If you’re suffering from itchy lumps or experiencing bites on your skin, then you’re right to be concerned as you may have a bed bug or flea problem.
Bites and itching are often the first sign of a problem and usually when someone gets in touch with pest control.
As the weather starts to warm up and with more and more of us spending long periods of time indoors, fleas thrive in these conditions. Bed bugs look for human hosts to feed on and with the property market currently booming and sale and rental properties going on and off the market regularly this creates a problem as bedbugs lie dormant waiting for their next human host to take up residence.
This week we’ll take a look at common signs for both bedbugs and fleas as people often mix up the two when the first sign is bites.
Where are bedbugs and fleas commonly found?
Bed Bugs tend to lay their eggs in cracks and crevices near human hosts so often will be found in bedrooms. Common areas we find evidence of bedbug activity are bed frames; skirting boards; behind loose wallpaper and plug sockets. These are all ideal places for bedbugs to hide out and lay their eggs.
Fleas love a pet so often people first spot signs on fleas on their dogs or cats but fleas can also be found in pets’ bedding; furniture; carpets and rugs.
TOP BED BUG TIP
Back brush your pets or brush over a piece of paper to spot fleas or their droppings more easily
Bites – bed bugs or fleas?
Bed bugs mostly feed at night on their human host so you may find itchy red spots or lumps on your body. Flea bites, on the other hand, tend to be around the ankles and legs and typically are a small red spot around 5mm in diameter.
Am I spotting a bed bug or flea?
Take a closer look at your bedding, bed frame and mattress for signs of bed bugs such as dark ink line spots or blood smears. Also, you may find your laundry and bedding smells unpleasant.
Check pets for fleas – are your pets scratching?
Look closely at carpets and rugs – fleas jump!
Treating your bed bugs or fleas
A common complaint we hear from people is that they have tried to treat bedbugs and fleas themselves but they keep coming back. Whilst it is possible to treat bedbugs and fleas yourself DIY treatments don’t usually work in our experience.
That’s because DIY treatments aren’t as effective as those used by qualified pest controllers who have access to solutions that aren’t available to the general public.
Fleas and bedbugs can be extremely unpleasant and people sometimes leave it until the problem gets really bad before they report it because they feel embarrassed. This often leads to people trying to treat the problem themselves unsuccessfully.
- NEVER BE EMBARRASSED TO REPORT A BEDBUG OR FLEA PROBLEM -
Pest controllers have seen and heard it all so there’s no need to feel embarrassed about a bedbug or flea problem. It’s important to remember that a flea or bedbug problem isn’t something you have caused. Calling in pest control as soon as you think you may have a bed bug or flea problem will not only stop the problem getting worse but it can often put your mind at rest.
DON’T DELAY CALL PGM & SON BED BUG CONTROL TODAY!
For all your pest control needs, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on
01981 251116 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website.