How do bed bugs spread from property to property?
Bed bugs have been a scourge in this country for too many years to count. These blood-sucking insects feed on us at night while we sleep, leaving us with red, itchy spots on our skin and an extreme creepy feeling. They must be stopped at all costs!
We often get asked, “How do bed bugs spread?” After all, they don’t move very fast, yet they’re able to spread like wildfire at times. To give you an idea, here are four of the most common ways that bed bugs are able to get inside your home:
Weak Points
Like so many other pests, bed bugs enter your home through weak points in the foundation, around your doors and windows, etc. They slip through cracks and crevices, albeit rather slowly. This is also how they spread from room to room. If a neighboring home has them, then you could have them soon, too.
Clothes
Bed bugs don’t travel from person to person like other insects. They will, however, hide in the folds and crevices of clothing and hitch a ride. This is why it’s so important to inspect your clothes after you’ve taken a trip, just in case you stay at a place with a bed bug infestation.
Furniture
Bed bugs have their name for a reason. But, they don’t limit themselves to beds. They can also be found in couches, recliners, futons, etc.
If you bring any furniture into your home, especially used furniture, you should inspect it very carefully. This should happen before carrying it inside.
Luggage
Every hotel at one point or another has had at least a small number of bed bugs. This is especially true in recent years when these nasty little insects started making a comeback after being nearly eradicated a few decades ago. No matter where you’re staying, some may hitch a ride in or on your luggage.
Various Seats
Anywhere there’s a seat, there’s a small chance that a bed bug could get into your clothing. This includes buses, movie theaters, playhouses, etc. Although the chance is very small, you should be aware of your surroundings and consider taking precautions.
How to Stop Bed Bugs from Spreading
The good news is that you can prevent bed bugs from spreading by following a few basic guidelines:
Protect Yourself When Traveling
Bed bugs are notorious for going home with travelers. When you arrive at a hotel, you should inspect the bed and any other furniture. We’d also recommend that you use a bed bug mattress cover. This cover will prevent bed bugs from reaching you while you sleep.
Seal Up Potential Entry Points
Bed bugs and many other insects get into your home through cracks and gaps. These are typically found in your home’s foundation and around the edges of your doors and windows. To keep these pests out, you’ll need to seal any potential entry points. This can be done with either caulk, spray foam, or weather-stripping, depending on the size of the problem area.
Wash Everything After a Trip
Even when you take precautions in your hotel room, it’s possible that a few bed bugs can slip into your luggage and clothes without you noticing. The first thing you should do when you get home is to immediately take all of your clothes to the laundry room and wash them on the hot setting. You’ll also want to inspect your luggage.
Inspect Secondhand Furniture
Some people say that you should avoid purchasing secondhand furniture because there’s a chance it might have bed bugs. This is obviously a great way to avoid these blood-sucking pests, but with prices the way they are, many people can’t pass up a good deal. Therefore, if you purchase secondhand furniture, make sure that you inspect it very thoroughly.
Use Plastic Mattress Covers
Bed bugs can easily hide in your mattress and box spring. You can protect yourself at night by wrapping the mattress in a plastic cover at home the same way you would in a hotel. This is one of the most effective ways to keep bed bugs away from you while you sleep.
Contact ProHealth Pest Control to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Now that you know how bed bugs can spread, you should also know that the professionals at ProHealth Pest Control can eliminate them. If you need to get rid of bed bugs in your home or have any questions about our services, reach out to us at (727) 472-9420 today.
We’ll inspect your property and develop a plan for bed bug heat treatment to eliminate bed bugs, their eggs, and nymphs to ensure your property is bed bug-free!
