It seems easy to check for bedbugs, whether at home or in places we stay while traveling. Actually, like any other checking that we do, looking for telltale signs of bedbugs takes time and effort on our part if we do not want these hitchhikers in our luggage or our homes.
Bedbugs, from eggs to adults can be seen with our naked eye. Checking for bedbugs is easy for even the tiny reddish blood stains and brownish skins these molting pests leave behind will tell us of their presence. How to check for bedbugs starts with knowing what to look for and where to look.
What to look for:
Cimicidae, commonly known as bedbugs are small insects or parasites. Cimex lectularius, the specie that feed on human beings or any other warm-blooded animal are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide of these hosts. From the newly hatched translucent, light colored nymph, this pest molt at least six times to become a light-brown or reddish brown flat, oval-shaped adult that have pad-like front wings. The bedbug adult is more or less 4-5 mm long and 1.5 – 3 mm wide.
The tiny eggs are attached to any surface by a a sticky substance.
These bugs can thrive alone and live for almost a year without feeding which makes it harder to check for them. But bedbugs also live in groups or congregate once established. While it would then be easy to check for these bedbugs, it would also be harder to eradicate them.
One sign that gives us an idea that there are bedbugs around is the smell of cilantro, coriander or over-ripe raspberries in places where these bugs had been. For example, when the bed covers are being changed and and we notice that kind of smell, then this is the time for us to really check for bedbugs.
While researches do not report that these bugs are disease-carriers, the bites may develop into ugly, red rashes and when not attended to may become infected. There were times before, when infestations of these pests became prevalent in certain warm places. We do not want that to happen again, would we? So let us make sure, that we are free from these bedbugs.
Where to look for bedbugs:
So named, bedbugs are to be found in beds at home or in hotels. They also can get into our clothes, linens, even the dark crevices of furniture and walls.
Before moving into a new home, inspect the premises, each of the rooms, the furniture, the cupboards, cabinets, and the beds not only for the presence of bedbugs but also for other pests that will give trouble later.
When buying second-hand beds or padded chairs, make sure to inspect, the seams of the covers for any signs of bedbug presence. Bedbugs may also be found, if any at the back of headboards, at the joints of the platforms, or the mattress of beds.
When staying at a hotel, avoid placing the luggage on the bed or the floor. Inspect the beds, furniture and the whole room for any sign of bedbugs. If you are sure of the presence of bedbugs in the room, do not waste time complaining but report the case to the management and change hotels. Inspect your luggage, too for the bedbugs are fond of hitchhiking.
Coming home from our travels, we have to make sure that we are not bringing home any bedbug. Reports say that washing the travel clothes in very hot water would kill the bugs. The luggage cases or any other case used in travelling should also be vacuumed or totally cleaned.
Keeping our homes free from bedbugs should be at the back of our minds whenever, we do our routine cleaning. Dark corners should be cleaned thoroughly, wall crevices should be patched up and fully covered. mattresses should be fully covered so no bugs could enter nor get out. Clothes and linens should be washed thoroughly.
So, let us keep bedbugs away. Let us always check our homes for bedbugs.