Can Your Pet Get Bed Bugs? If so, you’re in luck. Despite their squeaky-clean exterior, bed bugs can live on your pet and infest its home without you even knowing it. However, infestations are serious and the best way to treat them is to contact a reputable company. This way, you won’t risk harming your pet in the process. Before hiring a company to help you with your infestation, ask the company you’re considering to show credentials and certifications.
Symptoms of a bed bug infestation
If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from an infestation, you should take the appropriate steps to combat the pests. To treat your pet’s discomfort, you should first wash the bed covers and the bed inserts thoroughly with hot water and detergent. Vacuum the affected areas frequently and dispose of the vacuum bags in plastic bags. Also, you should wash and dry any stuffed animals, bedding, toys, and other items that may harbor bedbugs. You can also use baking soda to treat itchiness and irritation.
If you find live bedbugs in your pet’s bedding, you’ve likely encountered an infestation. While it’s possible to find the insects before you spot a live one, most people notice secondary signs of infestation first. These secondary signs may include the presence of translucent shed exoskeletons or stains from the bug’s droppings. If you notice any red blood stains on your bed sheets, bedbugs have likely infested the bed. While bedbug bites aren’t visible in your pet’s fur, they may be in a line.
Treatments for bed bug bites
While bedbugs do not transmit disease, they can cause a lot of itching and skin damage in your pets. Cats are particularly susceptible to bedbug bites because they scratch more than humans. Bedbugs are often difficult to spot, but the itch and itching will disappear within 2 weeks. In case you think you have a bedbug problem with your pet, you can take your pet to a veterinarian for treatment.
The first step in treating bedbug bites on pets is to wash pet bedding and inserts in hot water and dry on the highest heat setting. Then, seal any stuffed animals, toys, and clothing with plastic bags. In addition, you can use the same solution to treat pet bedding and pet furniture. Also, use a stiff brush to scrub and vacuum any cracks and crevices. If you find any bedbugs, you may also want to spray the house with a repellent made from diatomaceous earth.
Signs of an infestation
Bedbugs are not known to transmit any diseases, but they do carry the risk of contracting them from person to person. Those who travel often to infested areas can bring the bedbugs back with them. The same goes for people who buy used furniture. Bedbugs cannot burrow under clothing but will hide in crevices. When possible, make sure to inspect used items before bringing them home. If you’re staying in a hotel, inspect the seams of mattresses for bedbug excrement. When leaving your room, place your luggage on tables or dressers.
Fecal stains are another common sign of bedbug infestations. These are the results of the insects dropping their eggs. Look for them on the upholstery and wall in areas where there is a high density of bed bugs. You’ll also notice the appearance of abandoned shell casings, which are husks and shed skins. These are reliable early warning signs of a bed bug infestation. Bedbugs prefer fabrics, wood, and other materials that they can infest.
Signs of an infestation before finding a live bed bug
Knowing the signs of an infestation before you find a live bed bug is critical for identifying the type of pest that you are dealing with. These bugs are hard to find and are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Especially in densely populated areas like New York City, this problem can be even harder to spot. However, by being vigilant, you can spot these pests early and get them out of your home. Early extermination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the devastating effects of bed bugs.
First of all, look for dark stains. These are the traces of dried bed bug excrement. You can find these stains on the mattress, box spring, and even on furniture. Make sure to remove faceplates and cover electrical outlets to prevent them from harboring bed bugs. Additionally, check piles of clothing and sofas to ensure you don’t have an infestation. Inspect these items with a flashlight to ensure that there are no traces of dead bed bugs or exoskeletons.
