Bed bugs are every property owner’s nightmare, and the mere mention of these insidious pests is enough to send a shiver down the spine. Bedbugs have a stealthy and resilient nature, making them notoriously difficult to combat. That's why professional bed bug control services are the beacon of hope for those suffering from bedbug infestations. Before you pick up the phone to dial the nearest pest control agency, it's essential to arm yourself with a bit of knowledge.

How Do You Know You Have Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are crafty hiders, which is why spotting them can be tricky. The telltale signs include:

• Reddish-brown stains on your bedding, a result of a bed bug’s crushed body
• Clustered eggshells, molted skins, and pale yellow skins shed by growing bed bugs
• Sweet, musty odor in the room
• Unexplained bites or rashes on your or your guests’ skin

DIY vs. Professional Bed Bug Control

There are plenty of DIY methods floating around the internet, and while some may offer temporary relief, the fact remains that only professional-grade treatments can decisively eliminate an infestation. Here's why:

• Professionals have the expertise to identify infestations accurately and customize a treatment plan accordingly.
• Specialized equipment and proven tactics are a necessity when dealing with bed bugs.
• DIY methods can often make the infestation worse by causing bed bugs to scatter and spread. 

When to Call the Pros

Knowing the right time to bring in a professional bed bug control service can be as important as knowing what the signs of infestation are. Call for a professional assessment if:

• Your DIY attempts have not yielded noticeable improvements.
• The infestation is severe.
• You have a business that can be affected by negative exposure, such as a hotel, hostel, or bed & breakfast.

The Professional Touch

Once you've decided that a professional service is the best course of action, what can you expect from the process? Typically, it will involve the following steps:

• A comprehensive inspection to determine the extent of the infestation and the best course of action.
• The use of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach may include a combination of chemicals, heat treatments, and even canine inspections for thorough eradication.
• Follow-up visits to ensure that the infestation has been completely eradicated and to prevent any resurgence.

Aftermath and Prevention

After the professionals have left, the work of preventing a re-infestation begins:

• Regular inspections of your bedding and rooms.
• Scheduling periodic treatments to ensure any residual eggs have been exterminated.
• Implementing preventive strategies such as encasing mattresses and isolating beds from touching walls and other furniture.

Remember, with bed bugs, prevention is always the best course of action, and early intervention can save you not only money but also the headache of a severe infestation. Contact a company such as At Once Wildlife and Pest to learn more.