As the seasons change, so do the characteristics of pests and the unique challenges that come with pest control. Understanding when the peak of bed bug season occurs can help homeowners take extra precautions to secure their homes from these unwanted guests. By following these tips, you can help keep your home safeguarded year-round.
Bed Bug Season
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs don’t adhere to a strict seasonal schedule. However, varying outside temperatures and conditions can cause bed bugs to seek shelter inside. While bed bugs are active year-round, they tend to spike when people travel the most. This mainly includes the summer months and holidays. Bed bugs thrive in warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels making them more common to encounter outdoors during the summer months and indoors during the winter.
Bed Bug’s Appearance
Bed bugs are small insects – no larger than an apple seed in size. Bed bugs have a long, oval-shaped body that is typically flat and reddish-brown. Bed bugs most commonly hide in mattresses or nearby furniture. Check underneath your sheets for any signs of bed bugs and thoroughly inspect any hidden spots in your nearby bed furniture like nightstands, dressers, or chairs.
Signs of Bed Bug
Bed bugs can be challenging to detect, especially during the early stages. If you are experiencing any of the following, you may consider calling professionals to come and treat your home for bed bugs.
1. Red, itchy bites
Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects that come out at night. Bed bugs are notorious for hiding near their host’s bed and feeding while their host is asleep. Bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide which humans exhale while they breathe.
2. Tiny bloodstains on sheets
Crushed bed bugs can leave behind small bloodstains on bedding. This can help when it comes to identifying and treating the bed bugs in your home.
3. Dark fecal spots
Bed bugs excrete dark, rust-colored fecal matter on mattresses, sheets, and nearby furniture. If you believe you have bed bugs in your home, this is an important sign to look for.
Preventing Bed Bug Infestations
To prevent bed bugs from infesting your home, it is important to follow these steps regularly:
1. Inspect your surroundings
Regularly check for signs of bed bugs, paying attention to seams and folds in mattresses, furniture, and curtains.
2. Clean your home
Keeping your living spaces clean and clutter-free can help reduce the number of hiding spots for bed bugs to find. Vacuuming your home and washing your sheets can also help to prevent bed bugs.
3. Be mindful when traveling
One of the most common ways for bed bugs to spread is through travel. Bed bugs are incredible at latching on to items around them, like sweaters, luggage, and bags, to carry them from one home to another. It can be helpful to be mindful when using public transportation and when staying in hotels or air-bnbs. Upon returning home, inspect your luggage before bringing it inside and immediately wash all clothing in hot water.
