One of the most rapidly growing pest control problems today is the bed bug. Of all the many different kinds of pests, this one is by far one of the most annoying and difficult to remove. Much like the common mosquito, bed bugs bite humans and animals in order to feed on blood. This also leaves extremely irritable and itchy welts. The good news is these bites won’t spread any diseases or cause illness. However if you itch them too much it could result in an infection.
A huge reason that this is such a rapidly spreading problem is because most people don’t know the signs of an infestation or how to prevent them. One of the biggest and most obvious signs is the appearance of bites. It’s also common for there to be a bit of blood on your sheets if you’ve been attacked by bed bugs. What few people realize is that infestations occur because they actually brought them into their home. They’re usually brought in through clothing, and many times luggage. This is because the source of the bugs is usually an infested hotel room. A couple of other very common signs of a serious infestation include intense odors and dark spots on the mattress. These are good signs to look for when moving furniture into your home.
The good news is that there are a few ways of preventing infestations. When visiting a hotel room, make sure you conduct a good search of the room you’re staying in. It’s also wise to check for any history or talk of outbreaks in the hotel or surrounding area. Should you wake up with the appearance or bites or blood on your sheets, inform the hotel immediately. Then you’ll need to thoroughly clean all of your clothing, and anything else that could carry any bed bugs or their eggs into your home. It’s recommended to do so by either washing them in hot water and using heat to dry them, or placing them directly into a freezer. It’s also a good idea to use large trash bags for your belongings upon leaving.
The best way to avoid a bed bug infestation is through the consistent practice of good sanitation. It also helps to place insecticide products around potential infestation areas. Most importantly, should you discover signs of an outbreak, call a professional pest control service to handle the bed bugs for you. Bed bugs are very difficult to remove and after all, companies like Rentokil exist for a reason.
