Bed Bug Control - Clint Miller Exterminating

•   Look on your mattress and box springs for blood stains, caused from you rolling on the bed bugs at night.
•   Dark spots, which are bed bug excrement and looks like a marker stain.
•   Bite marks on your body. They are often described as small, red, itchy bumps. You normally will not feel the bugs while they are feeding.
•   The Bed Bugs themselves are not easy to find because they are hiding during the times you would be looking for them.

They have often been referred to as hitchhikers. These hitchhikers travel from furniture to bedding, baggage, boxes, clothing, etc. Bed bugs can live months without feeding, but they typically feed every five to ten days. Below are some ways to prevent bed bugs.

•   Purchase bed bug covers for your mattress and box springs right away. Even if you don’t have signs of them, it is a good precaution. (Be sure to get one of high quality that won’t tear easily.)
•   If you purchase used furniture, always check it first for any signs of bed bugs.
•   Keep your home clean to reduce hiding areas.

When Traveling:

•   Always use luggage racks, don’t set your bags on the floor.
•   Inspect mattresses and headboards, etc.
•   As soon as you return home, wash your clothes immediately and dry them on high heat, and inspect your luggage.

Often, the bites heal on their own; however, if they don't because of infection or other reason, you will need medical treatment. If you suffer an allergic reaction or infection because of bed bug bites, be sure to go to your doctor or the emergency room immediately. Some people may suffer from health risks from bed bugs, including:

• Allergic reactions to the bed bugs
• An infection caused by excessive scratching
• Insomnia
• Stress and depression due to sleep deprivation
• a weakened immune system if bites are left untreated and latent illnesses because of a weakened immune system.

•   Dry on high heat all of your bedding including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters. (It is not necessary to wash everything; the heat from the dryer is sufficient.)
•   Remove everything from bedroom and hallway closets. (After washing clothes, sheets, etc. put in plastic bins or plastic trash bags and store in another area of house until after treatment.)
•   Empty all dresser drawers and nightstands. (Do not put back in closets and drawers, etc. until after chemical has had time to dry.)
•   Vacuum bed, floors, furniture, box springs, mattresses, headboards, dresser drawers, and inside closets. Dispose of bag afterward.
•   Make sure all areas that the technician needs to treat are accessible and not cluttered.