Bed Bugs Charlotte
Bed bugs are a growing problem in Charlotte, recently being named a top 20 city in the country for bed bugs. However, not all is lost, many experts believe public information is the best way to combat the problem. Throughout this article, we will be sharing information about Bed Bugs in Charlotte and how we can do our part to exterminate them.
Introduction to Bed Bugs in Charlotte
Bed bugs are very common small, oval insects native to North Carolina, feeding on the blood of people. Bed bugs are mainly active at night and bite people while they are sleeping. They feed by sucking up blood through their beaks, swelling to a reddish color from their normal brown upon feeding. Their bites cause irritation to human skin, appearing as small red, itchy dots. Although they normally don’t cause disease in humans, scratching from their bites can cause infection.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed Bugs normally enter homes undetected through fabrics including luggage, clothing, used beds and couches, or other items. It is extremely hard to prevent bed bugs from traveling as they can fit into anything the size of a credit card or bigger. They do not nest, but tend to live in groups in dark tight hiding places. They enjoy living in beds for close access to a food supply (you), hiding in mattress crevices/corners, box springs, bed frames, and headboard
Looking for Signs of Bed Bugs
The best way to look for bed bugs is to actually clean and change your sheets often. Many times you will find reddish stains on the bed from bed bugs being crushed. Dark spots that might bleed a little like a marker is bug excrement. Bed bug eggs look pale-yellow and shed as they grow larger. It is also possible to find actual living bed bugs, especially in heavier infestations.
Bed Bugs Life Stages and Mating
Bed bugs need to feed at least once before the bug can develop to the next of the six life stages. They, however, can and will feed more than once. At each stage of development, the bed bug will molt its skin. In order to mate and produce eggs, the male and the female bed bug must eat at least every two weeks. As your infestation progresses, the bites and signs will become more prevalent. Each female can lay up to 3 eggs per day and up to 500 eggs per life which normally lasts 6-12 months. The full egg-to-egg life cycle takes about four to five weeks.
Protecting Your Charlotte Home from Bed Bugs
Considering fabrics and furniture are the number one source of bed bugs, always check second-hand furniture and clothes before entering your house. You are also able to purchase covers that encase your mattress and box springs to eliminate some of the hiding spots they can find in your bed. Reducing clutter and clothes in your room is a great way to keep the bugs away as well.
If you live in a multi-family unit like an apartment building, try to isolate your unit by purchasing a door swap to seal the entry. Also, be careful and diligent when using shared laundry facilities. Go above and beyond to seal all cracks and crevices in baseboards and light sockets to discourage movement through walls.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
It is very important to consider an experienced, local professional like Bugg Busters to take care of the situation. Bugg Busters has an accredited bed bug sniffing dog that will make the whole process easier.
If attempting to DIY exterminate a bed bug infestation, it is imperative to kill each and every last bed bug in your home. You have the option of using chemical and non-chemical approaches to doing so. Make sure you do the research on foggers and follow the directions carefully. Some of these chemicals can do serious harm to people, so please discuss it with a pest control professional.