Ouch! This is not just a kid’s bedtime saying anymore.
Bedbugs have made a comeback and are very prevalent in the area.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THEM?
Bedbugs are flat, oval shaped and about ¼” in length. Babies are white and as tiny as pinheads. As they feed on human or animal blood, they become a rusty brown color. As adults, they are about the size of a tick but can swell up as they feed. They hate light, so they mostly come out at night. You can look for them in the dark with a flashlight in hiding places such as the binding in mattresses, linen folds, nearby carpets, furniture and more. Also, look for signs the bugs have been there, such as blood or feces smears, eggs and skin sheds. If you have red, itchy bumps, especially in a row on your arms or legs, it may be bed bugs.
WHY DO I NEED TO GET RID OF THEM?
The bugs will continue to feed on you, your family or your pet, and eventually, there will be so many that you will be covered with itchy, red welts all the time. This can lead to secondary skin infections.
HOW DO I KEEP FROM GETTING BED BUGS?
Do not buy or accept a used bed or mattress or furniture from a yard or estate sale or from an online seller. And never, ever pick up furniture left outside on the curb. When receiving any pre-owned clothing from friends, thrift stores, or yard sales, etc., wash and dry all items on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Even new items should be inspected. It’s possible that an item may have been returned to a store and re-sold as new to you. All new mattresses should be well wrapped; inspect mattresses and box springs when you unwrap and assemble them. If you know someone has bed bugs, do not go into their home or allow them inside your home. Even just brushing up against a sofa can transfer a bed bug egg to you that will hatch in your home.
WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE A BED BUG IN MY HOME?
Just one bed bug can quickly get out of control. Call the office immediately if you suspect you have a bed bug problem. Do not wait until you see lots of bugs. There will be many more you cannot see. Simply spraying for bugs may not eliminate the problem. In some instances, you may have to destroy all of your furniture and wash and dry all your possessions on high heat. This will be at your time and expense.
