New Jersey pest control professionals are often asked many questions from panicked customers who have awoken with strange bite marks on their body. It’s important to remember that not all bites are the result of a bed bug infestation. Other creatures that can leave bite marks on your body include:
• Mosquitos
• Ticks
• Fleas
• Biting Flies
• Spiders (usually an accidental occurrence)
• Gnats
• Bat Bugs
• No-See-Ums
• Mites (not visible to the naked eye)
• Cockroaches (yes, they have even been known to take a bite or two, especially on a sleeping child!)
One of the most common questions that is asked is…”Do bed bugs live ON a mattress or IN a mattress?” The only way to know for certain (hopefully) is to perform a thorough check for the creepy bloodsuckers. Here’s what you do…
The most likely places that bed bugs will be hiding on a mattress are the seam area of the mattress. Look on top and under the seamed area carefully checking around the entire mattress, both top and bottom.
Another place where bed bugs like to hang out is under the patch or logo area that is sewn onto the mattress. Because of their small size, they can easily slip between the stitching and enjoy a safe hiding place.
Once you are finished inspecting the mattress, it’s time to check for bed bugs in the box spring. Box springs have multiple places that provide excellent places for bed bug harborage.
Just like with the mattress, check the entire seamed area of the box spring. Then lift the box spring up to expose the bottom. If there is a fabric covering, it’s a good idea to remove it for easy inspection and detection of bed bugs. Thoroughly check the entire wood structure of the box spring for any evidence of bed bugs or their eggs.
Please check back on Wednesday for the conclusion.