Bed Bugs In Wilmington, NC

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are sneaky and difficult to eliminate household pests. They are common pest invaders in homes and wherever else people live or visit. The blood of warm-blooded animals is their sole food source and humans are their preferred hosts.

These ectoparasites are oval and flattened from top to bottom. They have chestnut-brown bodies that measure about ¼ of an inch in length. Bed bugs use their elongated, piercing mouthparts (proboscis) to feed on their sleeping hosts. When not feeding, the proboscis is stored backward underneath their body. Bed bugs are wingless and do not jump. To move from place to place, they hitchhike on people or our belongings.

Are bed bugs dangerous?

Bed bugs are blood-feeding parasites, and while they do have the ability to carry disease-causing organisms, the spread of infectious diseases to people is not a current concern. Bed bugs do, however, bite people in order to feed. Those that are allergic to their saliva develop an itchy rash that is uncomfortable and may become infected due to excessive itching.

When living inside a home, bed bugs can cause damage to personal property. Their excrement and feeding habits cause staining on things like bedding, rugs, clothing, and other fabrics. Also, knowing that blood-feeding bed bugs are living inside of your home causes anxious, interrupted sleep.

Why do I have a bed bug problem?

The truth about bed bugs is that they can find their way into any home. After bed bugs come into contact with people or their belongings, they can then be introduced into a new home. Bed bugs don't care about what a house looks like — how big, clean, or dusty. Bed bugs only care that there are people around that they can feed on.

It is important to note that while a cluttered home won't attract bed bugs, it does, however, provide them with more places to hide and can allow an infestation to continue undetected for a longer time.

Where will I find bed bugs?

Bed bugs were named because of their preference for living close to the areas where people sleep. However, bed bugs don't just stay in the bedroom. They have the ability to migrate throughout homes and multi-unit buildings, moving through walls and floors.

In addition to the seams of mattresses and box springs, other common hiding spots for bed bugs living inside of homes include:

• Cracks in wooden furniture, walls, or floors
• Upholstered furniture
• Wall voids behind outlets
• Behind wall hangings
• In electronics and keyboards
• Under piles of dirty laundry
• In pet bedding

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Eliminating household pests is a job best left up to professionals. Get rid of bed bugs and other household pests from your Wilmington area home with the help of the local experts at Jay Taylor Exterminating. With over 80 years of experience in the industry, we know how to get pests out and keep them out! We deliver high-quality pest control and exceptional customer service that you can count on.

For homeowners looking to maintain a pest-free household, reach out to Jay Taylor Exterminating and learn about our bed bugs control services today!

How can I prevent bed bugs in the future?

Avoid hitchhiking bed bugs finding their way into your North Carolina property by implementing some of these bed bug prevention tips in your home:

• Never purchase used furniture, mattresses, or bedding for use in your home.
• When traveling, always inspect your hotel room for bed bugs before bringing luggage and other belongings inside.
• After returning home from a trip, immediately wash and dry all clothing taken on the highest heat setting possible. Vacuum out and wipe down any suitcases.
• Regularly wash and dry all bedding, inspecting your home's mattresses and box springs for bed bugs during the process.
• Always keep bags, coats, and other personal belongings up off the ground of public places, including while at work or school.
• Reduce the clutter in your home and place bed bug proof covers on mattresses and box springs.