Bed bugs are considered an embarrassing problem, likely because of the common misconception that they only infest dirty homes. In truth, while there are a few methods to prevent an infestation, bed bugs are attracted to any home with warm-blooded human hosts.
These pests can seriously disrupt the everyday life of their hosts, from loss of sleep due to itchy bites to loss of possessions and financial hardship. These nuisance insects come into homes in a number of ways and quickly become a problem only professionals can control. In this article, learn the common entry points for bed bugs and how to prevent them.
How Bed Bugs Infest Homes & Businesses
Bed bugs are known as hitchhikers because they are small enough to go unnoticed as they hitchhike inside residences and businesses. They simply climb onto the clothes or bags of unknowing humans to spread exponentially to other homes. Often, prevention is difficult because you’re unaware there’s even a problem.
Bed bugs come into homes and offices in many ways, such as:
- Crawling from another infested unit or apartment
- Hitchhiking on purses, briefcases, shoes, or clothes
- Climbing into suitcases in hotels
- Through second-hand furniture and appliances
- On the clothes or luggage of guests
Regardless of how they get in it is important to get and keep bed bugs out.
How To Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home
It may seem hard, but these steps should at least keep you aware of potential risks. It’s especially important when traveling to know the signs of an infestation.
Some signs of a bed bug infestation include:
- Red spots on mattresses and furniture
- Black, marker-like feces smears
- Shed exoskeletons and clear to white eggs
- Sightings of round, flat, reddish-brown bugs that look similar to ticks
If you see any warning signs of bed bugs, request another room or move lodgings entirely, as bed bugs can travel easily from room to room. To be safe and sure, there are a couple of best practices to prevent bringing bed bugs home from travel or purchases, such as:
- Keep luggage off the floor and away from the walls.
- Don’t leave clothing or shoes on the floors.
- When coming home, thoroughly clean luggage and other bags, and wash and dry clothing on the highest heat setting.
- Inspect second-hand furniture and appliances for the signs of a bed bug infestation before bringing them indoors.
- Vacuum thoroughly after coming indoors from travel or bringing second-hand things inside and dispose of the waste in the dumpster.
- Make sure doors and windows can properly seal, especially outside doors in shared hallways.
- Seal cracks and crevices around baseboards and light sockets to prevent travel through wall voids.
Unfortunately, bed bug prevention can never be 100% certain. The best form of prevention is with regular, scheduled bed bug control treatment visits from a pest control professional to identify risks and infestations early and eliminate problems before they cause emotional and financial distress.
Parkway Pest Services Is The Best Bed Bug Prevention
For over 85 years, Parkway Pest Services has protected homes and businesses from pests and wildlife. Subscribing to one of our services will keep your property safe year-round. With four annual inspections and unlimited service calls to inspect, treat, and prevent problems inside and outside the home, our PestGuard+ Protection plan can give you year-round comfort and peace of mind.
We don’t just want to treat the pest problem and not the structural problems that invite pests inside. At Parkway Pest Services, we will help equip your home to keep pests out, so unexpected visitors will be a thing of the past. Call today for pest control in Nassau County.