Could it be Bed Bugs?

A recent New York Post article has created a renewed concern about an old enemy, bed bugs. While talk about bed bugs here in New Jersey has died down a bit over the last few years, this article is making some people concerned that we could see a resurgence. The article discusses the increased concern about bed bugs in several southern states, including Florida. While Florida is not close to us in proximity, it was a very popular vacation destination during the spring. Unlike many people, bed bugs are not afraid of flying. So, the question is how many people unknowingly transmitted bed bugs from Florida to New Jersey and what will that mean for us?

If you, or someone you care about, has traveled recently, now is a great time to do a bed bug check. First, ask yourself if you have seen any bug bites. The warm weather is starting so there will be some biting bugs out, but they are not yet common. That means bug bites should be a red flag that there could be a problem. Bed bugs bites can be differentiated from some other kinds of bites because bed bugs typically bite in a particular pattern, either a straight line or zigzag pattern. Their bites can be confused with another year-round biting pest, fleas, but typically flea bites are found in a cluster on ankles or legs.

If you see any suspicious bites, it is a good idea to inspect your beds, sofas, and other plush furniture in your home. Using a flashlight, shine light into the corners of your mattress. If you see a bug with a flat, rusty-red-colored oval body, that looks a lot like an apple seed, you most likely have bed bugs. Another sign that a bed bug has been in your mattress is if they leave their fecal matter. If it looks like someone has sprinkled pepper on your mattress, you are likely to have bed bugs.

If there are a significant number of bed bugs in a room there is another possible sign and that is odor. There is often a musty sweet odor when there are many bed bugs in an area. Some people liken the smell to that of coriander, berries, or even moldy laundry.

When presented with a bed bug problem, many people will search for the DIY method to get rid of them. The most common methods are using a steamer on the mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture to kill bugs and eggs. Then washing bedding and clothing at high temperature, and finally drying for at least 30 minutes on high heat.  This is followed up with frequent vacuuming. The contents of the vacuum cleaner must be immediately sealed a plastic bag and discarded outside.

While some people have found minimal relief with these methods, a more common scenario is that people will employ these methods only to find that the bed bug situation gets worse. It is best to give Cowleys a call at the first sign of bed bugs so we can take care of the bed bug problem before it becomes a full blown infestation.