Vancouver is a great Canadian city known for plenty of amazing and exciting features, landmarks and natural beauty. Unfortunately, not everything nature has to offer in this city is good. Some of it is downright disgusting. While Vancouver isn’t the worst in the country for the amount of bed bugs we have (sorry, Toronto), we are currently ranked third in the nation. That is not a top three list we want to be a part of, which is why it is so important to recognize the signs of bed bugs, and deal with the issue as soon as possible.
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Why Vancouver?
Major cities with dense populations are the ideal place for bed bugs to thrive. They literally live on human and animal blood, so the more bodies they can access, the more food they can consume to grow and multiply. Due to the large population and the amount of different people that travel to and from Vancouver on a regular basis, bed bugs can find plenty to live on in this city.
Signs of Bed Bugs
Although they are a serious pest in any home or apartment, bed bugs aren’t very subtle. This means that you will likely be able to spot them in or around your bed before the infestation really takes hold. Keep an eye out for tiny black spots or stains on your bed sheets or mattress. You also may find some old bed bug skins scattered about your room. If you notice these signs, start to examine the nooks and corners of your mattress and bed frame. You should also take a look at any other furniture or carpeting for additional critters. Finally, bed bugs can actually emit a musty odour, especially if they are allowed to grow over time.
When it comes to your own skin, bed bug bites are fairly obvious. They often look like clusters of red pimples or mosquito bites, but they are far more itchy than these. Unfortunately, these sores take a while to appear after being bitten, so it’s hard to know when they occur. The point is if you have been bitten by a bed bug, more will likely follow if you don’t tackle the issue promptly.
What do Bed Bugs Look Like?
Bed bugs have a distinct shape and colour, so they are often easy to spot and identify. Look for a tiny bug about the size of the top of a pen cap with a striped brown back. In some cases, you will be able to see more darker bed bugs who have recently finished eating. Check out what bed bugs looks like.
Treating Bed Bugs
Keeping things clean and tidy and free from clutter is a good first step for dealing with bed bugs. You can start by picking up smaller belongings and putting them in the dryer on the highest temperature setting for 30 minutes. You can then brush off your bare mattress, and do a major vacuum of any and all nooks, crannies and carpeted areas. You need to then promptly empty your vacuum outside as soon as possible. In some cases, it is best to throw out any infested blankets, pillows, comforters or even mattresses. At the end of the day, you will need to call in an expert exterminator to track down any additional issues with bed bugs.