by seo | Mar 6, 2025 | Bed Bug
Bed bugs are making a comeback. Once thought to be a problem of the past, these little bloodsuckers are now turning up everywhere – homes, hotels, offices, even public transport. They don’t care if you live in a luxury apartment in Adelaide or a cosy little unit in Norwood. If they find a way in, they’re staying.
A single bed bug infestation can quickly spiral out of control. Female bedbugs lay thousands of eggs in their lifetime, and surviving eggs hatch in as little as five days. The sooner you find bed bugs, the easier they are to manage.
How to Check for Bed Bugs
You probably woke up from a nap on the couch itchy. There’s a line of red bites on your arms. Maybe it’s mosquitoes. Maybe it’s nothing. But then you see tiny brown spots on your couch or sheets. And a sweet, musty odor similar to berries in the room.
That’s when it hits you: bed bugs!
Catching them early is crucial. If you miss the signs, they’ll multiply fast. So, where do they hide? And how do you know for sure?
Where to Look for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are masters of hide-and-seek. They squeeze into the smallest cracks, camouflage within the bedding, staying out of sight during the day. But if you know where to look, you can spot them before an infestation gets out of control.
Here’s where they love to hide:
- Mattresses and box springs – Check seams, piping, and tags.
- Bed frames and headboards – Especially cracks and joints in wooden frames.
- Upholstered furniture – Couches, chairs, even fabric-covered bed heads.
- Skirting boards and loose wallpaper – Bed bugs slip behind peeling paper and tiny wall cracks.
- Cracks in walls or flooring – They can hide in crevices near your bed.
- Suitcases and bags – If you’ve just lodged in a hotel room with bugs, check your luggage and let the hotel call a commercial bed bug control service.
Got a torch and a magnifying glass? Use them. These pests are small — about the size of an apple seed — and their eggs are even tinier.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Not sure if you’ve got bed bugs? Look for these telltale signs.
1. Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites look like small, red welts—often in a zigzag pattern or straight line. You’ll usually find them on arms, legs, neck, or back. Unlike mosquito bites, they don’t always itch immediately.
Some people have no reaction at all. Others might get an allergic reaction or even a skin infection from excessive scratching.
2. Bloodstains and Fecal Spots
Do you see rust-coloured stains on your sheets? That could be crushed bed bugs. They leave behind small, dark droppings, often near mattress seams or on your pillow.
3. Musty Odor
Are you having a heavy musty odor in your bedroom? That’s a sign of a serious bedbug infestation. When bed bugs gather in large numbers, they release a sickly, sweet, berry smell.
4. Eggs and Moulted Skins
Bed bug eggs are tiny, white, and oval-shaped. You might also find shedded skins from growing adult bed bugs. These can be collected in mattress seams, cracks in furniture, or under loose wallpaper.
How to Draw Bed Bugs Out of Hiding
If you think you’ve got bed bugs, but you can’t find them, try these tricks:
- Use heat: Bed bugs love warmth but hate extreme heat. A hairdryer on high can flush them out.
- CO2 traps: These pest traps mimic human breath, luring them out of hiding.
- Check at night: They come out to feed on human blood while you sleep.
- Inspect furniture seams and carpet edges: Use a torch to spot movement.
Still unsure if you have a bed bug invasion? Call a licensed pest control operator at Allstate Pest Control for a thorough inspection. They know exactly how to find bed bugs, before they take over your home.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
So, you’ve found bed bugs. First off, don’t panic. They’re a nightmare, sure. But they’re also treatable. The key is acting fast. The longer they stay, the worse it gets.
Here’s what to do next.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Isolate the Infested Area – If you find one or two bugs on the bed, don’t start dragging things around. Keep blankets, pillows, and clothes in the room. Moving them around could spread bed bugs to other areas.
- Wash Everything on a Hot Setting – Bed sheets, pillowcases, curtains, and even soft toys. Use the hottest water possible. Tumble dry on high heat for one hour. Heat kills bed bugs instantly.
- Vacuum Everything – Mattress, box spring, bed frames, carpets, even cracks in the walls. Empty the vacuum cleaner bag straight into a sealed plastic bag. Toss it in an outdoor bin.
- Declutter & Check Furniture – Bed bugs love hiding places. If you’ve got stuff piled up near your bed, check it thoroughly. Old books, bedside drawers, even power outlets can be hotspots.
Caught early, these steps might do the trick. But if the infestation’s bigger, you’ll need something stronger.
How to Kill Bed Bugs Permanently
Some home treatments work. Others just waste time. Let’s break it down.
