The unthinkable has happened. For the last few days, you’ve woken up to uncomfortable clusters of small red bites. You may suspect bedbugs and have already begun researching how to evict your new houseguests. You may be hoping that the winter weather will scare the bedbugs away, and you simply need to wait out the storm. Unfortunately, bedbugs are a formidable foe, and even the winter chill won’t chase them away. DIAL ONE has the answers for all of your bedbug problems! Read on to learn how to identify bedbugs and get rid of them once and for all.

What are the Signs of Bedbugs?

Bed Bugs are very secretive and often go undetected until the population explodes. Once detected, bed bugs scatter, making them even more difficult to treat! Additionally, they have been known to be misidentified as other insects (and vice versa). They are about the size of small apple seeds, reddish-brown, and oval-shaped. The following are some of the telltale signs you have a bedbug infestation.

·       Blood Stains. If you suddenly find bloodstains on your sheets or pillowcases, something may be feasting upon you during the night!

·       Suspicious Discoloration. Apart from bloodstains, bedbugs can also cause rust-colored discolorations on your sheets and mattress.

·       Musty Odors. Bedbugs stink. Their scent glands release foul, musty odors, especially when thousands of bedbugs are hiding in your bedding and mattress.

·       Egg Shells. Bedbugs leave physical signs, such as eggshells and shed skin. The eggs and skin are very small, but when in bulk, they appear to look like tiny grains of pepper.

To confirm if you have bedbugs, strip your bed of all sheets and comforters and examine the seams of your mattress as well as the bed frame. If you suspect bedbugs but are still uncertain, a DIAL ONE expert will be able to identify your pest problem.

What to do When You Have Bedbugs

So you’ve read the signs, and you definitely have bedbugs. To top things off, you’ve found annoying, irritated clusters of red bites all over your body. You need to get rid of your bedbugs fast. Only a professional team of pest control experts will be able to eliminate your infestation quickly and efficiently. There are steps you can take to mitigate the bedbug problem while you wait for help to arrive.

·       Clean Your Bedding. Completely clean any bedding, clothing, and other items with which your bedbugs may have come into contact. Wash in hot water and dry all items on the highest dryer setting. For items that cannot be washed, place in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

·       Eliminate Clutter. Bedbugs are adept at finding hiding spots. Make sure your room is absolutely spotless, and all clutter has been eliminated and clean.

·       Encase Your Mattress. If you are not throwing away your mattress, encase it in a covering that the bedbugs cannot escape. These insects can live for at least a year without food, so keep the cover on for an entire year before considering removal.

·       Frequently Vacuum. Vacuuming with bedbugs is a two-step process. Frequently vacuum around your bed and the surrounding areas. Afterward, place the cleaner back in a bedbug-proof plastic bag and throw it away outside.

·       Throwing Away Infested Items. If you’ve decided to throw away infested items, such as furniture and bedding, make sure their properly wrapped and labeled. We suggest hiring professionals to take care of disposal to avoid inadvertently spreading bedbugs to others.

Contact DIAL ONE for Your Free Bedbug Estimate

DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control has been protecting homes in Southern Louisiana against bedbugs for generations. If you find signs of bedbugs in your home, call DIAL ONE immediately! Register for your next service through text or call 504-885-3101!