Have you recently woken up to find that you are covered in bite marks? This might be a good sign that you are dealing with bed bugs, but it is not a definite answer. You could be dealing with fleas or even mosquitos. The only true way to determine if you are dealing with bed bugs is to procure a sample of the bug. This is much harder to accomplish than most people think, because bed bugs usually only come out during the late hours of the night. This would be the time when you are most likely asleep. Bed bugs also like to hide in some of the smallest places.
Below you will discover more information about bed bugs and how to determine if you suffering from an infestation.
Complete Visual Inspection
You want to start with a complete visual inspection of the sleeping area. Bed bugs like to take shelter near their hosts. Since they feed during the late night hours, these critters are most likely to nestle into the bedroom. You want to examine the edges of your mattress. If it is necessary remove the mattress and inspect the box spring. Make sure that you are paying close attention to the corners underneath the plastic guards. Also be sure to inspect any other furniture that is located in the bedroom. It is even a good idea to check the far corners of your nightstands.
Just because you do not spot any bed bugs during your inspection, it does not necessarily mean that you are bed bug free. Bed bugs are very hard to spot during a visual inspection, and they are even harder to eradicate.
Installing Interception Devices and Active Monitors
If you did not spot any bed bug during your visual inspection, you might have to turn to interception devices or active monitors. Interception device are very effective and far more economical than active monitors. Interception devices will be installed under the legs of beds and sofas. These devices will trap the bugs as they move around during the night. Once installed it is best to check the devices every 2 to 4 weeks.
Active monitors are also very effective, but tend to cost a little more. These devices actually use chemicals to lure the critters and trap them. Do a bit of research on bed bug exterminator Philadelphia cost, before you go out there and purchase these items, since this option could save you some money.
Mattress and Box Spring Encasements
Mattress and box spring encasements are much more expensive than the above-mentioned methods, but are very valuable tools. Encasements are like big plastic covers that go over your mattress and box springs. This tool will not only prevent the bed bugs from biting you, but it will also trap them and eventually kill them off.
Hiring a Professional
You best bet to determine if you are dealing with bed bugs is by hiring a professional. Just remember that there are a lot of companies out there, and you want to make sure you check bed bug exterminator Philadelphia cost, before you just go out and hire the first company you come across. Put in a little time and research and you should be just fine.
Bed Bug Exterminator Philly
2139 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 202-7911