If you discover bed bugs in your home, you may be tempted to tackle the problem yourself. Unfortunately, it is a known fact that most do-it-yourself and methods of natural pest control for bed bugs are inadequate at stopping an infestation. To make matters worse, the longer you delay assistance from a pest control professional, the more time bed bugs have to reproduce. This makes an otherwise minor infestation into a huge headache.
The good news is that today's professional pest control methods are extremely effective in getting rid of bed bugs. In the following guide, find out more about how to eliminate bed bugs and why A Step Above Pest Control & Termite is a top choice for Pest Control in Los Angeles.
What Bed Bugs Look Like
Part of effective bed bug control is properly identifying these pests. Many homeowners misidentify bed bugs, giving an infestation more time to escalate into a huge problem. Bed bugs are oval-shaped and flat and become engorged after feeding on a host. They are a mahogany color before feeding and turn a reddish-brown color once they are fed. Baby bed bugs, or nymphs, are colorless. These pests have six legs and two antennae, and their average length is about a quarter of an inch.
Although they are fairly small, you'll be able to spot bed bugs with your naked eye. Once you are certain that these pests have invaded your home, it's time to schedule services with professional pest control to kill bed bugs.
The Problems Bed Bug Infestations Can Create In Your Home
Bed bug infestations escalate quickly when they are left untreated. In addition to them being an unsightly nuisance, here are several of the problems they create in homes:
- Stains on bedding and belongings, including the bloodstains bed bugs leave after feeding and fecal matter
- Allergic reactions to bed bug bites, which in rare cases can be life-threatening
- Secondary reactions to bites, resulting in illnesses such as impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis
- Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia
To avoid these issues within your home, rely on high-quality bed bug pest control in Los Angeles, like A Step Above Pest Control & Termite.
Why DIY Bed Bug Control Is Usually A Waste Of Time And Money
Although there are several options for do-it-yourself and natural pest control for bed bugs, these home remedies often fail. One of the main reasons is the bed bug's capability to reproduce quickly. Even though female bed bugs only lay one egg per day, this can lead to exponential growth over time, especially when an infestation remains undetected. If you don't kill all of the bugs at once, they can easily continue to multiply.
While high heat kills bed bugs, getting the timing right is important. If a heat treatment is done improperly, the bed bugs will simply move to a cooler location and return afterward. Bed bugs can also become resistant to chemical treatments, growing new skins that protect them from attacks. If you're dealing with a stubborn infestation, your best bet is to work with an experienced bed bug control near you.
The Trick To Total Bed Bug Elimination
The only surefire way to eliminate bed bugs is to rely on professional bed bug control services. A Step Above Pest Control & Termite has been a trusted source of bed bug pest control in Los Angeles since 1996. We're licensed, bonded, and insured and tailor our services to your unique pest control needs. Call us today to find out more about our safe and effective bed bug extermination solutions.