This year, Dayton, along with four other Ohio cities, earned a spot on Orkin’s list of the top 50 most bed bug-infested cities in America. If you suspect your home is infested with bed bugs, don’t delay. Contact Lawn Plus LLC in West Alexandria today. We will quickly assess the situation and treat your home accordingly.
How to Identify Bed Bugs
To identify an infestation, you need to know what you are looking for. Bed bugs are dark brown, flat, oval-shaped bugs that can grow up to 1/4″ in length. Unfortunately, bed bugs are nocturnal, making them more difficult to detect; they are rarely seen during daylight hours. Furthermore, they are difficult to spot as they like to hide in the crevices of furniture, walls, mattresses, and carpeting.
Signs of an Infestation
One of the primary signs of an infestation is a characteristic red, itchy rash that results from bed bug bites. Because bed bugs prefer to feed on the blood of hairless mammals, humans are a primary target. Bites are often clustered together on hairless regions of the body and appear overnight. Similarly, blood spots and small fecal smears on bed linens and the mattress are a telltale sign of an infestation.
Preventing an Infestation
Bed bugs are incredibly pervasive and difficult to get rid of. Therefore, we suggest everyone practice the following preventative measures to avoid an infestation in the first place:
- Don’t bring used furniture into your home.
- Keep personal belongings in a sealed bag when traveling to avoid bringing bed bugs home with you.
- Check hotel rooms vigilantly for signs of bed bugs before settling in.
- Launder all clothing immediately upon returning home from travel.
- When purchasing a new mattress, pick it up yourself or request a morning delivery to avoid cross-contamination from a used mattress.
Bed Bug Control
If you suspect a bed bug problem in your home, contact Lawn Plus at (937) 839-5296. Our bed bug program includes two visits and customized treatment based on the location and severity of the infestation. Additionally, we offer an array of other pest control services for both lawns and homes in West Alexandria, Dayton, Eaton, and beyond.