Why Are Bed Bugs So Difficult to Eliminate? 

The main reason why bed bugs are so difficult to eliminate is because they’re small and flat, which allows them to get deep into mattresses, box springs, and other hiding spots. In the past, the primary type of bed bug control was the use of chemical treatments. The problem with using chemicals against a bed bug infestation is that they don’t kill the eggs and will often leave behind some of the adults that have successfully squeezed themselves into cracks and crevices. If enough of them survive, it won’t be long before you suffer another infestation.

Which Bed Bug Treatment is Most Effective? 

In recent years, pest management professionals have turned to the use of a heat treatment in order to eliminate bed bugs. This technique works with the use of large heaters that are placed within the infested area or throughout the entire home. Then, high heat is emitted from these heaters, which raises the temperature of the room or home to the point that all the bugs are killed. Not only can adult bed bugs not hide, but the heat will also destroy their eggs no matter where they’re located.

What Warning Signs Should You Look For? 

If you want to get rid of bed bugs in your home, you first need to learn the warning signs. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Small, Red Bumps on Your Skin

The most common warning sign of a bed bug infestation is waking up with small, red bumps on your body. These red bumps will often irritate your skin and cause an itching sensation. They can be treated with an ointment, but this is just a temporary fix because the bed bugs will continue to feed on you until they’re gone.

Blood/Fecal Stains

It’s also very common to find either blood or fecal stains on your bed sheets. Blood stains can occur while a bed bug is feeding or because you rolled over and squished one, causing it to leak out a little blood, though you most likely won’t kill it. Fecal stains are rust-colored or brown and can be found on bed sheets or on your box spring and other areas of your bed or other furniture.

Physical Sightings

In some circumstances, you may actually witness the physical sighting of a bed bug. Yes, these insects are quite small, but in the later adult stages, they’re definitely visible by the naked eye. Just remember this is actually a rare occurrence because bed bugs will typically be hiding again by the time that you wake up.

What Steps Can You Take to Avoid Bed Bugs?

The best type of bed bug control is avoiding them all together. Here are a few steps that you can take to prevent a bed bug infestation:

Cut Down on Clutter

Although the ultimate goal for bed bugs is to get inside your furniture, they also hide in clutter found around your home. This shouldn’t be too surprising because many pests are notorious for hiding under and behind boxes and other such items. Cutting down on clutter will give bed bugs fewer places to hide.

Inspect Bags After Trip

Bringing bed bugs home after a long trip is very common because you could stay at a hotel or residence that’s infested. As soon as you return home, search through your luggage to make sure that you don’t have any blood-sucking stowaways. If you want to be extra cautious, you can separate your clothes as soon as you return and run them through the wash in hot water.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Like many other pests, bed bugs will get into your home through small cracks and gaps. The most common areas include the edges of your doors and windows, in addition to your home’s foundation and basement. Depending on the size of the problem, you can seal them with weather-stripping, spray foam, or caulk.

Avoid Bad Treatments

There are some do-it-yourself treatments for bed bugs floating around the internet that are bad news. While it’s true that substances such as rubbing alcohol, kerosene, and gasoline will kill bed bugs, these are questionable substances that you don’t want sprayed around your household, especially if you have kids for pets. Some people have had luck with sticky traps for other pests, but even though they may capture a few bed bugs, they don’t work as well as a full treatment.

Contact ProHealth Pest Control for Help with a Bed Bug Infestation

ProHealth Pest Control specializes in residential and commercial pest control solutions. If you have any questions about our organic pest control methods or need help with a bed bug infestation or any other pest problem, reach out by calling us at (727) 308-2543 today.