1. Heat Treatment
Heat is a bed bug killer. They can’t survive temps over 45°C for an hour. At 60°C, they’ll die instantly. Here’s how to use the temp method:
- Professional Heat Machines – Pest control experts use industrial heaters to raise room temperatures to lethal levels.
- Hot Water & Tumble Drying – If it fits in your machine, wash it on high heat and then tumble dry it for at least 1 hour.
You could also try a DIY Freezer Treatment – Small items (like shoes or clothes) can be bagged and frozen for at least 48 hours.
2. Steam Treatment
Steam works well for mattresses, box springs, and furniture seams. The key is a proper steamer with high temperatures (not your average clothing steamer).
3. Chemical Treatments
Some sprays kill live bed bugs, but not bed bug eggs. That means repeat treatments are needed.
- Over-the-Counter Sprays – A short-term fix, but bed bugs can develop resistance.
- Professional Pest Control – Licensed experts use stronger chemical treatments that kill bugs at all life stages.
If the infestation is bad, do-it-yourself options could do nothing to hamper the spread. It’s time to call in the pros.
When to Call a Licensed Pest Control Operator
Bed bugs are stubborn. They hide, multiply fast, and resist weak treatments. If you’ve tried everything and they keep coming back? It’s time to call the experts at Allstate Pest Control.
Here’s what to expect from professional extermination:
- Inspection & Confirmation – Experts check hiding spots you might miss, like wall voids and electrical outlets.
- Heat & Chemical Treatment Options – They’ll recommend the best solution based on your home and infestation size.
- Follow-Up Visits – A proper treatment plan includes rechecks to stop a new infestation from developing.
Don’t wait until the problem explodes. The sooner you find bedbugs, the easier they are to prevente.
How to Prevent Future Infestations
Kicking bed bugs out is one thing. Keeping them out is the real challenge.
Bed Bug Prevention at Home
A few smart habits can keep your home bed bug-free.
- Regular Inspections – Check mattresses, bed frames, and furniture seams at least once a month. Early detection saves headaches.
- Seal Cracks & Crevices – Bed frames, skirting boards, wall cracks—seal them up. Fewer hiding spots mean fewer bugs.
- Use Mattress Protectors – A zippered, bed bug-proof cover stops them from burrowing into your mattress.
How to Avoid Bed Bugs While Traveling
Hotels, Airbnbs, even taxis — bed bugs love to travel.
- Inspect Your Hotel Room – Check the mattress, box spring, and bed seams for stains or tiny black dots before settling in.
- Keep Luggage Off the Floor – Use luggage racks, not the bed. Bed bugs crawl into suitcases fast.
- Wash Travel Clothes in Hot Water – As soon as you get home, throw everything in the wash—hot setting only.
Also Read: Your Guide to Bed Bug Control in Adelaide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have bed bugs or am I just paranoid?
Bedbug bites usually appear in clusters or a zigzag pattern, often on exposed skin like arms and legs. If you wake up itchy with red bites but don’t see bugs, check for other signs like blood stains or shed skins. If unsure, a licensed pest control operator can confirm an infestation.
How can you detect bed bugs?
Look for bed bug bites, tiny blood spots on sheets, and a musty odor near your bed. Check mattress seams, bed frames, skirting boards, and furniture for tiny brown bugs or shed skins. A thorough inspection with a flashlight can help find bedbugs hiding in cracks and crevices.
How do you draw bed bugs out of hiding?
Use heat, CO2 traps, or a flashlight to flush them out. Hairdryers can warm up hiding spots and make them move. Sliding a credit card along mattress seams and furniture joints can also force them out.
What kills bed bugs permanently?
Heat treatment is the most effective method—bed bugs die at around 50°C. Professional chemical treatments also work, but some bugs develop resistance. Steam and freezer overnight methods can help kill eggs and live bed bugs, but a pest control company provides a more thorough and effective treatment.
Can bed bugs spread disease?
No, bed bugs don’t spread disease, but their bites can cause skin infections, allergic reactions, and intense itching. Scratching bites may lead to secondary infections. If bites become swollen or infected, seek medical attention.
Bed bugs won’t leave on their own. If you spot the signs, act fast. For expert bed bug removal, call Allstate Pest Control—South Australia’s trusted 24/7 pest control team.
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by seo | Mar 6, 2025 | Ant Library, Ants
An ant infestation often starts with one. A single ant scouting your kitchen bench or pantry. Before you know it, there’s a full-blown trail marching towards the crumbs you missed after brekkie. Ants aren’t just a nuisance; they can be a real problem.
