Bed bugs are one of the most feared types of pests that infest homes. Homeowners are afraid of these tiny pests because of where they infest and what they do. Bed bugs – as their name suggests – are often found in and near beds. They like to feed off of the blood of humans as they sleep. This reality is enough to get just about anyone worked up at the thought of a bed bug infestation. Those bites often turn into red, itchy bumps that can be bothersome throughout the day. In order to avoid all of the potential issues that bed bugs can cause, you need to take steps to prevent them or eradicate them if you already have an infestation. Bed bugs are difficult to eradicate but there are a few effective treatment options available.
Prevent a bed bug infestation before it starts
Learning about bed bug prevention may not feel helpful when you have an active infestation. However, you will eventually be free of the bed bugs that are currently in your home and prevention efforts will help you keep them out for good. Bed bugs are often acquired through travel. They can hitch a ride on your luggage or clothes from a hotel room, airplane, or bus. You can take precautions while you travel and once you get home to prevent future infestations. In hotel rooms, inspect the bed and surrounding areas for signs of bed bugs. Pull back the sheets and look in the corners and crevices of the mattress. They are small, round, and brownish/reddish depending on how long it has been since their last meal. You should also keep your luggage and dirty clothing off the floor and away from the bed. Once you get home, immediately wash and dry all of your clothing at the highest heat it will tolerate. The high heat can kill off any bed bugs that followed you home.
Effective treatment options for an active bed bug infestation
If you currently have or suspect a bed bug infestation the only thing likely on your mind is getting rid of them as quickly as possible. The quickest and most effective way to get rid of bed bugs is to call in a pest control professional. Professional bed bug treatment often involves a combination of chemical and heat treatment. There are do-it-yourself bed bug treatments available but they are often ineffective because it is easy to miss treating some of the area. Missing just a few bed bugs will allow the infestation to continue growing and worsening over time. A pest control pro will have the tools, training, and experience needed to effectively eradicate bed bugs. And, the best pest control companies also offer a guarantee on their work. This means that if the treatment was unsuccessful you will receive another treatment at no cost to finish off the remaining bed bugs.
If you are ready to get rid of the bed bugs in your house, call in the pros. The risk of missing some of these tiny pests with DIY treatment is simply too high to risk. Once the pests are gone, employ the prevention strategies outlined above to keep them away in the future.
