What Are Bed Bugs?
One night’s stay in a hotel or other infested facility is all it takes for bed bugs to enter your home. They can hide in small spaces, about the size of a credit card, and move from one room to another.
Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects that hide during the day and feed at night. They inflict bites that are itchy and irritating.
The first indication that you have a bed bug problem is waking up with red itchy bites or bumps on your skin or finding blood stains on your sheets.
The best way to avoid a bed bug infestation is to practice good hygiene and housekeeping. Clean and vacuum all surfaces and bedding.
If you want to know more about bed bugs and how to get rid of them, continue reading.
About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, oval, brownish insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are most often found in warm environments, such as beds and couches.
Adult bed bugs are about 4 to 7mm long and have flat bodies that look like apple seeds. They become reddish-brown and swell after feeding.
Immature bed bugs (nymphs) resemble adults but are smaller and lighter in colour. They require frequent blood meals to grow in size and turn into adults.
What Is The Main Cause of Bed Bugs?
The main cause of bed bugs is “hitchhiking”. These insects find their way into homes and other buildings by attaching themselves to luggage, used furniture or clothing.
These insects can also be picked up from aeroplanes, trains and buses, cruise ships, cabs, taxis, and anywhere humans congregate.
They can also be brought into a building by someone who has previously lived in an infested home or hotel and then brings their belongings to a new place.
Treatment of Bed Bugs
Treatment of bed bugs involves using a combination of nonchemical and pesticide control methods. The use of pesticides is most commonly recommended to prevent and eradicate infestations that cannot be controlled with nonchemical controls.
Pesticides used for the treatment of bed bugs include pyrethrins and pyrethroids, which are natural chemicals produced by plants of the genus chrysanthemum. These chemicals have low toxicity to humans and birds, but some populations of bed bugs may develop resistance to them.
Inspection is the first step in preventing bed bug infestations. Seal cracks and crevices to reduce hiding places for the bugs. If possible, vacuum all infested furniture thoroughly before you move them. Cover mattresses and box springs with covers that are made to be bed bug-resistant.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs?
Practising simple sanitation will help prevent bed bugs. Keeping clothing, shoes and bags off the floor will also limit their transport options.
Inspect second-hand furniture, such as mattresses, beds and couches, for any signs of bed bug infestation before bringing them home. If you do find an infested item, immediately take it to the trash or mark it clearly so others will not bring it into their homes unknowingly.
Vacuum regularly to remove any stray bed bugs that may have found their way into the house. You can use a vacuum cleaner that has an attachment for catching stray bed bugs.
Check bedding, including blankets and sheets, for specks of blood. Seeing any dark red or dark brown stains on your bedding will indicate that it is likely infested with bed bugs.
If you notice any of these signs, consider hiring bed bug treatment experts. They will have more experience with treating a bed bug infestation than you and may be able to use nonchemical methods.
Conclusion
Bed bugs multiply very quickly, so even if a few bed bugs enter your home, they can soon spread and lead to an infestation. Because of this reason, you should always keep your home clean and inspect the bed and other furniture. If you notice any signs of infestation, it is best to hire a professional bed bugs control company to get rid of them.