(NewsNation) — Bedbugs are often the stuff of nightmares for many; whether it be at hotels or home, they can soon become a living reality.
Bedbug season is upon us, and while there is not an official timeline, they are most prevalent during the warmest months of the year.
What are bedbugs?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bedbugs are parasitic insects which feed on blood.
The EPA, along with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider them a “public health pest.”
They are not known to spread diseases.
What do bed bedbugs look like?
Bedbugs are small, brown-colored insects which are usually around 5 millimeters in length. They are an oval shape and have a flat body.
Early signs of bedbugs
If you have itchy bites, there is a possibility you have had an encounter with a bedbug.
According to Orkin, if there are blood spots on sheets, bedbug fecal matter and cast skins are all suggestions that bedbugs have, or are, present.
Bedbugs are often brought into an environment by people’s equipment. Examples of such include luggage, handbags and backpacks.
How to check for bedbugs
Addressing the issue as early as possible is the best approach. Bedbugs generally hide in a plethora of places, including around the seams of a mattress, in crevices of bedframes or headboards, or even in a head of a screw, according to the EPA.
While a bite on the skin could be resultant of bedbugs; it is too broad a symptom to come to a clear conclusion.
How to get rid of bedbugs
The EPA suggests a variety of ways to remove bedbugs from your area. Pest management is an obvious approach, however there are DIY options for those looking to solve the problem themselves.
Bedbugs can take some time to get rid of depending on the quantity of bedbugs, the area wherein they hide, among other factors.
Pesticides, such as foggers, are an option for individuals and professionals alike, though the EPA urges careful use.
Bedbug traps, desiccants, steam cleaners, as well as hot and cold treatments are others ways in which the pests can be exterminated.