Bed bugs can cause big problems in your home. These pests can cause itchy, red bumps to show up on your skin and irritate you throughout the day. Bed bugs will feed off your blood and can survive for an extended period of time – even if there is no one consistently sleeping in the bed. Bed bugs are notorious for being difficult to eradicate. There are stories about widespread beg bug infestations in apartment complexes and hotels that proved extremely difficult to eradicate. Because of these stories, many homeowners are horrified at the thought of having bed bugs in their homes. If you found out you have bed bugs, you may be tempted to move out of your home or at the very least get rid of your mattress. Before you do anything drastic, there are some steps you can take to deal with bed bugs.
How did I get bed bugs?
Understanding how you got bed bugs can help you in your efforts to prevent another infestation in the future. In many cases, bed bug infestations happen after travel. You can pick up bed bugs that were left behind by other travelers in a hotel room or on a bus. Bed bugs are small and you are unlikely to notice them on your clothes or luggage. If you traveled recently and just found out you have bed bugs, it is likely that they came from your travels. Another common way to get bed bugs is by bringing infested secondhand furniture into your home. Before you bring in anything you purchased secondhand, thoroughly inspect it for signs of bed bugs.
Is there a way to prevent bed bugs?
Prevention is the best option when it comes to bed bugs. You can take a few precautions to prevent these pests from following you home from vacation. Any time you get to a new hotel room, pull back the sheets and take a close look at the mattress. Look near the corners and in the crevices. You may be able to spot bed bugs – they are small, round or oval, often look flat, and can range in color from light brown to a dark reddish-brown. You can also take precautions when you return home just in case some bed bugs followed you back. Bed bugs are sensitive to heat. Wash and dry all your clothes at the warmest temperature they can tolerate to kill off any bed bugs that came home with you.
What should I do if I find out I have bed bugs?
If you find out that you do have a bed bug infestation, you need to bring in professional help right away. The DIY bed bug treatment options that are available rarely provide the results that homeowners are looking for. Effective treatment for bed bugs almost always requires the help of a trained professional. If you suspect bed bugs in your home, get in touch with the pros at Nixtermite right away.
No one wants to share a bed with pests that are going to feed off your blood throughout the night. If you suspect bed bugs it can be difficult to get restful sleep until you are sure the problem has been eradicated. The pros at Nixtermite have the training, expertise, and equipment needed to quickly and effectively eradicate bed bugs from your home. Reach out today.
