Bed bugs commonly take up residence in your bed, hence their name. By residing in your bed, it puts them close to their source of food…which is you! These little bloodsuckers prefer to stay as close to a warm human body as possible so they do not have to travel far for food. That does not mean they will not take up residence in other areas, too, but your bed is the first place to look when starting bed bug control. Knowing how to inspect your box spring for bed bugs is a huge help.
What to Watch For
First, make sure you know what to look for when searching for signs of bed bugs. Search the thing material covering the box spring for reddish or rust coloured stains. When you sleep and move around at night, it is likely that you crush a bed but or two, so they will leave telling stains behind.
IF you see dark spots on the material or around the edge of the box spring, it is also an indication of a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs drink blood, so their feces will leave a dark brown stain. Since their excrement is so thin, the stain bleeds onto fabric. You should also search every corner and seam of the box spring for egg shells. Egg shells are very small at only 1 mm in length.
Finally, look for nymph skins. Nymphs shed several times before they reach maturity, so you may notice pale yellow shells, or skins, belonging to them on or around your box spring. Finally, keep an eye out for live bed bugs. Although bed bugs hide rather well, you may spot a live bed bug crawling around. Typically, if you see a live bug, it is either by luck or because you have a big infestation issue on your hands.
Survivability
A bed bug can survive as long as it has a host that it can feed from, which is you. That does not mean you can starve a bed bug to death. They can go without food for quite some time. It is not likely that you can freeze them out, either. Bed bugs stay active in temperatures as cold as 46 degrees. However, if the temperature exceeds 113 degrees, their body cannot handle it and they will die off.
Call a Pro
If you find bed bugs living in your box spring, do not hesitate to call a professional. You will need an exterminator to assist you. You will find several options for DIY removal, but keep in mind that most of them do not work. Professional bed bug extermination is really your best and only line of defense.
Be sure to ask for a warranty of at least six months if you hire an exterminator. Contact the Exterminators: 647-496-2211 to deal with bed bugs now. If you are interested in DIY methods please check our store for bed bug control products.
