Preventing Bed Bugs
You may have heard the night time saying, “good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Punny as it may sound, there’s some truth to it. Bed bugs coined their name because their preferred habitat is in human homes: sofas, beds, mattresses and other soft things.
Once they take up residence, they can become a growing problem within homes, dormitories, apartment complexes, hotels, vacation spots and more.
What do Bed Bugs Look Like
Bed bugs have been living on human blood for centuries. They do not transmit disease or post any serious medical risk. They are stubborn parasites that can leave itchy bites and can be hard to spot because of their size being small–apple seed like.
How to Detect Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small and thin and can hide in very, very narrow tracks. The detection of bites can be an unreliable tell tale sign of an infestation. Seeing moving bugs will give you more of an absolute. Getting a professional inspection is the most reliable. If you suspect you have an infestation of these tiny, nuisance invaders, here are some of things you can look for to be sure.
- Inspect the folds of your mattress, box spring and other crevices.
- Look for papery skin that looks like smaller, thinner popcorn kernels.
- Small, dark-colored spots from the blood-filled droppings they leave on mattresses and furniture.
Keeping Bed Bugs Out of Your Home
Bedbugs often invade after being carried to a new space by clothing, luggage, furniture or bedding and they don’t discriminate between dirty and clean homes. Even the most luxurious places in the world can be susceptible to bed bugs. The most at risk locations are often crowded lodgings like dormitories, apartment complexes, hotels–all places where people are in and out.
According to the CDC, the best way to prevent bedbugs is regular inspection for the signs of an infestation. The best prevention is not carrying them back to your home in the first place. So, be wary and wise to inspect mattresses when you travel to places outside of you
What to Do if you Suspect an Infestation?
If you suspect that you have bed bugs in your home, we highly recommend finding a professional exterminator with experience dealing with bed bugs. Sprayed insecticides are commonly used and nonchemical methods designed to heat a room above 122 degrees can be lethal and effective in the treatment of bed bugs. Don’t panic. We can inspect, treat and share a plan to rid your home for bed bugs for good.
