There was a point in time when many people didn’t think about bed bugs. People would travel and visit friends and family freely without worrying about blood-feeding pests making a meal out of their bodies. Today, however, that is no longer the case.

Travel has increased tremendously, especially here in San Diego, as it’s a tourist destination. So what does that mean for San Diego residents? It means that your likelihood of bringing bed bugs into your home has also increased.

Of course, you’re not actively looking for bed bugs, but you must remember that bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and are everywhere humans are. Hopping on public transportation or rideshare, shopping for thrift clothes and furniture, and staying in hotels and other accommodations are all common ways bed bugs can enter your home. They enter directly on you or indirectly by attaching themselves to any of your personal belongings.

The good news is that finding bed bugs in your San Diego home isn’t the end of the world, nor does it mean you have a dirty home (contrary to popular belief). Bed bugs are widespread across the United States, especially in travel destinations like San Diego.

If you feel you may have bed bugs infesting your home or recognize an early warning sign such as a bite, call the San Diego County pest control experts at HomeShield Pest Control today.

Early Warning Signs Of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to locate and even more difficult to eradicate, mainly if you reside in an area with a high population density like San Diego. Even so, a watchful homeowner can spot the early indications of a bed bug infestation. Finding and eliminating them as soon as possible, before they can reproduce and spread, is one of the best ways to defend yourself and your family from these tiny, blood-feeding pests. See if your San Diego home exhibits these early warning signs of a bed bug infestation:

  • Eggs: Similar to other pests, bed bugs produce a large number of eggs. These eggs are typically translucent, shiny, and whitish. You discover them in potential hiding places, and wood is their preferred material. Keep an eye out for such shiny, sticky eggs in cabinet and bedside corner spaces.
  • Hiding places: Since bed bugs primarily feed on blood, it makes sense that their preferred hiding spots are places where they can access human blood covertly. Often, they conceal themselves in mattress or bed frame crevices. A mysterious blood stain or a dark brown stain (either a blood stain left over from their feeding session or their feces) is typically a sign of a bed bug infestation. Keep an eye out for brown or rust-colored stains near your bed because they could be blood from bed bug bites.
  • Shed skin and excretion deposits: Bed bugs frequently shed their skin, so you might notice skin flaking off around your mattress, pillows, or bed frame. This exfoliated skin appears to be an empty bug shell, as if the bed bug removed its entire body. Look for these hollow, brown exoskeletons in any potential hiding places. 
  • Bite marks: Do not hesitate to assume that you have bed bugs if you see any bite marks on your body. Initially, bed bug bites are painless but quickly become extremely uncomfortable and itchy welts. These welts are frequently mistaken for mosquito bites because they look similar. But keep an eye out for additional indications that bed bugs are to blame.

It is important to remember that bed bugs typically enter homes through cluttered items like clothing, luggage, and used furniture. Bed bugs can enter clean spaces just as easily as dirty ones, so an infestation is not a sign of poor hygiene. However, being aware of these early warning signs is an excellent way to eliminate the problem before it becomes a serious infestation.

Make it a habit to regularly look for these indications and to clean any potential hiding places. An excellent suggestion is to get in touch with a professional home pest controller with more experience and training in spotting bed bug signs and discovering their hiding places.

Rely on the professionals at HomeShield Pest Control for bed bug removal help when you discover you have an infestation. Don't hesitate to call.

Bed Bugs Won't Just Go Away On Their Own

You must have bed bugs exterminated from your home if they are present. It is useless to think they will eventually grow tired of your house and leave. As long as they have a steady food source, bed bugs won't go away on their own. And even in those situations, they can easily go four months without eating if they don't have access to blood. And they'll be waiting for you when you get back. The following explains why bed bugs will never vanish on their own:

  • Blood is all they need to survive: Blood is all bed bugs need to survive; there is nothing else they require. They will continue to develop and increase as long as they have access to you or your guests. 
  • They can survive hot temperatures: The bed bug population is remarkably resilient as they can endure extreme heat. Even though temperatures as high as 118° F will kill them, they can only die if subjected to sweltering conditions for an extended period.
  • They can go for extended periods without feeding: This indicates that even if you go away for an extended period of time without returning to your house, there is a good chance that they will stick around and wait for you there. They won't succumb to starvation so quickly.
  • They multiply rapidly: The development of bed bugs from eggs to adults occurs quickly. Even if they die away, new bed bugs will always be ready to feed on your blood.

Bed bugs can take weeks to disappear completely, and your home will probably need several treatments before you can eliminate them. In addition to treating pest infestations of every kind, HomeShield Pest Control specializes in bed bug infestations. We are aware of their hiding places and routines. Contact us for a free quote if you believe you have bed bugs in your San Diego home.

Tips To Avoid Bed Bugs That Actually Work

Bed bugs are tiny insects, but the problems they cause for homeowners in the event of an infestation can be very significant. It may take several days for the bites of these tiny, disc-shaped, blood-feeding insects to develop the characteristic itching and occasional blistering. Bed bugs are so good at hiding in dark spaces like mattress seams or crevices on walls and floors that you might not even notice an infestation until the itchy bites appear.

Despite their diminutive size, bed bugs are among the most troublesome and challenging pests to eradicate. Knowing how to defend yourself and your family against bed bugs through preventative measures is the best way to avoid them. Practice these measures:

  • Be observant when traveling: Check the bedding and furniture for bed bug evidence if you stay in hotels. Before bringing your luggage and clothing into your home after a trip, check them for critters.
  • Examine your home and furnishings: Before bringing them into your home, check your house, bedding, furniture, and other items for bed bugs. These pests like to hide in cracks and crevices, so pay close attention to those. Unnoticed bed bugs developed in the folds and seams of the mattress, causing a severe bed bug infestation.
  • Keep your home dust and clutter-free: Keep your furniture, bedding, and other belongings tidy, dust-free, and uncluttered. Cluttered settings favor the growth of bed bugs.
  • Inspect used or second-hand purchases: Before bringing used furniture, bedding, and clothing into your home, check them out for any unusual stains, smells, and holes.
  • Vacuum Regularly: Regular vacuuming will help you eliminate bed bugs that may have found their way into your home and any hidden eggs and larvae. Since bed bugs love to hide in these tiny spaces, vacuum all cracks and crevices, and after each use, make sure to empty the vacuum bag.

As soon as you find out you have an infestation, you need to take action because bed bugs are a serious issue. The infestation worsens the longer you wait. For safe and efficient bed bug control services, get in touch with HomeShield Pest Control.

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

The fastest and most efficient way to get rid of bed bugs in your San Diego home is to skip the DIY tactics and rely strictly on experts that know exactly how to eradicate such invasive pests. 

At HomeShield Pest Control, our staff of trained exterminators knows how to get rid of bed bugs in the most effective and safe manner possible. We believe no home is the same, so we offer personalized bed bug treatments specific to your home. Give us a call to book your appointment.