How Do I Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In My Orange County Home?

Bed bug infestations are fast becoming one of the biggest pest threats in Orange County. According to a recent study, one in five Americans have experienced an infestation or at least know someone who has. Another points out that bed bug infestations make up nearly one-third of all reported pest infestations.

There's no need to beat yourself up if you're struggling to manage a bed bug infestation. Despite the glamor and glitz of living in California, pest infestations are simply a part of our lives. Rather than blaming yourself for the situation or wondering what you should have done better, the question you should be asking is: 'How soon can I get bed bugs out of my home?'

We're going to answer this question for you in our comprehensive guide. First, we take a deep dive into bed bug bite identification so you can recognize these pests whenever they come calling. Next, we point out how bed bugs are a health risk and provide resources for you to make informed decisions. If you really want to satisfy your curiosity, we also explain why you have a bed bug infestation in your house.

Just want the scoop on professional bed bug control in Orange County? We explain how The PEST Group can protect your home at the bottom of this guide.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

The first step in getting rid of bed bugs in Orange County is to know how to identify their presence around your home. However, these bugs are nocturnal and rarely seen by humans. That's why the best course of action is to identify their bites instead.

You can think of bed bug bites as being like tiny mosquito bites that itch for days or weeks instead of just a few hours. These are small, red, often linear bites that tend to appear around your arms, legs, and back. You may also notice the signs of regular pest feeding, including red or brown splotches on your pillow case, bedsheets, and mattress.

However, bed bug bites can be difficult to identify without prior experience. They're often confused with other bites or rashes, which can lead to a false alarm in some cases (or worse, no alarm at all).

One of the most common misidentifications is between bed bug bites and flea bites. Fleas also leave similar bites on humans, although they tend to attack in random clusters – which is different from the more organized bites of a bed bug.

Some people may also find it difficult to distinguish between bed bug bites and scabies. For the unfamiliar, scabies are tiny mites that burrow into the skin rather than bite like bed bugs. Some of their symptoms may appear very similar at first, including an intense itching and almost rash-like appearance. But again, scabies don't attack in an organized, linear way like bed bugs. They also can't live inside your bed – they need direct contact with your skin to survive.

If you're unsure whether or not you're facing a bed bug infestation, you should schedule an inspection with the team at The PEST Group. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can remove these pests, and the sooner you can rest easy knowing your loved ones are safe. Waiting too long may allow the problem to compound, creating unwanted health risks.

Are Bed Bug Bites A Health Risk?

Let's get this out of the way: bed bugs aren't able to spread any diseases. Their bites may be itchy, but they're not recognized as vector pests, which means there's nothing they can spread to you or your loved ones. 

That said, bed bugs certainly aren't harmless pests. Their nighttime bites are enough to cause extreme itching. Depending on the number of pests you have in your home, you may not be able to sleep due to the sheer amount of itching and scratching. This is referred to as bed bug insomnia, which is a physiological response causing anxiety, loss of sleep, and impaired judgment during the day.

If this doesn't sound miserable enough, keep in mind secondary infections may occur from prolonged scratching. Open sores and bleeding scratches may allow unwanted bacteria to enter your body. This can lead to significant issues requiring medical attention.

The most serious side effect of bed bugs in Orange County, however, is the possibility of anemia. Bed bug infestations of extremely high numbers may consume enough blood to lower your red blood cell count. If you start to notice the symptoms of anemia (including pale skin, weakness, and cold hands and feet), you may want to seek professional treatments for your health and the bed bugs alike.

You don't want to let a bed bug infestation grow out of control. However, many homeowners don't notice their presence until the situation has become serious. If you're one of them, you may be wondering how they got inside in the first place or how they could have traveled all the way to your bedroom.

Why Do I Have Bed Bugs In My House?

You shouldn't take a bed bug infestation personally. These clever parasites are opportunistic hunters, which means their sole focus in life is finding a new food source. This includes navigating their way to a new 'hunting ground,' which likely includes your Orange County home.

Some of the most common reasons why you have bed bugs in your home include:

• You recently returned from a trip. Bed bugs are notorious for hitchhiking from person to person. They particularly enjoy public transportation spaces like bus terminals, airports, subway stations, and more. If you often take taxis or catch an Uber to work, you may be exposed to potential bed bug activity. The best way to avoid a potential 'hitchhiker' is to store your luggage off the ground and regularly inspect it for bugs. You may also want to wash all clothing on the highest heat setting after returning from your trip.
• You stayed at a hotel, motel, or Airbnb. Bed bugs often travel with unsuspecting people as they stay overnight in public lodgings. Some bugs decide to stay in bed after their host leaves – which means a few lucky pests are able to grab a ride to your home. To avoid this, be sure to check every unfamiliar bed for signs of bed bug activity. You can use the flat edge of a credit card, for example, to scrape along any seams and encourage the pests to come out. If you spot any, immediately pack your things and notify your host that you're changing rooms.
• You purchased secondhand items. Used mattresses, bed sheets, and even washers and dryers can harbor bed bugs for months at a time. Since bed bugs live for up to 10 months to a year (and can survive several weeks without feeding), you may accidentally transport pests directly into your home. Buying new mattresses and appliances is the best solution to this problem. Be sure to check any secondhand items thoroughly for signs of bed bugs before bringing them into your home. 

As you can see, avoiding a bed bug infestation isn't always possible. With so many exposure points, you have a significant amount of risk. If you do wind up with an infestation, don't panic: the team at The PEST Group can effectively remove bed bugs from your home.

How Do I Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In My House Fast?

The PEST Group offers everything you need to get rid of bed bugs fast. Serving Orange County homeowners with effective pest management services, we know just how to remove unwanted bugs from your home. No need to take our word for it – just read our five-star reviews.

Here's what you can expect after picking up the phone:

• First, we set up a personalized inspection to hunt down bed bugs around your home. We use your first-person insights and our knowledge of pests to narrow down hiding places and determine the pests' range. We then provide you with information regarding how widespread your infestation is.
• Next, we come alongside you to determine the best next steps for your bed bug control treatments. We currently offer three different types: local treatments, heat treatments, and fumigation. Each of these treats a different level of severity for your bed bug problem. We can also provide you with additional information about each process.
• Finally, we apply our bed bug control treatments and follow up with you at regular intervals. We also offer a bed bug removal guarantee that lasts 30 days from our final treatment. If you're not satisfied with the service we provide, we return to your property and make it right.

It's time to take back your home from bed bugs and start enjoying your life again. You can call The PEST Group today to schedule a bed bug treatment for your Orange County home.