Bed bugs are one of the most common types of pests found in warm and semi-dark areas. Bed bugs have been in existence for years with one of their primary survival characteristics being their high reproductive rate. A female bed bug can lay as many as 540 eggs and this contributes to the chances of infestation in any area they are in.
To protect your home from these pests that are capable of compromising your health and that of your loved ones, below is a guide that has been put together by A1 Bed Bug Exterminator Houston | Pest Control Experts to help you better protect your home from bed bug infestation.
Identifying bed bugs
Bed bugs can sometimes be tricky to identify and this is because they share certain similarities to other pests in the early stages of development. Also, bed bugs are small, sneaky and have a high affinity for dark places thus making them harder to catch or spot in the home, especially in the early stages of infestation.
As a homeowner, some general descriptive characteristics can help you to better identify these pests. Bed bugs are usually brown to reddish-brown in color and are about the size of an apple seed. The pests are long, oval, and flat, similar to all other insects that have four legs and a pair of antenna.
In some cases, it may be harder to pinpoint whether or not you are dealing with bed bugs. However, the presence of small dark spots around the walls, furniture, bed, pillow, and other areas may be a valuable indication.
What Attracts Bed Bugs and Where are they most commonly found?
Bed bugs are attracted to warmth, dark or semi-dark areas, foot traffic, and carbon dioxide. The attraction to carbon dioxide helps bed bugs trace humans whom they can feed on.
Bed bugs are referred to as bed bugs for a reason, as they are more attracted to areas like pillows, mattresses, couches and other areas with frequent human interaction. If you have a strong feeling that your home may have been infested, check areas like curtains, wallpaper, drawers, floor cracks or ceilings, electrical outlets and appliances, furniture like couches, headboards, ottomans, and chairs.
Preventing Bed Bugs From Getting Into Your Home
Preventing bed bugs from getting into your home is one of the best ways to avoid dealing with the notorious pest. To ensure that your home is kept safe, below are some of the recommended practices.
- Properly Inspect All Second-Hand Furniture Before Purchase
While second-hand furniture is cheap and looks like they will be the best fit for your indoor space, you need to remember that these may be home to bed bugs. To protect your indoor space from the risk of infestation, it is recommended that you carry out a proper inspection of the furniture before making the purchase. Check along the seams of the upholstery for any signs of the pest of its molting residue. Also, if the furniture looks clean enough to purchase, make sure it is properly cleaned again before introducing it into your home.
- Carry out a Regular Inspection on Your Bedding
Bed bugs are mostly drawn to areas where they are guaranteed access to human blood such as beds, pillows and other bedding materials. While you do not have to carry out inspection practice every night, it is recommended that you should occasionally inspect the bedding for signs of bed bugs.
In the event you feel your home may have been compromised, it is recommended that you properly wash and expose curtains, throw pillows, blankets, pillows, rugs and other items in your bedroom. Exposing these items to heat treatment can also help.
For overall protection, homeowners can take their mattresses outside and brush them down to get rid of eggs or adult bugs.
- Always Check Hotel Rooms for Bed Bugs
Hotel rooms are sometimes notorious for bed bugs and this is why it is most recommended that you inspect your hotel room before unpacking your bags. A proper inspection of the hotel room will give a hint as to whether there are bed bugs in the room or not. Chances are high that you may end up bringing one or more bed bugs back into your home from the hotel room if not properly inspected.
Dealing With Bed Bugs
Dealing with bed bugs can be hard, especially considering their rate of multiplication. However, it is recommended that you seek out the services of bed bug exterminators like A1 Bed Bug Exterminator Houston | Pest Control Experts to handle all bed bug problems.
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