The Trick To Keeping Bed Bugs Out Of Your Wilmington Home

Sometimes, a pest's name simply fails to do it justice. A bed bug sounds like a rather innocuous little thing at first, and the old cutesy sleepytime saying only reinforces that. Everyone's heard the phrase at least once; "Don't let the bed bugs bite," as though you'd have an opportunity to fight them off. No, these parasites are far more insidious. These blood-eating insects are only about the size and shape of an apple seed, making them fairly undetectable unless you're well informed and specifically looking for them. Due to their stealthiness and extremely prolific breeding cycle, bed bugs are also nearly impossible to remove once an infestation has taken root. Don't let yourself lose sleep over these parasites. Instead, take this guide to complete bed bug prevention.

Early Warning Signs

You won't often catch any bed bugs crawling across your mattress, but there's one thing you're bound to notice the first night after you've caught them: the bites. If you're waking up with long lines of itchy red welts running up your legs, torso, or arms, it may be time to start looking for other signs. Start by throwing back the covers to look for any rusty red splotches or bloodstains on your sheets. Remove the linens and put them in a zipper-sealed plastic bag for storage, to prevent further potential infestation as you lift the mattress itself to search thoroughly. Remember, bed bugs are incredibly tiny, able to slip into any crevice with ease. Look inside every seam, every hole and tear, every inch of your mattress, bed frame, and box spring. If you don't find their fecal droppings, molted shells, or actual bed bugs, look elsewhere around your room. If you can insert a credit card into a space, it could harbor bed bugs, so err on the side of excess caution.

What A Bed Bug Infestation Is Like

A bed bug infestation is constantly taxing your mental health. Imagine hundreds of little legs and hungry mouths lurking under every fabric seam inside your bed, lying in wait for your breath to slow and your body to go limp, each one instinctively knowing that it's their time to feed. They creep up around you and gorge themselves on your blood, and before day breaks they're already back in their hiding places, spawning more and more for the next night's feast, their numbers festering until any hope for freedom from their endless hunger fades. It's hard to sleep tight when you know what's in store.

How To Stop Bed Bugs From Coming Back

Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, so the best way to prevent them from entering your Wilmington home is to deny them that route. Whenever you travel, be mindful of where you leave your luggage, laundry, or other belongings. Bed bugs don't just hide in mattresses, even though that is most often where you'll find them. They tend to wait for victims anywhere with lots of people moving through, and because they feed solely on blood, it doesn't necessarily have to be a dirty-looking place to harbor bed bugs. Here's a quick rundown of their usual hiding spots out in the world:

• Hotel rooms
• Public laundry facilities
• Public transportation
• Used furniture
• Second-hand clothing
• Second-hand baggage

How Do I Get Bed Bugs Out Of My Wilmington Home Permanently?

Because of their prolific breeding cycle and stealthy nature, the only surefire way to get rid of bed bugs is to partner with pest control professionals. Reach out to the experts at Delmar Pest Control for a comprehensive treatment plan, including guaranteed prevention measures. We'll work with you every step of the way to ensure a swift recovery from such a harrowing experience. Call now, and let Delmar Pest Control reclaim your home for a good night's rest.