New Jersey has been facing a bed bug infestation recently. Just the mere mention of these pests is enough to send anyone into a panic. Bed bug bites often feel itchy and uncomfortable. They multiply rapidly and are difficult to eradicate without proper bed bug treatment. In addition, because they are hitchhikers, bed bugs can be spread easily from one place to another. If you find one, does that mean there are more? What should you do if you stumble upon a single bed bug in your home?
First: Remain Calm & Check for Dead Bed Bugs
You don’t necessarily have a problem if you just find one bed bug, either alive or dead. It’s possible that you picked it up from somewhere and discovered it shortly after you brought it into your home. It is important to be logical about the situation and aware of everything going forward, so keeping a clear head is essential. One of the most effective New Jersey bed bug treatment plans is staying vigilant.
Do A Search for Signs of Bed Bugs Infestation
Before you take any other action, look around to see if you can find any more bed bugs. The best places to look for a sign of bed bugs in and around the bed; lift the mattress and examine the seams for any signs of infestation. Be sure to look through your pillow cases and examine around your headboard and bed frames. Not only are you looking for actual bed bugs, which are about the size of an apple seed, but also for eggs and feces. Bed bug eggs are extremely tiny. Feces look like dark spots on your sheets.
Bed bugs can hide in other places as well, such as furniture or curtains. It is also a good idea to unscrew the outlet cover to make sure there are no bed bugs hiding back there as well.
If you don’t find anything, wait a few weeks and look again. There could be eggs hidden somewhere that have not hatched yet. If neither search yields any results, you are probably okay. However, it is best to stay on your guard and do everything possible to keep these little creatures from making a home out of yours.
Take Preventative Pest Control Measures
Do everything you can to stop an infestation from forming by practicing preventive pest control measures. Wash your sheets and all your bedding in hot water. Purchase a bed bug mattress protector and make sure your mattress is secured from all sides. Don’t forget to change and protect your pillows and blankets as well. Make sure the house is clean. Vacuum often and pick up clutter so that you don’t give bed bugs an extra place to hide.
Get In Touch With A Pest Control Professional
If you do find bed bugs, or if you still have concerns, it is best to get in contact with a pest control company. It is very difficult to take care of a bed bug infestation on your own. Excel Termite & Pest Control will come out and perform a free inspection to see what is happening on your property. We will let you know if our highly trained technician sees signs of bed bugs and what your next steps should be.
Bed bugs are easily mistaken for other pests, including carpet beetles and fleas. If you find a pest in your bed, it may not be a bed bug at all! In addition, a large bed bug infestation will leave behind evidence that you should be able to spot during a careful search. If you still have concerns, get in touch with a pest control company & ask for help!
For more information about Bed Bugs read through our Bed Bug’s FAQ page.
