Many people first hear of bed bugs when choosing a hotel prior to an upcoming vacation. Other people might first hear of a bed bug when they notice unexplained red bumps on their skin. Bed bugs can be a big problem, especially if you don’t notice them and they turn into an infestation. This guide will help you better understand what bed bugs are and how common Ann Arbor bed bugs really are in the local area.
What is a Bed Bug?
A bed bug is a bug that comes from the genus Cimex. Bed bugs will primarily feed off of human blood. They tend to feed mostly at night, but that could be because this is when most humans are in bed, where they primarily live. While we have only recently begun to hear of bed bugs, they have actually been around for a while. Bed bugs have been reported all the way back to at least 3,000-years ago.
Bed bugs are most commonly found in beds, which is where they get their name from. They can be found in beds in almost any location, including:
- Hotels
- Motels
- Apartments
- Homes
- College dorms
- Retail locations
Other homeowners might find bed bug indications in curtains or flooring, especially around the bed. One of the biggest problems with bed bugs is that they can easily transfer from one location to another. This is why it is so important to properly clean any furniture items that you receive from someone else. Picking up a couch off of the side of the road or buying a used chair off of the internet can lead to a bed bug infestation.
Bed bugs can also transfer between your clothing and luggage. If you travel somewhere with bed bugs, even if you don’t get in the bed, you can bring them home with you. Then, they quickly increase and you now have a bed bug problem in your own house or apartment. For this reason, many people often refer to them as hitchhikers.
Do Bed Bug Bites Hurt?
Bed bug bites can hurt. Their bites can also lead to other medical concerns, including rashes and allergic reactions. But, not everyone will feel pain from a bed bug bite. In fact, many people write off bed bugs to another type of bug and may not notice a problem until it gets out of control.
What Does a Bed Bug Bite Look Like?
Bed bug bites can range in their description, depending on the severity of the bites and how the body responds. Some individuals might get small red bumps, whereas others can get large blisters. One of the problems with bed bug bites is that they are not always easy to distinguish between other bug bites. People may write them off to a different bug bite and not realize that they have a bed bug problem.
Bed bugs do have the following features:
- Color: Mahogany or red-brown
- Size: Between ¼-inch long
- Antenna: Yes
- Shape: They are oval-shaped
Bed bugs can change in color and shape, depending on whether or not they have fed. It may appear like they have wings, but they do not actually, and they are not able to fly.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Bed Bug Problem?
If you believe that you might have a bed bug problem, the best way is to look for signs in your bedding. This includes:
- Small red-brown spots in your bedding (It may also be on the walls or flooring)
- Itchy bites on the body arms or legs
- Beg bug molts
- Empty bug eggshells
If you are still not sure, it can be helpful to discuss this with a pest control expert technician. Solidified Pest Control is familiar with not only recognizing bed bugs, but also effectively removing them. We will come out and determine whether you are dealing with bed bugs or another bug infestation.
How Do I Get Rid of Ann Arbor Bed Bugs?
Bed bug removal should be completed by a professional. While there are home remedies available, they are not always effective and can cause the bugs to return. Some professionals even have a hard time getting rid of them for good. We recommend that you work with a pest control professional who has worked with bed bugs previously.
Bed bugs can reproduce very fast. The problem with this is that by the time you notice that you even have a problem, they are already reproducing and taking over your home. If you travel anywhere, you can also be spreading them to other locations. It is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
Are Bed Bugs a Problem in Michigan?
Bed bugs have popped up all over Michigan, including the Ann Arbor area. Ann Arbor can especially be at risk of bed bugs because the local college means that residents are constantly moving in and out. That allows the bugs to easily transport from one location to another. Before you move, it is always a good idea to look for any sign of bugs. If you notice a problem, take care of it immediately and reach out to a pest control technician.
You can also lookup previous bed bug reports through Ann Abor or Washtenaw County. If you are concerned of a bed bug problem that is not being handled properly, reach out to the Washtenaw Health Department.
Then, reach out to Solidified Pest Control for pest control Michigan services that you can trust fully.
Solidified Pest Control has proven techniques to get rid of bed bugs effectively and efficiently. We offer a free consultation for your Ann Arbor pest control, so you can better understand what your pest removal options are. We invite you to reach out to us at (866) 614-6762 or fill out our online contact form. When you need pest control Michigan services, Solidified Pest Control is a highly recommended option. We provide pest and rodent control to the Ann Arbor, Michigan, and surrounding areas.
