How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), 97% of pest professionals have treated bed bugs in the past year. While bed bugs are typically found in houses and hotels, these pests were reportedly found in stuffed animals, school buses, and airplanes. Here’s what you need to know to prevent a bed bug infestation:

Why Bed Bugs Are a Problem

Although bed bugs don’t transmit diseases, they feed on human blood and their bites cause severe itching. These pests have nocturnal habits and like to hide in furniture. A bed bug infestation can be really hard to control because these tiny insects can live for up to a year without a meal, which is why you should always call a professional to exterminate them.  

Characteristics of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are very small insects, often less than 1/4 inch long. However, don’t be surprised if you find bed bugs that look bigger—sometimes one feeding is enough to make them grow to triple their regular size. While their body is normally oval-shaped, it may look more elongated if the bed bug has fed recently. Remember that bed bugs aren’t a problem in houses and hotels exclusively, they can also be found in any public spaces such as schools, churches, and hospitals.

Prevention Tips

When it comes to bed bugs, early detection can save you a lot of trouble. Here are some prevention tips:

  • Vacuum your house frequently. Always dispose of vacuum waste in a sealed container outside your home.
  • Inspect your bed sheets and bedding furniture. Blood spots, fecal matter, and tiny eggs are common signs of a bed bug infestation.
  • Never bring second-hand furniture into your home without examining it first. Female bed bugs can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime, so it takes only a few bed bugs to start an infestation.
  • Protect yourself from bed bugs while traveling. When you get home, wash and dry everything you had with you. Set your dryer to the highest heat.

If you suspect that you’re dealing with a bed bug infestation, don’t try to treat it yourself because you might actually make the situation worse. It takes an experienced pest control professional to make sure that you got rid of all the bed bugs.

At Parker Pest Control, we have years of experience treating bed bug infestations and we’re offering free training on bed bug prevention tips for any local business. Is it too late for prevention? Contact us through our website or call us at (800) 324-2847, and we’ll exterminate these pests for you.

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