To make matters worse, once they get inside, bed bugs are incredibly difficult to contain and get rid of. As such, you need to know just how bed bugs get into a home in the first place. That way, you can exercise caution and lower your odds of dealing with a bed bug infestation in your Elizabeth City home.
Bed Bug Basics
Bed bugs are small parasites that resemble apple seeds in appearance. They have brownish-red teardrop-shaped bodies that are flat before feeding but will swell up and turn a deep reddish-purple afterward.
Bed bugs feed on the blood of mammals and some birds. Their favorite source of food, however, is the blood of us humans. As such, bed bugs frequently invade homes in an attempt to feed on our blood.
Bed bugs derive their name from the fact that they often make their homes inside of mattresses and box springs. The reason for this is because bed bugs are nocturnal, and these locations provide them with easy access to sleeping humans upon whom they can feed. Although a bed bug infestation in Elizabeth City may start around the bed, if given time, it will spread throughout a house as they settle into carpets, furniture, curtains, and even electrical sockets.
How Bed Bugs Get Inside Of Homes
The most common way for bed bugs to get inside a home is by hitching a ride on an unsuspecting person who will then bring the bed bugs home with them. The places that you are most likely to pick up bed bugs are called bed bug hotspots, and they include any location that has a large volume of people coming and going on a daily basis. Examples of bed bug hotspots include transportation hubs such as bus depots, train stations, and airports; lodging facilities such as hotels, motels, and dormitories; and other locations with frequent visitors such as hospitals, schools, and shopping malls. While visiting any of these locations it is best to exercise caution. This means refraining from placing your belongings or sitting, directly on the ground. Additionally, you should inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before you use them.
Bed bugs also can gain access to a home by sneaking in on secondhand objects. Often, bed bugs will sneak in on used mattresses, box springs, clothing, upholstered furniture, rugs, and appliances. If you can, try to avoid purchasing any of these items secondhand. However, if you must, be sure to inspect and thoroughly wash them before bringing them into your home. This means if you spot small blood stains or rust-like stains on the fabric of these items, do not purchase or bring them into your home.
What To Do If Bed Bugs Get Inside Of Your Home
Because bed bugs are so hard to get rid of, it is important to be cautious while visiting bed bug hotspots and when purchasing second hand items. However, being cautious only goes so far. The truth is, preventing bed bugs can be just as hard as eliminating them. Therefore, if you do end up with a bed bug infestation, contact the professionals here at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control and ask us about our bed bug control treatment plan. This plan consists of a free inspection to determine the problem areas, initial treatment of said areas, and follow-up service to ensure all bed bugs have been effectively removed. Don’t lose sleep over these biting pests. Give us a call today!