Proudly Protecting Brunswick County Homeowners Since 1976
Bed bugs are small, brown insects that feed on blood. They are most active at night and can be difficult to identify because they are so small, even when fully grown. They also have a very short life cycle, so they can multiply quickly. If you suspect you have bed bugs, you should contact a bed bug control specialist right away.
At Manning's Pest Control, we have been providing top-quality Southport bed bug control since 1976. We have the experience and skill to safely and effectively eradicate bed bugs from your home or business.
Signs of Bed Bugs
Some of the most common signs that you have bed bugs include:
- Red, itchy bumps on your skin that look like mosquito bites
- Small, dark spots that look like blood on your sheets or mattress
- Seeing the adult bed bug, which is about the size of an apple seed
- Finding the empty shell of an egg, which is the size of a dot
These symptoms could be caused by something else, such as a rash, allergic reaction, or a mosquito bite, so you should get a professional opinion before treating for bed bugs.
Why You Shouldn't Try to Do It Yourself
Many people try to save money by doing their own bed bug treatment. This can be a mistake because bed bugs are very difficult to eradicate. You also need to use very strong products that are only available to professionals. If you suspect you have bed bugs, you should contact a bed bug control specialist right away.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on human blood. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (5-7mm), reddish-brown in color, and visible to the naked eye. They cannot fly but can move quickly across floors, walls, and ceilings.
2. How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Common signs of bed bug infestation include:
- Small blood stains on sheets or mattresses
- Dark spots (about the size of a period) which are bed bug excrement
- Eggs and eggshells (about 1mm in size)
- Live bugs in mattress seams, headboards, or nearby furniture
- Unexplained skin bites, often in lines or clusters
- A sweet, musty odor in heavily infested areas
3. How do bed bugs get into homes?
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They commonly enter homes through:
- Luggage after traveling
- Used furniture, especially mattresses and upholstered items
- Adjacent apartments in multi-unit buildings
- Personal items like backpacks or purses
- Clothing after visiting infested locations
4. Can I get rid of bed bugs myself?
While DIY methods exist, professional treatment is strongly recommended because:
- Bed bugs are highly resistant to many over-the-counter pesticides
- They can hide in tiny cracks and crevices that are hard to reach
- Missing even a few bugs can lead to re-infestation
- Professional treatments target all life stages of bed bugs
- Improper pesticide use can be dangerous to your health
5. How long does professional treatment take?
Typically, complete bed bug elimination requires:
- Initial inspection and treatment: 2-3 hours
- Follow-up treatments: 2-3 visits over 2-4 weeks
- Post-treatment inspection to confirm elimination Success rates are highest when residents follow all preparation instructions and cooperate fully with treatment protocols.
6. How can I prevent bed bugs?
Prevention strategies include:
- Inspect hotel rooms when traveling
- Check second-hand furniture thoroughly before bringing it home
- Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs
- Reduce clutter where bed bugs can hide
- Regularly inspect beds and nearby furniture
- Keep suitcases elevated and away from beds when traveling
7. Are bed bugs dangerous?
While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, they can cause:
- Itchy welts and allergic reactions
- Sleep disturbances and anxiety
- Secondary skin infections from scratching
- Emotional distress and social stigma
8. What should I do if I suspect bed bugs?
- Don't panic, but act quickly
- Document signs of infestation (take photos if possible)
- Contact a professional pest control company immediately
- Avoid moving items between rooms to prevent spread
- Don't throw away furniture without professional advice
- Follow all preparation instructions carefully
9. How can I prepare for treatment?
Proper preparation includes:
- Reducing clutter in affected areas
- Washing and drying all fabrics on high heat
- Bagging clean items to prevent re-infestation
- Moving furniture away from walls
- Following our detailed pre-treatment checklist
- Maintaining access to all rooms and closets
Remember: Early detection and professional treatment are key to successful bed bug elimination. Contact us immediately if you suspect an infestation in your home or business.
10. How do bed bugs spread from one place to another?
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. They can easily spread by latching onto luggage, clothing, furniture, or other personal belongings. Traveling, especially to hotels, is one of the most common ways bed bugs are introduced into homes. They can also spread through secondhand furniture or items that are brought into the house.
11. How long does the bed bug removal process take?
The duration of the bed bug removal process can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the methods used. Typically, a professional treatment can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. After the initial treatment, follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure that all bed bugs have been eradicated.