Bed bugs are pests that are often associated with filth, and many people assume that bed bugs in Downingtown only invade poorly maintained homes. But, while bed bugs might be gross blood-sucking pests, they can actually get into almost any home or business. In fact, even places that don’t have beds can deal with bed bugs. In this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about bed bugs in Downingtown and how to get effective bed bug control.
How Do Bed Bug Infestations Start?
Bed bugs are easily understood as hitchhiking pests. They are parasitical, but they don’t actually live on humans or animals as hosts. Instead, they can attach to things we carry around with us while running errands or doing general travel. They can climb onto the seams or tiny holes in bags and luggage, and then, they are brought into homes and businesses.
While almost any place can have bed bugs, some areas are hot spots where you’re more likely to pick up bed bugs. These areas include laundromats, schools, buses, airports, hotels, and more.
Bed bug infestations can also begin when you purchase used and secondhand items that are already infested and bring them inside. While bedding and mattresses should always be checked before purchasing, you should also look at other furniture and even appliances.
How To Prevent Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are some of the most challenging pests to prevent because they are so widespread and small. While they aren’t invisible to the human eye, they are only around the size of an apple seed. You’re very unlikely to see them when they latch onto bags, and they can also hide in many small areas in your property, such as holes in the walls, electrical outlets, and picture frames.
The best thing you can do is to try to avoid picking up bed bugs in the first place. Avoid setting down bags when traveling and check hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before settling in. These signs include finding brown smear marks around mattresses or other furniture or discovering discarded bed bug shells around the room.
How To Avoid Picking Up Secondhand Items That Are Infested
While bed bugs are usually picked up while traveling, there is also a risk anytime you purchase any secondhand piece of furniture, upholstered items, or even some appliances. It’s important to be careful when buying these items because, while you might be saving money at first, it won’t be affordable if you end up with a bed bug infestation.
Just like when checking hotel rooms, you can look for brown smear marks and discarded bed bug skins. You can also check for any old blood stains. It’s best to do a thorough inspection of all of these secondhand items before you bring them inside.
What To Do If You Get Bed Bugs?
Unfortunately, bed bugs are extremely hard to prevent. Even if you do everything you can, you could still end up with bed bugs in your home or business. If you find yourself dealing with bed bug infestations, the best thing to do is get professional bed bug control from Budget Exterminating, Inc.
Bed bugs are a challenge to eradicate because they are able to hide so many small areas and live for a long time without eating. In order to eradicate every single bed bug and bed bug egg, you’ll need professional pest control assistance. To learn more about our bed bug control options, just give us a call today to request a quote or to learn more.