Holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the company of friends and family, but sometimes they bring unexpected "gifts" when they visit. Bed bugs are tiny, resilient hitchhikers that travel by clinging onto fabric. They can travel great distances to reach your festive home, and they will always overstay their invitation. While not typically hazardous to your health, bed bugs are a nuisance and nearly impossible to get rid of once you have them.
Preventing Bed Bugs from Infesting Your Home
The best way to avoid a bed bug infestation is to prevent one from happening. Bed bugs cling onto clothes, furniture, and luggage. Anyone who comes into your home could be carrying these creatures without realizing it, or you could unknowingly bring them home.
- Vacuuming weekly and clearing out clutter is important because this will make it easier to spot a bed bug infestation.
- Emptying the vacuum bag after each use is important, bed bugs can crawl out of a vacuum after getting sucked up.
- Seal off mattresses and box springs with plastic mattress covers. Covers prevent these bugs from getting inside mattresses and will make the bugs easier to spot.
- Travelling poses the risk of introducing bed bugs into your home. Inspect rooms thoroughly before settling in. Check over the headboard and nightstands in addition to bedding. Keep your luggage off and away from the bed. When you return home, run all clothes through the hottest washer and dryer settings before putting them away.
How to Spot Bed Beg Infestations Early
Prevention helps, but it’s not foolproof. Staying vigilant is important if you suspect you have a bed bug infestation. Your bed is the most important location to check, but also make sure to check furniture, luggage, clothes, and carpets for bed bugs. and look around any openings to find potential hiding spots, especially near baseboards and around your sleeping area.
Spotting bed bugs is possible with close inspection, but you’ll likely find their molted shells, bloodstains, and eggs before you find them. A sweet but musty odor can also indicate the presence of bed bugs.
Health Concerns from Bed Bug Infestations
Bed bugs are more of a nuisance than a health hazard, but there are some health concerns to watch out for if you have an infestation. They feed on blood, which leaves tiny red bites that can get itchy. Allergic reactions are the biggest issues where bed bug bites are concerned and require immediate medical attention regardless of severity. Infections, although rare in this case, are also possible. Scratching itchy bites can open wounds and introduce bacteria, leading to infections. Keeping bite areas clean helps prevent these infections.
Insomnia is another health concern. Because bed bugs are nocturnal, they typically feed while you sleep. Their bites may cause irritation that keeps you up all night scratching affected areas. Lack of sleep can lead to more severe health issues. Washing bites with warm water and soap and leaving the soap on may help relieve this irritation.
Get Rid of Pesky Bed Bugs from Your Home
Treating a bed bug infestation usually ends in ongoing problems with these bugs. Leave the battle in the hands of the pest professionals here at Advantage Termite & Pest Solutions. Since 2007, we’ve provided high-quality pest control and unbeatable customer service to residents and businesses in Eureka. We offer free pest inspections and 24-hour emergency services, all backed by our pest-free guarantee. Schedule a free consultation by calling (707) 682-7637 or visiting our website.