If you're like many homeowners, you've heard horror stories about bedbugs from others, but you may consider their infestations something that happens to other people. However, bedbugs are skilled hitchhikers and can easily get into beds by hiding in luggage, clothing, or other personal items. They may also enter a home through cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and baseboards, or through gaps around windows and doors. No one seems to be immune. If you suspect that you have bed bugs, there are a few steps you can take:

Check for Signs of Bed Bugs

These may include small, reddish-brown stains on your sheets or mattress — these could be bed bug droppings — as well as small, pale eggs or shed skins. You may also see actual bed bugs, which are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed.

If you find evidence of bed bugs, try to identify the source. Bed bugs are often found in the seams and crevices of mattresses and box springs, as well as in the folds of upholstered furniture.

If you are able to identify the source of the bed bugs, try to isolate the infested items as much as possible. This may involve placing a plastic bag over them and sealing it tightly.

Contact a professional pest control company for assistance. Bed bugs can be difficult to eliminate, and a professional will have the tools and experience necessary to effectively treat the infestation.

While waiting for the pest control company to arrive, you can take some steps to reduce the number of bed bugs in your home. These include washing and drying your bedding and clothing on the highest heat setting and thoroughly vacuuming the areas where bed bugs were found.  

After the pest control treatment has been completed, be sure to follow the company's recommendations for preventing future infestations. This may include sealing cracks and crevices, using mattress and box spring encasements, and regularly inspecting your home for signs of bed bugs. When you travel, it's important to be mindful of taking precautions against bringing unwanted souvenirs in the form of bedbugs home with you, inspect your hotel room before you unpack, use the metal luggage racks in the room rather than placing your suitcase on the floor or on the bed, keep suitcases closed, and wash your clothing in hot water and dry it on high before putting it back in your closet and dressers. 

Reach out to bed bug treatment services to find out more.