Bed bugs are one of the most endemic insect infestations on the planet. They can be found worldwide, wherever you find humans. They are incredibly resilient creatures and can survive up to 300 days without food.
These bugs should never be left alone. Infestation can result in several health issues for those bitten. These can include skin rashes and autoimmune reactions. Symptoms include itchy skin, tiredness, and fevers. They can take between a few hours to days to manifest after a bite.
The question is then, how do you prevent bed bugs from infesting your home?
How Bed Bugs Get Into Your Home
Dirty Bedding (Except Not Really)
One thing that many people get wrong about bed bugs is assuming that they live exclusively up to their name. People think clean sheets, a hygienic home, and a well-cared-for mattress, are the key ingredients to keeping them out.
These people are wrong.
Bed bugs can live in most areas of human civilisation across the world, regardless of how clean or dirty they are.
Yes, areas of poor hygiene are more easily susceptible and may be more appealing to them. However, this does not mean that a clean household is somehow immune to them.
Luggage
Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. They stow away in people’s luggage and infest the homes of their destinations. They can move from hotels and hostels to households easily, so be aware.
Store your suitcase on a hard surface and wash all of your clothes when you return to minimise the risk of infestation.
Second-Hand Furniture
Buying used furniture or linens can be a great cost-effective way to live. There is often lots of use left in a sofa or a dress in a charity shop. However, these linens are another vector for bed bugs.
Make sure that when you buy any second-hand furniture, you have it professionally cleaned before moving it into your home. For used clothes, make sure that they are given a long wash, the moment you arrive home with them. These practices help minimise the risk of infestation within your home.
Contact Terminate Pest Control For Effective & Efficient Bed Bug Elimination
We hope you have found this advice helpful in minimising the chances of a bed bug infestation in your home. However, there are no guarantees. Many people mistakenly believe that they are a result of poor hygiene and are therefore something to be ashamed of.
They are not. Bedbugs are notoriously tenacious and sometimes there simply is no preventing them. We do, however, have a cure.
If you find yourself with bed bugs, then contact our team today. We use a combination of pesticides, high-intensity cleaning and heated ventilation to eliminate them from your home. For more information on our pest control services, contact our friendly team of technicians today!
