The Secret To Keeping Bed Bugs Out Of Your Hartford Home

If you want to keep bed bugs out of your Hartford home, the secret is understanding how they get in. Bed bugs are somewhat unique among pests. They don't live in your yard and they don't find cracks in your walls, like ants, centipedes, spiders, and a whole bunch of other critters. Bed bugs don't come into your home on their own. They're carried in. But they're not carried in like a tick or a flea. And they don't take humans as hosts. They live in close proximity to humans in order to have access to food. If there is a type of pest that resembles the bed bug, it would be the pantry pest. Pantry pests will live near food sources, such as flour, rice, and bread products. But, unlike bed bugs, pantry pests lay their eggs in their food sources so their larvae will have something to eat. Bed bugs do not have a larval form. They hatch as nymphs, and it is important that you know what a nymph looks like because it is the bed bug you're most likely to see. Nymphs are more daring than adult bed bugs. Nymph detection is where we'll begin this guide on the secret to keeping bed bugs out of your Hartford home.

Nymph Identification

When a nymph comes out of its egg, it is about 1mm in length and has six legs, three body parts, and two antennae. Unlike an adult, it will not have a rusty-brown coloration. Nymphs start as pale-colored insects; they grow to be tan and eventually rusty brown.

If you see a nymph feeding on your skin, you will see your blood in the abdomen of the insect. This is because a nymph has transparent skin. After a nymph has had a blood meal, and digested its food, the abdomen will no longer be red. It will be black. This is because you'll be able to see the feces inside the nymphs. That's a little disgusting, but it is important to know. If you see a six-legged, tan and black insect crawling on you, it is likely that you're looking at a bed bug nymph.

Where You Might See A Nymph

If you spend the night somewhere, you might see a bed bug nymph. Hotspots for bed bugs are hotels, motels, and other accommodations, but you can also pick them up in the home of a friend or relative. It is important to keep a wary eye out for bed bug activity. But be aware that nymphs don't like the light. They won't make it easy for you to detect them.

Another place you might see a nymph is inside a carriable item. Bed bugs are attracted to tight spaces. If you bring bags or luggage with you for a sleepover, adventurous bed bugs could get into your stuff. Use a flashlight and a credit card to search cracks, gaps, and seams for nymphs that are hiding.

How To Find Bed Bugs

One of the best ways to prevent a bed bug infestation in your home is to always do an inspection when you sleep somewhere away from home. Don't count on seeing nymphs.

If you're able, lift the mattress and look underneath. Bed bugs often hide in compressed areas.

• Use a credit card to drag along the seams of the mattress and box spring.
• Lift cushions on couches or chairs.
• Inspect cracks, crevices, and stitching on furniture.

Bed Bug Warning Signs

You'll have more success locating bed bugs if you know the warning signs they leave for you to find. Look for these signs:

• Black stains on fabrics and surfaces.
• Specks of black.
• Brown stains on sheets, pillowcases, bedding, or furniture.
• Shed skins or tiny white eggs in compressed places or tight spaces.

Extra Precaution

There are a few tricks you can use to make yourself less of a target for hitchhiking bed bugs. Use these to keep bed bugs from coming home with you.

• Put your luggage on the bathroom floor while you do an inspection of your room.
• Keep laundry items in a sealed plastic bag.
• Use the luggage rack provided
• Put all of your clothing through a hot wash and hot dryer cycle when you get home
• Consider putting duffel bags, backpacks, and other storage items through a 30 minute dryer cycle.

Hopefully, these tips will help you prevent a bed bug infestation in your Hartford home. If you ever find bed bugs, remember that the team at American Pest Solutions is always available to help you get rid of them. Reach out to us anytime for assistance.