Homeowners face many problems nowadays, and one reason is bed bug infestation. Bed bugs infestation is a prevalent threat in the United States. It has been one of the growing concerns for most homeowners. Bed bugs can harm your health, and an increasing population of these tiny creatures leads to severe problems.
There are some questions that homeowners ask: do bed bugs deal damage to your home? Do bed bugs have severe effects on your health? And how do you acquire bed bugs? You must understand what a bed bug is to find out the answer to this question.
If you are currently facing concerns with bed bug infestations, there is no need to worry, as once you know the behavior of these tiny creatures, it will be easier for you to get rid of them.
On this blog, you can answer those common questions independently and know the steps to prevent bed bugs from entering your home.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny little creatures drawn to body heat and feed primarily on blood. They are commonly found in the bedroom. Hence the name bed bugs. Once you notice a few red marks on your body after a long night of sleep, they are why.
These tiny creatures’ eggs hatch in 6-10 days. They can increase their population in a hurry. Bed bugs are resilient creatures, and they are very hard to eliminate. They tend to hide in cracks and crevices in your house and crawl when they sense body heat.
The common misconception about bed bugs is that they can come from your pets and are the carriers. However, bed bugs don’t like going into dogs and cats. Bed bugs can be carried inside your home through luggage and furniture.
Another misconception about bed bugs is they carry diseases. While they harm your health, you can only be affected if you have sensitive skin. Other than that, you can’t get any conditions from bed bugs.
How Do Bed Bugs Infest Homes?
Bed bugs can enter your home in different ways. But as mentioned earlier, bed bugs can’t get inside your home through your pets.
The most common ways that bed bugs can enter is through luggage and if you have a cramped area where organisms can survive. For example, if you just got from a hotel and you put your luggage on the floor, there’s a high chance that bed bugs can come with you.
Bed bugs can transfer from one place to another. Also, bed bugs enter your home during winter to survive the harsh weather. Although tiny, they always find a way to enter your home one way or another.
To avoid bed bugs, the best way is to disinfect yourself first and the things you bring. Spray some disinfectant or alcohol. And if you bought used furniture, it’s recommended to let it stay outside the sun for a day before putting it inside your home.
It ensures that no bed bugs can live since they are heat-sensitive. So, if your mattress is filled with bed bugs, use dry heat or let it rest in the sun for a day to eliminate those annoying creatures biting you while you sleep.
Can bed bugs transmit diseases?
Bed bugs are annoying, but they aren’t known to spread diseases. However, bed bugs can leave itchiness and bite marks on your body. They may leave you sleepless due to the itchiness of their bites.
Sometimes, the bite marks of bed bugs can become too severe and lead to an infection. If you have sensitive skin, you have a higher chance of getting skin infections from bed bugs than the average skin sensitivity. Although uncommon, it’s common to have an allergic reaction from their bites.
Another disease you can get is stress due to lack of sleep. Your mental health can also be affected by bed bug infestation. To minimize the transmission of bed bugs and the risk of diseases, hire a bed bug exterminator in Atlanta immediately once you see early signs of bed bugs.
How do you get rid of bed bugs?
Getting rid of bed bugs typically requires professional pest control services because these resilient pests are adept at hiding in cracks and crevices, and their eggs are resistant to many DIY treatments. On the other hand, DIY methods often prove ineffective and may inadvertently spread the infestation, making it costlier and more challenging to resolve in the long run.
Professional exterminators have the expertise and access to specialized pesticides and equipment to eliminate bed bug infestations effectively. They can also employ integrated pest management strategies, such as heat treatments and vacuuming, to ensure thorough eradication and prevent re-infestation.
Are there any natural remedies for bed bugs?
While there are some natural remedies for bed bugs, such as diatomaceous earth, essential oils like tea tree or lavender oil, and steam cleaning, they are generally less effective than professional treatments. Bed bugs are notoriously resilient, and infestations can quickly escalate if not thoroughly eradicated.
Professional pest control services are the recommended choice because they have the knowledge, experience, and access to more potent, targeted treatments that can ensure the complete elimination of bed bugs, including their eggs. Attempting DIY methods can often delay effective treatment, allowing the infestation to worsen, and may not provide long-term relief. Choosing a professional is the safest and most reliable way to address a bed bug problem.
How can you prevent bringing bed bugs home when traveling?
You probably already know that you can acquire bed bugs during travels. What you can do to protect your things and luggage from bed bugs is always to have some plastic or paper bags where you put your things.
When staying in a hotel room, ask to change the sheets and mattress since some hotels don’t change the sheets when guests leave. And if you suspect you’ve brought a bed bug into your home, hire a bed bug exterminator in Atlanta immediately.
Can you still get bed bugs if you have a clean home?
Yes, getting bed bugs is possible even if you have a clean home. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or filth but to warmth, carbon dioxide, and the scent of human blood. They can hitch a ride into your home on luggage, clothing, or used furniture and quickly establish an infestation. Once inside, they can hide in cracks, crevices, and even electrical outlets, making them difficult to detect. So, cleanliness alone does not guarantee immunity from bed bug infestations; anyone can be at risk.
What should you do if you have a bed bug infestation?
Once you suspect a bed bug has entered your home, hiring a professional is the most effective method to prevent it from increasing. It’s difficult to spot bed bugs and needs some extreme investigation to locate them. DIY treatments are effective but can’t eliminate all the bed bugs at the roots. Only professional treatments can do.
Have a bed-bug-free home today!
Now that you have the answer to your questions, you know the challenge when facing bed bugs. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to take care of your home, and learning about preventing bed bugs and their treatments helps you from infestations.
If you have a friend or family member experiencing bed bug concerns, would you just let them suffer or share the methods you learned? And if ever you need an effective way to treat bed bugs, you should call for bed bug heat treatment in Atlanta.
