Bed bugs are one of the most hated pests, and their bites can be just as painful. These annoying insects leave itchy welts on your skin that take weeks or even months to go away! Reports about bed bug infestations have been rising over recent years. But how can you fight them from staying in your home? Below is plenty of advice:
Do bed bugs only feed on humans?
No. Bed bugs can feed on other warm-blooded hosts as well, such as dogs and cats. However, they prefer humans because of their larger size and sweeter blood. They like to stay close to people and it is easier for them to travel across hallways or rooms. This is by hiding in bedding or clothing than move under floors or behind walls.
Could you have a bed bug infestation in your home and not know it?
Yes, it is possible to have an infestation without your knowledge. Some people only show symptoms after a bed bug bites them for weeks or months. You should contact a pest control service if you see any of the following signs:
· Small bloodstains on bedding, sheets, or mattresses
· Dark spots which are secretions from bed bugs’ saliva left behind on mattresses and furniture
· Bed bugs found in the seams of mattresses or furniture surfaces
· The presence of their eggs or shells in your mattress seams or fabric folds
What can one do to avoid getting bed bugs?
Follow these ways in discouraging the presence of bed bugs:
Try pest prevention first
You can do this by covering your mattress and box spring with a zippered bedbug-proof encasement. They cannot live in sealed and dark places.
Do safely and correctly use pesticides
It is important to find the correct pesticide that suits them. You need to kill bed bugs since they are resistant to many pesticides. A good pest control company will have the right solution for you.
Do dispose of leftover pesticides and pesticide containers properly
Pesticides are not just toxic to bed bugs, but they can turn deadly to humans as well at times. It is important to dispose of them accordingly.
What should one do upon suspecting a bed bug infestation?
You should contact a local pest control service immediately. They are professionals who can aid you in fighting an infestation. Bed bugs are bloodsuckers, and they will continue to reproduce if not controlled early on. It is important to fight them before the infestation gets worse.
Tips for choosing the best pest control company
· Find out how much experience your prospective pest control services have.
· Do background checks done for safety reasons.
· Check license and insurance.
· Availability for 24 hours a day?
· Evaluate the chemicals for use.
· Discuss any household pets.
· Get online reviews and feedback.
What are the mistakes people make in trying to get rid of bed bugs on their own, without professional help?
Below are a few of them for you to know of:
Don’t use outdoor chemicals for indoors
Using chemicals that are meant for outdoor use will only aggravate the problem. These chemicals will not solve your bed bug issue.
Don’t assume that twice as much is better
While using pesticides, it can be easy to assume that twice as much is better. But the problem here is the risk of over-use. It may not only aggravate your bed bug issue but can also endanger your life and home.
Don’t transfer pesticides to other containers
If you cannot use your pesticide bottle, it is best not to transfer them to other containers. This will only contaminate the product without proper functioning.
Given that you work with bed bugs, how do you avoid bringing them home?
The simplest way is to keep yourself clean. When you are working with bed bugs, it is best not to bring them home. Here are some preventive tips that you can do:
Wear protective clothing
Wear disposable or reusable gloves in handling any chemicals that may affect the eyes, nose, and mouth while at work. Wear a respirator while spraying anything airborne. You should also wear disposable coveralls and shoe covers as needed.
Don’t carry infected items at home
If there is an infested object in your workplace, do not carry it back home. These pests can travel with you discreetly even for only one night. Keep your vehicle cleaned as well so bed bugs will not find their way into your car.
How should one check a hotel room for bed bugs?
Bed bugs are good at living and reproducing without notice. They can transfer from one place to another fast! This makes them difficult to detect once brought home. Here are ways on how you can check a hotel room for bed bugs:
Do look carefully in all places
Keep yourself clean as well so as not to bring any pests back home. You should bring your pillowcase and sleep on it. This is despite regular cleaning for their pillows, duvets, and sheets.
Don’t stay too long in an infested site
The longer you stay in an infested area, the more likely they will find their way into your luggage and belongings. Keep your self-cleaning habit strong as it helps lessen the possibility of infestation.
Are there tactics that professional exterminators use that don’t work?
The following are tactics that normally do not work:
Do not rely on the traps of bed bugs
It is good to place homemade sticky traps, but you should not depend on them for your infestation control. This is only considered as an extra measure. It is best to let professionals remove them instead.
Avoid only using dogs to find any bed bugs
Dogs are helpful in finding out if there are any bed bug infestations in your home or even detect where they hide. They may use their strongest senses which include smell and hearing. But these are common sense too since they will only look for places where they feel safest.
Biotech Termite and Pest Control will get rid of these pests for good using our methods. These do not leave any chemical residue or risk exposure near family members. Protect everyone against potential health hazards associated with harsh chemicals. Follow the dos and don’ts mentioned. Consult with us any time.