Thanks to Bedbug.com for sponsoring this post. We feel it is very important that everyone knows about bed bugs and what to look for.

Are you informed about Bed Bugs?

Years ago many of us had no idea what bed bugs were, however we need to be informed today because a bed bug infestation seems to be sweeping America. These pesky bugs have been spotted all over the place. They have been found in hotels, subway cars, elementary school classrooms and homes across America. They are super hard to get rid of and can cause a number of health problems. Avoiding the factors that encourage infestations is the key to keeping your life free of these tiny pests.

How do Bed Bug Infestations Start?

Bed bugs are small and sneaky! They are much like the hitchhiker along the road with his thumb out trying to get a ride to his next destination, however these pesky little critters don’t wait for you to stop and offer a ride. They latch on to clothing and travel from one place to another, feeding and moving on. They often travel in luggage, so if you have stayed in a hotel with a bed bug infestation, you may be carrying a few extra guests home. Be sure to check your luggage because once they are in your home, they make nests in beds and feed off of people while they are asleep. (I don’t know about you, but the thought of this makes me very uneasy!) They quickly burrow under your wallpaper, in your baseboards and in other tiny crevices in your home. Soon they will lay eggs, multiplying quickly and wreaking all sorts of havoc on your family. You don’t want that!

Bed bugs are the ultimate hitchhikers. They latch on to clothing and travel from one place to another, feeding and moving on. They often travel in luggage, so if you have stayed in a hotel with a bed bug infestation, you may be carrying a few extra guests home. Once they are in your home, they make nests in beds and feed off of people while they are asleep. They quickly burrow under your wallpaper, in baseboards and in other tiny crevices in your home. Soon they will lay eggs, multiplying quickly and wreaking havoc on your family.

Bed Bugs are Most Likely to Live…

Bed bugs like places that have high-traffic. Think college dorms, apartment buildings, hotels…those are all the prime real estate for bed bugs. If you have visited one of these places, chances are that you are at risk of encountering bed bugs. Some of the signs that you have a bed bug infestation are obvious.

Signs of Bed Bugs Include:

Red, itchy bumps that may appear as welts
Small blood stains on sheets and mattresses
Bed bug skins in and around the bed

Bed bug bites are similar to mosquito bites, but often last longer and can develop into permanent scars and rashes. They are most active at night and feed on human blood. Young children whose sensitive skin may be less likely to heal quickly can really be affected by a bed bug bit.

So How Do we Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

It is very difficult to get rid of bed bugs in your home. Most people simply throw out all of their bedding and start over, but this is only effective if you also get rid of the nests that are already present. Hiring a professional to exterminate your home is the best way to fight the problem. If you suspect you have an outbreak of bed bugs in your home we recommend you check out Bedbug.com so you can know exactly how to treat them and what to do (and not to do).

I don’t know about you, but I would never want to mess around with these tiny critters. If you think you are dealing with bed bugs, we recommend calling in the professionals and getting them taken care of before they (the bed bugs) have completely infested and taken over your home and belongings!