bug Control Eliminates Bed Bug Infestations 

At ATC Pest Control, we believe in effectively removing bed bugs from your home without putting your family or belongings at risk. We don’t use harsh chemicals or untested products. Instead, our bed bug control is all about the methods we know work. We use a heating system that will kill any bed bugs inside your home without damaging your belongings. And if you find more bed bugs later, we’ll come back again. Call ATC Pest Control today for help with bed bugs and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Baltimore.