Checking and Treating Bed Bugs

Though bed bugs were thought to be an obsolete issue only a few years ago, there’s no denying that they are currently a very relevant issue. From homes and hotels to movie theaters, these annoying little critters have made their way into or beds and our subconscious. Small, wingless and pesky, bed bugs feed on warm blooded mammals, leaving little red marks in the areas they have bitten their victims. In this article, we will provide you with some information about these pests, how to look for them and how to get rid of them if you happen to find them on your property.

Step 1 - If you happen to be staying somewhere away from your home, avoid placing anything on the mattress without inspecting it first. Many people think nothing of walking into a hotel room and throwing their luggage onto the bed; before you do this, take a quick second to check the tags, seams, pillow and bed linens to make certain that you will not be shacking up with any unwanted guests.

Step 2 - Make yourself aware of what to look for in a situation involving these pests. Keep an eye out for dead bugs, live, crawling specimen, blood stains, cast skins, and feces. Inspect your clothing, furniture and linens thoroughly to ensure that you are free and clear. These bugs are flat and oval shaped, making them able to fit easily in small crevices, nooks and seams.

Step 3 - These pests can live for months on end without feeding, so be sure to inspect your areas on a regular basis. Keep your clutter to a minimum to reduce hiding spots. Make sure that your sheets are off the floor and tucked in securely to keep them from crawling up into your bed.

Step 4 - CLEAN! Scrub and vacuum everything to remove any eggs and bugs that may be hidden in your home. Seal and hole and cracks in walls and flooring to prevent the bed bugs from moving between apartments and rooms.

Step 5 - If you happen to find an issue, there’s no need to panic. Though it may be embarrassing and annoying, your furniture is cleanable and the issue is completely treatable. Make sure to call up a professional pest control specialists to address the issue as soon as it becomes apparent. Though there are known home remedies, a professional will be much more capable of taking care of the problem properly.

Step 6 - Prevention is key. These types of issues are typically brought upon by the home owners themselves. If you’ve just returned home from a vacation, make sure to inspection your luggage, clothing and boxes before unpacking. Wash any clothing prior to placing items in dressers. Unload any boxes in a secure area, such as a basement. Scrub and vacuum any luggage that may have been contaminated. And as always, keep your home clean. If cleanliness is close to godliness, then godliness is certainly bed bug free.