If you are waking up itching or you start noticing little red bumps on your body, there is a chance you may have bed bugs. Bed bugs are common in Texas, but there are ways to avoid them. If you do end up with bed bugs, there are different treatment options that you can consider.
Below is more information about bed bugs, along with some other Texas pests that you may run into.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, brownish-colored insects that have flat bodies. As they feed on human or animal blood, they swell up and become more of a reddish color. Bed bugs are known for how quickly they spread. They are able to lay hundreds of eggs and—although they can’t fly—they start moving around your house quickly.
While they aren’t known for spreading disease, they do cause you to itch like crazy.
How Do I Prevent Bed Bugs?
In order to avoid bed bug treatment entirely, you can take steps to prevent them. Below are a few of the things you can do to avoid bed bugs:
- Wash your clothing when you return home from a vacation.
- Avoid purchasing used clothing and furniture when you can.
- Wash your new clothing once you come home from the store.
- Clean and vacuum your home regularly.
- Wash your sheets often.
Signs of an Infestation
One of the most obvious signs of a bed bug infestation is the itchy little bumps from their bites. With that said, there are a few other signs you can look for:
- Dark, excrement spots on bed sheets, walls, and mattresses
- A musty odor that comes from their scent glands
- Bloodstains on your pillows and sheets
Make sure you check not only your bed but also your box springs if you suspect bed bugs. You may even want to check the bedstand, carpet, and around your room in general. If you discover them, check the rest of your house to see if they have spread to other rooms.
How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
There are a few things that you can do to try and get rid of bed bugs on your own. These steps are particularly helpful if the bed bug infestation is still in its early phases.
Consider the steps below:
- Wash your sheets, clothing, curtains, and bedding with hot water and dry with the highest drier setting possible. For items that can’t be washed, place them in the drier for around 30 minutes.
- Clean up your home. Vacuum, pick up clutter and check your home for bed bugs again when the house is clean.
- Scrub your mattress and furniture with a stiff brush before vacuuming to get rid of eggs and bugs. Zip up your mattress and box spring in a zipped cover when you notice the bugs to stop them from moving around until you are able to get rid of them.
While these are good tips for getting started, if you have a bed bug infestation, you should consider contacting a pest control company like Nationwide Pest Control. We’ll send out an expert pest control specialist to find the bed bugs, eliminate them completely, and ensure they don’t come back. We know where they hide, and how to find them. We’ll make sure those bed bugs aren’t able to bite ever again.
What Other Bugs Are in Texas? How Do I Prevent Them?
Along with bed bugs, there are other pests in Texas that you’ll need to look out for. Below are a few common pests in Texas and what you can do to prevent them.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes buzz around, bite and are generally a nuisance. On top of their itchy bites, they are also known to spread diseases and viruses when they suck your blood.
If you’d like to avoid a mosquito infestation, consider these tips:
- Fill holes in your yard that contain standing water.
- Remove standing water around your home.
- Get rid of debris, stumps, and overgrown vegetation from your property.
- Keep your grass cut short.
- Turn any containers or buckets in your yard upside down.
Ants
Ants live in colonies. While most of us know this, many people don’t think about that when they see a few ants in their homes carrying crumbs to an unknown location. Ants can find their way indoors and, when they do, they build their colony to enormous numbers inside of your house. What’s worse is that some of these ants (like fire ants) have a painful bite.
To keep ants out of your home, take these tips into consideration:
- Rinse out cans and containers before throwing them in the trash.
- Place weather-stripping around your doors and windows.
- Check the outside of your home for gaps.
- Remove branches, brush, and debris from your property.
Wasps/Hornets
Wasps and hornets are well known for their nasty sting and aggression. Unlike bees, wasps and hornets are prone to attack unprovoked. This is bad enough as it is. On top of this, some people are allergic and don’t even know it! A sting then doesn’t just hurt but can also land them in the hospital.
When you notice a wasp or hornet nest on your property, don’t try to take care of it on your own. Contact a pest control specialist to safely and expertly remove it.
Termites/Carpenter Ants
Termites and carpenter ants aren’t known for spreading disease or stinging. Instead, they do a different type of harm—they eat away at your property. This can lead to thousands of dollars in property damage. If you notice termites or carpenter ants, contact Nationwide Pest Control to remove them. Do not try to do this yourself. You want to ensure you don’t miss any.
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Reach Out Today
If you notice bed bugs in your home, consider the tips above. Once it’s gotten to the point of an infestation, though, contact Nationwide Pest Control. We’ll get rid of bed bugs or any other pest you have in your home.
