Identifying And Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs In Your Chicago Home

In Chicago and other cities across the world, we share our space with a number of insects and other nosey pests. Among the most bothersome and common are bed bugs, even if most people aren't aware of what they look like.

So, what are bed bugs, exactly? Do bed bugs jump or bite? The name and available information on these critters can be a bit deceiving.

Bed bugs are easy to identify if you know what you're looking for, so read on to learn how you can diagnose a potential infestation in your home and how professional pest control in Chicago can help.

How To Identify A Bed Bug

Bed bugs in Chicago are pretty tough to find – that is, until an infestation grows too big to ignore. So, what do they look like? Where do bed bugs hide? Understanding these concepts is key to identifying and diagnosing a potential bed bug infestation in your home.

Adult bed bugs are tiny, often no bigger than a small apple seed or orange seed. These bugs tend to be reddish or brown in color and therefore are slightly easier to detect if you have white or light-colored bedding.

Younger bugs are a bit harder to see, but you can detect them with the naked eye if you look hard enough. This is because younger bed bugs haven't fully developed their color yet, and are still partially translucent.

The Problems A Bed Bug Infestation Can Create In Your House

Bed bugs aren't just a fright to think about. They're actually quite a nuisance for you and your home. Here are some issues that bed bugs can cause.

• Blood and fecal matter from the bugs can create unsightly stains on bedding and other surfaces.
• A slightly sweet odor can form and grow worse with time.
• Bed bug bites can cause itchy skin and rashes.
• Bed bugs can cause you to lose sleep due to itching and anxiety.

As you can see, a bed bug infestation in your Chicago home is not a problem you can put up with for very long.

How Bed Bugs Hitch Rides Into Our Homes

Bed bugs don't just come out of thin air. They are typically brought inside on your clothing or belongings after you've spent time in an infested location.

Here are some of the many ways that bed bugs can find their way inside our homes:

• On our clothes or shoes
• On suitcases, purses, and other bags
• Through cracks and crevices in walls of multi-unit housing

Inspecting hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs, avoiding placing your luggage directly on the floor while traveling, and washing and drying your clothes on high heat after returning from travel can all help to avoid bed bug infestations. A full infestation is another story, but it's a good habit to try and prevent these bugs from ever finding their way inside your home in the first place.

The Most Successful Way To Get Rid Of A Bed Bug Infestation

While it may be difficult to diagnose a bed bug infestation, doing something about it is straightforward and easy. If you want to know how to get rid of bed bugs, look no further.

Local bed bug control in Chicago is your best and likely only shot at removing a bed bug infestation. Once these critters have hitched a ride indoors and started having offspring, they're very persistent and difficult to get rid of.

Sleep Tight Pest Extermination is your go-to solution for reclaiming your property from these pesky critters once and for all. Reach out today to get started, and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Chicago.