Are you concerned about a recent bed bug sighting? If so, you need to remain calm and give some thought to what you actually saw. Ask yourself did I really see bed bugs. This is a good question because bed bugs share similar characteristics as some other insect species, including the dust mite and flea. So, it is easy to see why someone would confuse a bed bug with another insect species.
If bed bugs were detected in your home, you will have a major problem on your hands that will continue to escalate without the proper pest control intervention. The problem you are facing could escalate into a full-blown infestation if you refuse to immediately intervene. Why is a bed bug sighting with only a few insects concerning? Well, first and foremost, this is a sign of things to come. What this means the bed bugs may be alone when they were detected, but they belong to a larger colony of bed bugs in close vicinity.
Why Is A Small Bed Bug Sighting Risky?
Bed bugs are referred by experts as “highjackers” or “hitchhikers” because they will hop a ride with any vulnerable, unaware individual. The only difference between a bed bug and a human hitchhiker is the host is unaware of the encounter. Instead of offering the hitchhiking bed bug a ride, the host nonchalantly goes on about his/her business, all the while not being aware of the encounter.
Even a single bed bug is concerning, especially if it is determined to be an adult female. Even worse, the adult female bed bug is preparing to lay a few eggs in its new home. This is generally how bed bug infestations start. The one adult pregnant female lays eggs is the start of a colony that will continue to expand without pest control intervention. Unless you intervene in a timely manner, the odds of your bed bug problem becoming a full-blown infestation are extremely high. Unfortunately, this is where a lot of property owners go wrong, they do not take immediate action.
A bed bug sighting of any size is worrisome, regardless of the establishment is a home or business. You can rely on our team of qualified bed bug experts to assist in your time of need. Do not delay to request your free bed bug pest control consultation by calling our local office in Miami. Remember, one adult bed bug can produce up to 500 eggs throughout her lifetime. The adult bed bug measures around seven millimeters, making them extremely difficult to detect with the naked eye.
How Do Bed Bugs Avoid Detection For So Long?
Bed bugs are able to avoid detection mainly due to their nocturnal behavior. While not a nocturnal insect, the bed bug feeds at night when the unaware host is sleeping. Another contributor is the bed bug’s size, which no larger than seven millimeters long. Their brownish/red coloring can also blend in with furniture, décor, and fabric of a similar color.
The mere fact, the insect feeds at night is enough to cause some stir among the home’s occupants. If there was not a stir, it would be very concerning. There are several signs that point to a bed bug infestation. One specific sign that comes to mind is the bite mark, which will appear as a tiny red, raised dot on the arm, leg, or another body part.
How To Identify A Bed Bug?
You do not need to be an expert to identify a bed bug. You just need to be knowledgeable, determined, and consistent. But, first, you have to catch a live glimpse of the bed to even know it exists in your home. The bed bug body is shaped like an apple seed. Immediately after ingesting human blood, the abdomen will become bloated. The insect has two-segmented antennas, six tiny legs, and a mouthpart that is utilized to penetrate the host’s skin to draw blood.
The bed bug is often confused with the cockroach nymph, flea, and carpet beetle, as well as the dust mite.
Signs That Point To A Bed Bug
These very important signs will help you identify the pest invading your home.
- Dark Stains – Dark stains on bedding, mattress, box spring, and pajamas are oftentimes the host’s blood once it has dried
- Exoskeletons – The bed bug sheds its translucent-like skin “exoskeleton.”
- Eggs – Bed bug eggs resemble a piece of uncooked rice. It ranges between white and translucent in color
- Fecal Material – Small pieces of fecal material can be found in close proximity to the feeding place. They are dark, almost black in color
- Red Bite Marks – Bed bug bites generally cause an allergic reaction, resulting in a raised, red spot with or without a pustule
- Strong Odor – The bed bug’s glands excrete a substance that produces a sweet/musty odor
What Is The Proper Way To Inspect For Bed Bugs?
The best way to inspect a home that is suspect of a bed bug infestation is to utilize a flashlight and magnifying glass. You will need to get down on your hands and knees in areas where you believe the bed bugs are staying. Bed bugs do not build nests, making them even more difficult to locate.
Start in the bedroom by removing your bed linen. From here, you need to carefully inspect the top and bottom sides of the mattress. Move to the floor and lower walls, inspecting the floorboard, carpet or other material, and baseboards. Utilize your flashlight and a magnifying glass to move along the floorboards and carpet. Bed bugs can be found living inside the tiniest crevice, keep this in mind during your visual inspection.
Bed bugs can be found in any tiny crevice in the wall, floor, ceiling, bed frame, furniture, toy, and other structures. Do not stop until you scour over your entire home and find confirm your bed bug suspicions. Keeping in mind, the bed bug signs provided in the previous content.
When Is The Right Time To Call In The Bed Bug Experts?
It is never too early to contact an exterminator for assistance. We are conveniently located in the City of Miami to ensure access to our high-quality bed bug pest control to all the locals. We already work an extended work schedule, but will gladly make adjustments to accommodate your hectic schedule.
A sighting of one or more bed bugs warrants an extermination service request. We recommend sooner than later since adult bed bugs lay a few eggs each week. One adult female can produce up to seven eggs in seven days. So, just imagine if there is a colony of these insects living in your home. Seven eggs would turn into 70 eggs within a few days or weeks, depending on the number of adult female bed bugs.
FAQs
In most cases, bed bugs do not travel alone. While you may have only spotted a lone bed bug, there is probably a colony close by. The size of the colony is questionable, as they range from small to extra-large.
Should I Be Worried About A Lone Bed Bug?
A lone bed bug could equal a handful of bed bugs if its gender is female. Even worse, if the female is ready to deposit a batch of eggs.
What If You Capture A Bed Bug Sighting In Your Home?
All bed bug sightings are concerning. We recommend contacting our Miami extermination company to request a free visual inspection of your home and property.
What Do Experts Consider A Bed Bug Infestation?
Bed bug infestations are based on several factors, including a number of insects involved, damage, bed bug bites, and findings. Experts have never put a number on pest infestations. Our exterminators will help you determine exactly what you are dealing with through a visual inspection.