The Bed Bug epidemic has reached a new high. Many cities around the country are seeing a rise in bed bug infestations in homes, apartment buildings, movie theatres, and other public spaces. Once the bugs have moved in, it can be expensive to remove them. The best way to avoid racking up a huge pest control bill is prevention. Below we’ve laid out some of the best prevention methods so you can keep bed bugs out of your home.
When You Travel Inspect Your Hotel Room
Inspecting a hotel mattress may not sound like an exciting addition to your vacation. Doing a preliminary check before you get comfortable can save you in the long run. When you first get to your room, check the mattress, box spring and the headboard. Be particularly thorough when inspecting around the edges. Take a look at the bottom of the box spring (a prime hideout for bed bugs.) Next, pull the sheets back and look around the ribbing and corners of the mattress. As you inspect, you’re looking for bugs and little brown spots. If you do wake up with bites on you, contact hotel management immediately.
Inspect Your Luggage Before You Leave
Whenever you get back home, unpack your suitcase outside your house. Put your clothes through a hot wash or dry cycle, immediately. Drop your bag into a tightly sealed garbage bag. Store the bag in a secure area for two or more weeks. You can leave some pesticide in the bag with your suitcase as an additional prevention method. The pesticide will fumigate the bag and kill any bugs you may have brought home.
The Proof is in the Bites
The biggest warning sign of bed bugs is their bite. People commonly mistake the bites for mosquito bites. They usually come in a cluster of at least three bites. Bed bugs also tend to be most active during the night, when most people are sleeping. If you wake up with bite clusters on exposed areas, for example on the arms, face, shoulders, and neck, you may have a bed bug infestation. They also tend to bite in rows, along the line of the comforter or sheet. If you find these types of bites on your body, perform a basic inspection and contact a pest control professional.
Protect Your Bed From Bed Bugs
Buying encasements for your mattress and box spring won’t entirely prevent infestations, but it will make the problem easier to solve. Put an encasement on your bed, or try purchasing a ClimbUp Interceptor. These products will prevent bed bugs from climbing up from the floor and onto your bed. Interceptors may not be the most attractive tool, but they can help with prevention and protection.
When to Call Your Pest Control Company
If you think you have an infestation contact a professional immediately. Over the counter methods will only briefly help. The bed bugs that aren’t immediately affected by the pesticides will begin to avoid the area but come back once it’s safe for them. The pest may also relocate and populate different parts of your home if you don’t eliminate them all at once. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, contact Arrow Termite & Pest Control today. We utilize the most effective bed bug treatments to ensure total extermination.
