Bed Bug Identification & Prevention

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small apple seed-shaped insects that are very good at two things — hiding out of the sight of people and feeding on our blood as we sleep. Bed bugs can feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals like cats, dogs, and birds, but humans are their favorite hosts. Since bed bugs in Ogden prefer our blood, they have adapted to living with people in our homes or anywhere else people spend time.

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

Bed bugs are unsightly pests that make most people's skin crawl, and the knowledge that they are in your home will cause sleepless nights.

Bed bugs bite us and, in some cases, leave behind itchy rashes. Being bitten by bed bugs can lead to secondary infections and scabbing, but there is some good news; bed bugs aren't currently known to spread pathogens that make us sick.

The real danger with bed bugs is how quickly they can spread inside homes and other structures once they're inside. Just a few bed bugs hitchhiking their way into your home can soon turn into a large infestation that has taken over multiple areas of your home.

Why Do I Have a Bed Bug Problem?

Bed bugs can become a problem anywhere people are. Any home, any business can become infested with bed bugs. A bed bug's presence is not an indicator of how clean or dirty the structure is. Bed bugs only care about one thing — there are people around for them to use as a food source.

Bed bugs aren't a problem in our homes because they have migrated indoors from the outside. Bed bugs move from place to place with people or on our belongings. We are the ones that cause a problem with bed bugs by accidentally introducing these unwanted pests into our homes.

It is important to note that bed bugs can be very problematic in apartment buildings and other multi-unit buildings where they can move from unit to unit through walls, doors, or ceilings.

Where Will I Find Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs typically hide during the day and feed at night. They choose dark, tight spaces to hide, making it easy to overlook these pests. Bed bugs prefer to hang out in areas that put them near their human hosts.

Some of their favorite places to hide in our homes include the seams of mattresses and box springs, behind the cushions of upholstered furniture, cracks in wooden headboards, footboards, and wooden furniture.

Other places to regularly inspect for bed bugs include electrical outlets, behind wood trim, and in areas of clutter.

How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

At the first sign of bed bugs in your Utah home, reach out to us at Mountain West Pest Control. We will remove unwanted spiders from your Utah property through our premium pest control services in Ogden and using pet and kid-safe products. Our pest professionals will complete thorough inspections to confirm bed bug activity. They will then perform targeted treatments and provide the follow-up services necessary to eliminate these biting pests. To learn more about our guaranteed bed bug control services, reach out to us today!

How Can I Prevent Bed Bugs in the Future?

Prevent problems with bed bugs using the following recommendations.

• If possible, don't purchase secondhand furniture, mattresses, or bedding for your home; these items regularly house hitchhiking bed bugs. 
• Regularly wash jackets and other outerwear.
• When in public spaces, keep your belongings away from other people's things and up off the ground. 
• When washing your family's bedding, do so using the highest heat cycle possible.
• Be vigilant when traveling, always wash all clothing when you return home, and clean out all suitcases and bags.
• Remove as much clutter from your home as possible; bed bugs love to hide in areas of clutter. 
• Regularly vacuum your home and upholstered furniture to help pick up stray bed bugs that are brought inside accidentally. 
• If you spot even one bed bug in your home, reach out to a professional for help.