Bed Bugs can be difficult to control due to their ability to reproduce quickly, hide easily, and spread rapidly. They can enter a home through luggage, furniture, clothing, and other items that have been in contact with an infested area.
These little pests can also hitch a ride on people, animals, and other carriers.
Since they are so small and difficult to spot, the primary symptom of an infestation is the presence of bed bug bites on the skin.
They typically feed on humans when they are asleep, so it is essential to know what causes them so you can prevent them from entering your home.
Let’s look at some of the symptoms, prevention tips, and common reasons that you should be aware of.
Symptoms of Bites
Symptoms of bites can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Red and itchy welts, which may look like mosquito or flea bites
- Swelling around the bites
- Painful and itchy rashes
- Discoloration of the skin
- Blisters and hives
If you suspect you have bites, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
5 Common Causes
1. Traveling
They are excellent hitchhikers and can easily travel from one place to another by ‘hitching a ride’ in suitcases, backpacks, and other items.
A notable increase in travel can cause them to spread to different areas and infest multiple homes.
Nearly two-thirds of exterminators say summer is their busiest period for calls, maybe because they are more likely to be brought home by travelers returning from hotels where college students have spent their summers.
These bugs have been reported in 91% of single-family houses, 89% of multi-family dwellings, and 68% of hotel rooms and motels, according to specialists in the pest control industry.
More and more people are taking preventative measures as a result of the growing, rising attention to the emergence.
For example, 27% of Americans have examined or washed clothing after returning home from a trip; 25% have reviewed a hotel accommodation for them; 17% have investigated or hoovered the luggage after arriving back; and 12% have changed or decided to cancel travel plans due to fear of these bugs.
2. Used Furniture
Used furniture is another common cause of infestations. Buying secondhand furniture from thrift stores, flea markets, or online can bring these bugs into your home.
A poll found that 16% of people always or often examine the condition of used furniture before taking it into their residences, 15% always or often examine the changing rooms while testing on stuff, and 29% always or almost always wash new items as soon as they get it home from the shop.
It is essential to scrutinize any secondhand furniture before bringing it into your home.
Use a spotlight to inspect the used furniture’s crevices, seams, and other potential hiding places while purchasing.
It is also important to keep in mind that these insects can spread from one piece of furniture to another, so if you have recently purchased a used bed or couch, it’s best to keep it in an isolated area of your home until you are sure it is clear of any bugs.
3. Wild Animals
Wild animals can also bring insects into your home. For example, mice, raccoons, and bats can host bugs that spread to their environment or humans.
In addition, cleaning up any food sources that could attract wild animals near your home, such as pet food or open garbage cans, is crucial.
4. Poor Sanitation
Poor sanitation or overcrowded living conditions can also lead to infestations. According to NPMA’s 2011 in America Survey, 37% of respondents agreed that dirty environments are more likely to attract them.
In general, clutter provides hiding places for them, making it difficult to get rid of them. This helps them to spread quickly if not contained and eliminated effectively.
5. Resistance to Insecticides
Another factor contributing to the resurgence of infestations is their resistance to insecticides. Over time, they have adapted to certain insecticides, making them immune to the effects.
Pesticides such as dichlorvos, pyrethroids, and synthetic pyrethroids are frequently used to manage problems, but they can no longer be relied upon to eliminate them entirely.
This means that more powerful pesticides must be used to get rid of them, and even these may not be successful. That is why it is essential to consult a pest control expert if you suspect them in your home.
In order to effectively get rid of them, you should use integrated pest management (IPM) methods, which combine the use of different methods such as vacuuming, heat treatment, and insecticides to eliminate them.
Tips to Prevent Them
Here are some of the most important tips to prevent bugs:
- Wearing long, loose pants might help protect you from their bites.
- Shift through all pre-owned things. Be cautious about bringing secondhand mattresses, sofas, and other upholstered items into your house without thoroughly inspecting them.
- Take safety measures at the hotel. Luggage should be kept off of the floor and checked for bedbug feces along the creases of the mattress.
How to Get Rid of Them
The best home remedies to get rid of them are:
- Vacuum up any bugs you find
- Clean your sheets, blankets, and clothing in hot water
- Invest in a mattress encasement to trap them
- Use an insecticide or use a heat treatment to eliminate the infestation
- Practice regular sanitation and cleanliness in your home
- Consult a professional pest control expert if the problem persists
Following these measures can help to get rid of these annoying insects and prevent them from returning. However, remember that infestations can be challenging to eliminate and require a multi-faceted approach.