Ants invade homes for three simple reasons: food, water, and shelter. They follow invisible scent trails, leading hundreds – sometimes thousands – straight to your home. And once they find a good spot, they’ll keep coming back.
So, how do you manage ants in the house? This guide from Allstate Pest Control covers everything: what attracts ants, how to manage ants, and ways to keep them out. Whether it’s sugar ants in your cupboards or an ant nest in the walls, we’ve got you covered.
Identifying Different Ant Species
Not all ants are the same. If you want to manage ants effectively, first, you need to know what you’re dealing with. Here are the common ant species found in Australian homes:
Sugar Ants
You leave a spoon in your tea mug overnight. By morning, a tiny army is feasting on the leftovers. That’s (banded) sugar ants for you. These little scavengers love anything sweet – honey, biscuits, soft drink spills, and sugar itself. If they find a way in, they won’t leave until the buffet is gone.
Argentine Ants
Tough, aggressive, and highly organised, Argentine ants don’t just invade. They take over. Unlike other ants, they don’t fight between nests. Instead, they form massive ant colonies that spread quickly, wiping out competitors. If you have a never-ending ant infestation, you might be dealing with these guys.
Carpenter Ants
You see big black ants hanging around your deck or skirting boards, eating them up like termites. Their heads and thoraxes look darker than in other ants, while their abdomen can have faint stripes or a velvety texture. These are carpenter ants. Except that they’re not here to mend the furniture, but eat them all up.
Carpenter ants tunnel through timber, creating nests inside your walls. They don’t eat wood like termites, but their tunnels weaken structures over time. Spotting them early is key to avoiding costly damage.
Other Ant Species
From tiny black house ants to garden ants, different species have different habits. Some prefer protein over sugar. Others build nests in exterior walls or underground. It pays to know which type you’re dealing with, because the wrong treatment won’t work.
Why Identifying Ant Species Matters
Not all ants respond to the same pest control methods. Bait is your best bet for sugar ants. As for carpenter ants, you need to find their nest fast. Standard sprays won’t work for Argentine ants. These invaders need professional treatment.
In any case, if you’re struggling with an ant problem, proper identification is the first step to effective removal. And if the infestation is getting out of hand? It’s time to call in the experts for an ant control service.
How to Get Rid of Ants: Effective Methods for Ant Control
Ants don’t pay rent. Yet, they’ll march into your home like they own the place. If you’ve spotted one (or a few) crawling across your cereal box, don’t ignore them. Ants send out scouts to sniff out food. Once they find something good, they call the entire colony. So, how do you stop them? You need the right approach. Here’s how to manage ants and keep them from coming back.
Cleaning and Prevention: Stop Attracting Ants
Ants don’t invade for fun. Again, they’re after food, water, and shelter. So, when you cut off their supply, you stop attracting ants.
- Clean kitchen surfaces: Crumbs, spills, and sticky spots are a buffet for ants. Wipe down benches, sweep the floor, and don’t forget behind the toaster.
- Store food in sealed containers: Sugar, rice, and even pet food should be in airtight containers. Take note: ants can chew through paper and cardboard.
- Seal cracks and entry points: Ants find their way in through tiny gaps. Check window sills, door frames, and wall voids. A bit of silicone or weather stripping can help.
- Fix leaks and remove moisture: Ants love damp areas. So, repair your dripping taps, clear blocked drains, and keep bathrooms dry.
A spotless home makes it harder for ants to survive. But what if they’re already inside? Then it’s time to fight back.
Natural Methods to Kill Ants
There are multiple ways to kill ants. Want a safe, chemical-free, home-made approach? Try these natural ways to stop ants.
- White vinegar & lemon juice: Ants rely on scent trails to find their way. A mix of white vinegar and water (or lemon juice) wipes out their tracks.
- Baking soda & powdered sugar: This DIY ant killer works by luring ants in. They eat it, take it back to the colony, and well… let’s just say they won’t be coming back.
- Coffee grounds: Scatter used coffee grounds around entry points. Ants hate the strong smell, and it disrupts their pheromone trails.
- Neem oil & diatomaceous earth: Both are natural, non-toxic, and deadly to ants. Sprinkle near nests, skirting boards, and doorways for long-term control.
If you’re after quick results, though, you may need a stronger approach.
Using Ant Baits and Sprays to Kill Ant Colonies
Sometimes, the only way to kill ants effectively is to take out the colony. Baits and sprays do exactly that.
