How to prevent a Bed Bug Infestation
Summer is prime travel and vacation time for thousands. It is also a peak time in which pest control
professionals receive calls from customers who are experiencing bed bug infestations. Although these infestations can be encountered year-round, peak travel seasons often result in a rise in occurrences.
Bed bug infestations range from mild to severe and should not be taken lightly. Although bed bugs are not known for carrying diseases or pathogens at this time, they frequently cause anxiety and lack of sleep in those battling an infestation.
Prevention is extremely important when it comes to bed bugs. They are excellent hitch hikers and a single female transported into your home is capable of producing an infestation. Before you set out on your travels, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself and your belongings safe from bed bugs.
4 ways you can help prevent bed bug infestation:
- Be knowledgeable! Educate yourself and those travelling with you on the signs of a bed bug infestation. This includes not only the insects themselves, you should be aware of fecal staining, cast skins and eggs too.
- Be aware! Nearly all methods of transportation and sleeping accommodations are potential risks for bed bug encounters. Inspecting your accommodations and belongings throughout your vacation may prevent an infestation from following you home. Thoroughly inspect your accommodations prior to bringing belongings inside. Removing bed sheets to inspect mattresses for evidence of bed bug activity is a must. Bed bugs are crack and crevice type creatures, they like confined spaces such as the seams of a mattress in which to hide, breed and digest their blood meals. If you encounter activity, notify management immediately and DO NOT stay in the room. The same is true if you are bitten during your stay.
- Take precautions! Keep suitcases and bags off of beds and dressers. Store them on elevated shelves aware from beds and dressers when possible. Placing your belongings in a bathroom or elevated luggage racks will decrease access to your belongings by bed bugs searching for a place to hide. Be sure to thoroughly inspect your personal belongings as well. If you find evidence of bed bugs in your belongings, immediately launder all clothing if possible and thoroughly clean luggage. This should also be done immediately upon returning home regardless of whether you believe you may have encountered bed bugs on your travels or not.
- Be vigilant! Bed bug infestations can take up to 30 days to result in evidence of activity depending on how the infestation is introduced. Keep this in mind both during and after your travels. If you suspect you may have an infestation, contact a pest control professional for assistance and treatment promptly.
Dealing with a bed bug infestation in Colorado Springs? Call and schedule your appointment with Mug-A-Bug today!