As the schools close for the summer and families begin going on vacations, tourism in Portsmouth starts to pick up. This historic seaside town is a popular tourist destination and draws in people from all over. Unfortunately, the warmer weather and the uptick in tourists raise the risk of a certain pest: the bed bug. Typically, June to October is the months when bed bugs are the most active.
Bed bugs are great little hitchhikers. They will catch a ride in luggage, on people’s clothes, on buses, and on planes. They can be picked up in hotels, public shopping areas, and laundromats. Bed bug control can become quite a challenge in the bustling summer months in Portsmouth. If you think you have a bed bug problem or want to avoid one, contact Freedom Pest Control, your local Portsmouth pest control company.
What Do Bed Bugs In Portsmouth Look Like?
Bed bugs are tiny insects that can be difficult to notice. Not only are they good at hitchhiking, but they are also super at playing hide and seek. You’ll need to look for them in places like bedsheets, creases in mattresses, and upholstered furniture, just to name a few.
Adult bed bugs are mahogany in color and will become more reddish when engorged after a meal. They are about ¼ of an inch long, flat, and oval in shape. After feeding, they swell up and become more elongated. The younger nymphs are much smaller in size and much paler in color, almost clear. If you think you have spotted one or more, don’t hesitate to look into a bed bug pest control service for your home.
Are You Struggling With A Bed Bug Infestation?
How do you know if you have a bed bug infestation in your home? Bed bugs reproduce at a very rapid pace, and if not detected at an early stage, an infestation can get out of control very quickly. Therefore, knowing the signs of bed bugs in your home can be key to fast and effective bed bug pest control in Portsmouth.
Some of the things to watch for are blood spots in your sheets, remnants of bed bug skin or eggs in sheets and mattresses, and tiny little fecal spots on sheets or walls. You may also see little red bite marks on your skin in small groups.
Six Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs
Once you have bed bugs, it can be a monumental task to completely get rid of them from your home. There are bed bug control techniques for your home that will help eradicate and prevent bed bugs. Some steps you can take include:
- Wash clothing, bed linens, and curtains in hot water and dry them in a dryer that is set to the hottest setting available.
- Vacuum the house as thoroughly as possible, especially the beds and the areas around them. Immediately remove the vacuum bag or empty the vacuum into a bag that can be sealed and place it outside.
- Vacuum or wash all pet beds and toys on a regular basis.
- Purchase a mattress cover that seals and encases the mattress completely.
- If you utilize a laundromat, carefully inspect the machines prior to use and your clothes before bringing them home.
- Diligently inspect any purchased used furniture before introducing it into your home.
Adhering to these and other tips can be extremely beneficial for bed bug control. But keep in mind, they are no guarantee that your bed bug issues are solved or that they won’t return.
Professional Bed Bug Control In Portsmouth
If you want to be assured of completely ridding your home of bed bugs and preventing future infestations, leave it up to the professionals. For the best bed bug pest control near you, give Freedom Pest Control a call. We have been servicing the area for more than 25 years and have the experience and knowledge to implement safe and effective bed bug control solutions for your home.