- Bait traps work best: Ants take the poison back to their nest, wiping out the entire colony. Place bait near ant trails, wall edges, and dark corners.
- Where to put baits: The trick is not to kill worker ants instantly. Let them take the bait home. If you wipe them out too fast, the colony just sends more.
- Non-repellent sprays vs. contact killers: Spraying ants with standard bug spray only kills the ones you see. A non-repellent spray lets ants carry the poison back to the nest.
- Safety first: If you have kids or pets, always check that your ant bait and spray are pet-friendly. Some commercial products can be harmful if ingested.
Still seeing ants? It might be time to bring in the pros.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
Most small ant infestations can be handled with bait, sprays, and prevention. But if you’ve tried everything and ants keep coming back, here’s when to call pest control:
- You see ants everywhere: If ants are in multiple rooms or constantly returning, there’s likely a hidden nest nearby.
- Damage to wood or furniture: Carpenter ants chew through timber. If you see sawdust-like debris or hear faint rustling inside walls, don’t wait—get an inspection.
- Massive outdoor colonies: Argentine ants and other aggressive species can form super colonies, spreading over entire blocks. DIY won’t cut it.
Professional pest control experts find and prevente ant nests most efficiently. If you’re in South Australia and need fast, effective ant removal, the Allstate Pest Control experts are just by the corner.
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What Attracts Ants? How to Prevent Future Infestations
Ants don’t just wander in for no reason. They come looking for a food source, water, and shelter. Leave one crumb on the counter, and worker ants will sniff it out in minutes. If you don’t cut off their supply, they’ll keep coming back.
1. Uncovered Food and Sticky Spills
Leftover toast crumbs on the bench? A tiny drop of juice near the sink? That’s an all-you-can-eat buffet for ants. They have a powerful sense of smell and love anything sweet, greasy, or starchy. Even pet food left out in a bowl can turn into an ant problem overnight.
Prevention Tip: Store everything in sealed containers, wipe down surfaces, and sweep the floor regularly. A clean kitchen is your best defence.
2. Moisture and Leaks
Ants need water just as much as food. Damp areas attract them, especially on hot summer days. A leaky tap, wet sponge, or condensation near windows is enough to bring them in. Some ants, like Argentine ants, thrive in high-moisture conditions.
Prevention Tip: Fix leaks, keep bathrooms and kitchens dry, and empty pet water bowls overnight.
3. Cracks, Holes, and Entry Points
Ants don’t need a wide-open door to get in. Tiny cracks in walls, floorboards, or window frames are all they need. Once inside, they’ll set up nests in wall voids, crevices, and other hidden spaces.
Prevention Tip: Seal gaps with caulk or weather stripping. If you spot a steady stream of ants coming in, follow their trail—they’ll lead you straight to the entry point.
4. Outdoor Factors: Plants, Garbage, and Lawns
Ants love gardens, compost bins, and overgrown lawns. They’re also drawn to aphids, tiny bugs that feed on plants and leave behind a sugary residue ants love.
Prevention Tip: Trim back trees and shrubs touching the house. Keep bins tightly sealed, and treat your lawn for aphids. A well-maintained yard helps keep ants outside—where they belong.
Stop Ants Before They Become a Problem!
Ants are social insects. Once they find a reliable food or water source, they bring the whole colony. The trick to controlling ants is removing what attracts them in the first place. Keep things clean, fix leaks, and block their entry points.
Still seeing ants? You might need a stronger approach. Allstate Pest Control offers fast, effective solutions to stop ants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to manage ants?
The quickest method is using bait traps. Ants take the poison back to the colony, wiping out the nest. Combine this with immediate cleaning and sealing entry points to stop new ants from coming in.
What keeps ants away?
Ants hate strong scents. Vinegar, lemon juice, and coffee grounds mess with their pheromone trails, making them lose their way. Keeping food sealed and wiping down surfaces regularly prevents infestations before they start.
What is the best homemade ant killer?
A simple mix of baking soda and powdered sugar does the trick. The sugar attracts them, and the baking soda kills them. White vinegar is also great for disrupting trails and keeping ants from coming back.
What smell do ants hate?
Ants can’t stand peppermint, vinegar, citrus, or cinnamon. Sprinkle these near entry points, skirting boards, or windows. Even a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls can keep them away.
When should I call a professional pest control service?
If you’ve tried every trick in the book and ants keep coming back, it’s time to call the experts. Severe infestations, hidden nests, or carpenter ants need professional treatment. Allstate Pest Control has the right solutions to stop ants in their tracks.
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