Bed bugs cause a common pest problem in many places around the world. There are many reasons why bed bug infestations happen and where they can occur. Infestations happen in a wide variety of settings, whether that be within the walls of your own home, hotels, college dormitories, apartment complexes, and more. There are numerous reasons why a bed bug outbreak can occur such as travel, population density, and the effectiveness of the city’s pest control measures. In this article, we will discuss what causes bed bug outbreaks and things you can do to keep your home safe from these unwanted pests.
The most common reason for a bed bug outbreak is travel. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily move from place to place. Bed bugs typically hitch a ride on items such as luggage, clothing, purses, or other personal items. When staying in hotels or even using public transportation, be aware of your surroundings and where you place your items.
Another common source for bed bug outbreaks is second-hand furniture or clothing items. Used furniture, especially mattresses, can carry bed bugs. When purchasing second-hand furniture, do a thorough inspection for bed bugs before bringing the items into your home. Look for signs such as fecal matter or for visible signs of these bugs. Bed bugs are brown and small but can be seen with the naked eye. Adult bed bugs are typically the size of an apple seed and should be easy to spot when performing a thorough inspection.
Bed bugs can also be seen in shared and public spaces. Living areas in dormitories or apartment buildings, theaters, libraries, and public transportation provide many hiding spots for these bugs. If one area becomes infested with bed bugs, it can be easy for them to quickly spread.
Some crucial and easy things you can do to keep your area safe and clean of bed bugs include regular cleaning, inspecting secondhand items, being cautious when traveling, and being educated and well-informed.
These nocturnal insects rely on blood as their food source and commonly target humans as they sleep. Bed bugs can detect carbon dioxide exhaled by humans and are attracted to the warmth of human bodies. These insects are often found hiding near your bed or area that you sleep waiting for you to become unconscious before they have their nightly feast. If you believe you have bed bugs in your home, check for places near your bed. Common hiding areas include bed frames and headboards, nightstands, chairs, dressers, and most commonly, the seam of your mattress.
If you do come across bed bugs in your sleeping area, it is best to contact professionals. While it may be easy to detect adult bed bugs, it can be hard to find any signs of eggs or larvae. By promptly addressing the infestation, you can prevent a small bed bug infestation from becoming a large outbreak. Remember that do-it-yourself solutions are ineffective and often make the situation worse by prolonging the life span of these insects in your home. For more information or help regarding bed bugs in your area, call your local Insight Pest Solutions today at (888) 414-1430.
