Bed bugs are small insects that are spread quite wide all over the world. They feed on blood, and as such, they bite the skin, which can cause various issues from rashes to allergic reactions and so on. In more severe cases, it can lead to fever and other problems that would require medical treatment. In most cases, their bites are resulting just in annoying itches.
Bed bugs are quite small – about one-eighth of an inch in length. They generally prefer a stable climate without too significant temperature fluctuations. As such, summer and warm, cosy homes are their favourites. As they feed on blood, their most preferred place to live is somewhere close to a food source, i.e. an animal or a human.
Since bed bugs don’t have wings, their only way to move is crawling. They tend to stay relatively close to their “food” at all times. But because they are so small, most people don’t even realise their home is infested with them.
How did the bed bugs get in my house?
The 2018 research Bugs Without Borders claims that 84% of bite victims can’t identify bed bugs. Furthermore, they often think their bite marks are from another insect. Many people don’t even realise that there might be a bed bug colony under their mattress.
The most common items bed bugs use for “travelling” are luggage, laundry, used furniture. They can also nestle in stuffed animals, purses, backpacks. So, the items that children most often bring to a sleepover can be the way bed bugs eventually get back to your home.
While possible, it’s rare for a bed bug to be on its own. Usually, they create a colony when they settle to a place. So, if you only have a couple of bed bugs, chances are they were transported via an item or from crawling on you when you were at an infested location.
How to prevent bed bugs from spreading
As we see, there’s virtually no way you can keep yourself away from bed bugs. But there are ways to prevent them from spreading.
First, think twice about getting second-hand furniture. It may be cheaper, but it can also hide a bed bug colony which you won’t be able to see unless you fully disassemble the item.
Bed bugs are like many other insects. So, the classic simple home cleaning routine can be sufficient to keep the bug spread on the low. This includes regular vacuuming, keeping the clothes clean and so on. Giving the kids’ stuffed animals a nice vacuuming or wash (when the toy’s label says it’s OK), is also a simple, but effective way to remove the bugs. It’s also essential to clean the vacuum cleaner too after you’re done.
Also, keep your home tidy. Bed bugs can use clutter to hide and spread. So, by tidying up, you not only have a better-looking home but a safer one as well. Why? It’s simple. When there’s no cutter, there are fewer opportunities for the bugs to stay close to you.
Getting professional help
While some of these tips do work as prevention, at some point you may need experts to step in. This is when you have to call people who can use professional products and equipment to eradicate the insects.
One of the most efficient elimination ways is bed bug heat treatment. The bugs’ eggs are resistant to chemicals, but as mentioned, they don’t like high temperatures. Plus, heat is non-toxic and exterminates bed bugs at all life stages.
As you see, it’s relatively easy to keep the bed bugs issue at bay. But if the infestation gets serious, there are Bed Bugs Specialists that can help you out.
