Bed bugs are indoor pests that don’t die out in the winter months, making them technically a year-round pest. However, they also favor warm environments and are much more active in the summer months. Peak season for bed bugs is from June through October. The increase in heat and humidity in the summertime leads to an increase in bed bug activity – making them want to feed and breed more often. Summer is also a busy travel season with people going on summer vacations and college students coming home for summer break. This increase in travel activity allows bed bugs to spread quickly creating new infestations. Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers and will catch a ride on people, pets, luggage, bedding, clothing, and even pillows. Once a bed bug infestation has been established, they can be extremely difficult to get rid of for two main reasons: Bed bugs have developed resistance to many pesticides used to treat them; they are also small in size and able to hide in tiny places, only coming out to feed every 4 to 5 days, mostly at night. Both of these combined make them hard to detect and hard to eliminate.
While bed bugs do leave behind itchy, red bites and can trigger allergic reactions in those who are allergic to them, bed bugs aren’t known to transmit any significant diseases to humans.
What can you do to help prevent bed bugs as peak season begins soon?
Here are some tips to prevent bed bugs this summer:
Do your research before you travel. Read reviews of the places you are staying to see if any recent reports of bed bugs have surfaced.
Leave your luggage outside until you can perform a thorough inspection of your room.
Make sure to check the edges of the mattress, near the headboard, the bed skirt, and between the mattress and box spring. Look for small black spots that resemble mold.
Also check the wood and fabric on furniture, paying close attention to cracks and crevices.
Keep your luggage in zipped up plastic bags or on luggage racks. If these aren’t available, store your luggage in the bathtub.
Keep your luggage zipped when not in use.
Pack your clothing in plastic bags that seal within your luggage.
Once you return home, keep your luggage outside until you can thoroughly inspect it for bed bugs.
Wash and dry your clothes immediately on high heat.
Vacuum your luggage after unpacking and before you store it away.
If you suspect you have a bed bug problem, contact a professional pest control company like Budget Pest Control Services, who can thoroughly inspect your home and provide you with bed bug treatment options, as well as a prevention plan going forward.
Contact Budget Pest Control today for a free estimate or more details. 412-318-4912
https://budgetpestcontrolpgh.com
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