It’s always challenging to deal with bed bugs. Once these pesky creatures have taken over your home, getting a good night’s sleep will be impossible. Warm human blood is the only food source these nuances consume to survive and propagate. Bed bugs are classified as nocturnal because they are more active at night during people’s sleeping or resting time. They nonetheless continue to bite throughout the day when they get the chance. As their name suggests, bed bugs typically dwell in bedrooms.
However, once they have grown in number, these bloodsuckers invade other spaces within the property. Nonetheless, you can spot them in areas close to the bed so they may quickly access their victims. In essence, they get attracted to carbon dioxide and sweat, so it’s not surprising that they would try to be as near people as possible.
Is Bed Bug Control Difficult to Do?
Bed bug extermination is a challenging technique, as confirmed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The scale of the infestation, the amount of clutter, and the dedication of household members to preventive measures are some factors that affect how effective the treatment will be. Also, bed bugs are remarkably resilient. They can go for months or even a year without eating.
Ways to Prevent Bed Bugs from Thriving
Bed bugs are great hitchhikers, so they can effortlessly hide in tiny spaces and remain undetected for longer. They can also start an infestation in days or weeks due to quick reproduction. Homeowners must therefore be responsible enough to know the many bed bug defenses. The following tips will undoubtedly assist you in warding off the pests:
1. Look for the telltale signs.
According to MacGill (2018), the first step to getting started on your quest for efficient bed bug removal is to look for signs of bed bug activity. You must first confirm whether bed bugs are genuinely present in your home. Consequently, you must be on the lookout for the following red flags:
- Bloodstains on beddings
- Small dark fecal spots on mattresses and linens
- Exoskeletons (molted skins)
- Musty odor
- Red itchy bites in clusters on your skin
- Inspect your bedroom area and other belongings.
Check every area of your bedroom, including the box spring, mattresses, and any other spaces where these critters might be hiding. Given the size of these pests, you need to use a flashlight or magnifying glass to spot them easily. If you travel regularly, you should carefully go through your belongings and your accommodation to check for bugs. You can get bed bugs from hotels, so check your clothing, luggage, and other belongings after every trip for any bed bug signs.
3. Get rid of clutter.
Because clutter provides bed bugs more places to hide and breed at home, the EPA emphasizes the need to clear clutter. Less clutter means fewer hiding spots for bed bugs, which makes it less likely that they will spread. Additionally, by removing clutter, you are making it easier for exterminators to locate the bugs and treat the infested areas.
4. Vacuum regularly.
Vacuuming is one method for eradicating bed bugs and their larvae from their hiding spots. You must periodically vacuum bedding, mattresses, linens, curtains, carpets, bookshelves, drawers, closets, floors, walls, furniture, and other surfaces close to the bed. As extra precautions against contamination, you must discard the vacuum cleaner bag immediately after vacuum cleaning, put it in a garbage bag, and dump it into an outdoor trash can away from your home to prevent the bugs from escaping.
5. Secure mattress protection.
San Francisco Bay Area is among the most bed bug-infested regions in North California. If you want to keep Bay Area bed bugs away from infesting your home, use bed bug-resistant mattress encasements. An efficient way to safeguard your bed against those revolting creatures is to use an encasement that has previously been treated with pesticides, especially for bed bugs.
6. Apply extreme heat or extreme cold.
Bed bugs cannot withstand high temperatures because of their susceptible bodies. Because of this, heating your clothing in a steam cleaner or washing it in hot water will help eliminate bed bugs. To ensure that all bugs and their eggs are destroyed, dry the cleaned clothes on high heat for at least 20 to 30 minutes. You may also freeze non-washable items for 24 hours.
7. Call the bed bug experts.
DIY methods for controlling bed bugs are acceptable, but they should only be utilized as short-term solutions. Still, seeking professional help when dealing with heavy bed bug infestations is the best way. Experienced exterminators know where or what to look for during inspections and possess the knowledge and tools necessary for dealing with specific pest infestations.
Prevention from bed bugs is key
Having bed bugs is not always a sign of poor hygiene, although it goes a long way if your property is clean and clutter-free. Still, bed bugs will enter any house, even the cleanest ones. As homeowners, we must remember that the best defense against bed bugs is always prevention. Applying the seven preventative techniques described in this article will also help solve your Bay Area bed bug problem.