The Key To Getting Rid Of A Bed Bug Infestation In Orange County Homes

Bed bugs are annoying little insects that can sneak into your home and become a severe nuisance. Just a few decades ago, bed bugs were thought extinct. Now, these bothersome creatures have made a major comeback and are common in many California homes. If you think you have bed bugs in your home, you will need the help of an Orange County pest control specialist to get rid of them. At HomeShield Pest Control, we know the challenges that come with bed bug control, and we have the skills and expertise to solve them.

Clear Signs Of A Bed Bug

Bed bugs are small, round bugs that are only about 5/16 of an inch long. They have brownish-red, flat bodies that can easily fit into the crevices of your furniture and mattress. You can see these tiny bugs with the naked eye; however, we often overlook them due to their small size. If you are unable to see a bed bug with your own eyes, there are still a few signs that you can look for that will let you know that bed bugs are in your house. Some of the telltale signs to look for include:

• Bed bug eggs: Bed bugs can lay between one and seven eggs daily. These eggs are small, white, and shaped like an oval. Many people think a bed bug egg resembles a small grain of rice.
• Bed bug bites: When a bed bug bites you, it will leave a tiny, red, and itchy bump on your skin. This bite looks and feels similar to a lot of other insect bites. The one difference is that most bed bug bites will form a straight line.
• Bloodstains on your sheets: When a bed bug feeds on your blood, their bodies will swell, making it easy to crush them. If you accidentally crush these tiny bugs in your sleep, the blood they recently consumed will be squeezed out of their bodies and show up on your mattress, sheets, and bedding.
• Shed skins and egg shells: As a young bed bug grows, it will shed its skin. A bed bug will usually molt around five times before it reaches full maturity. If you see several bed bug skin casings or egg shells around your home, you probably have an advanced infestation.

If you have a bed bug infestation, you may notice a foul, musty odor in your home. The smell comes from the fecal matter that they will leave everywhere. Many people compare the smell of bed bugs to that of an old wet towel.

A Bed Bug Infestation Only Gets Worse With Time

If you think you can ignore a bed bug problem and it will go away, think again. These tiny insects are remarkably resilient. Some bed bugs can go about a year without eating and still survive. That means that even if you were to completely move out of your home for a few months, the bed bugs would be there waiting on you when you return.

Why Do-It-Yourself Bed Bug Control Methods Usually Fail

DIY bed bug removal solutions rarely work because they do not treat the entire problem. To get rid of bed bugs, you will need to eliminate them at every stage of life; this includes the eggs. Most over-the-counter solutions you can buy in stores only focus on eliminating adult bed bugs from your home. 

Contact The Pros At The First Sign Of Bed Bugs

If you notice any of the common bed bug signs in your Orange County home, don't hesitate to contact us. At HomeShield Pest Control, we know how to safely and effectively eliminate all bed bugs from your home. Call today!