How bad could a few bed bugs be, right? I mean, they are in an innocent nursery rhyme. Unfortunately, they are a lot worse than many people imagine them to be. In order to prevent an infestation or manage an existing one, take some advice from entomologist Kenneth Haynes of the University of Kentucky.
A Hidden Infestation
It’s possible for a house to have an infestation without any of the homeowners knowing it. Not everyone that gets bitten develops a reaction right away, or at all. Therefore, it can be very difficult to be aware of their existence until a reaction is triggered or until you see them with your own eyes. This is also not an easy feat as they are nocturnal, extremely small, and like to hide in small spaces.
How to Avoid an Infestation
Before staying in a hotel, rented apartment, or at a friend’s house, inspect the room.
Always place your suitcases on luggage racks or on a desk away from the carpeting.
Inspect used furniture before bringing any home (ask the furniture store how they personally deal with bed bugs).
Ask all potential landlords if there has ever been a history of bed bugs in the house or apartment.
After traveling, wash all clothing on medium to high heat if you suspect that their might be bed bugs where you stayed.
Steps After Confirming an Infestation
Once it has been confirmed that you do have a bed bug infestation in your home, do not move any items from the room. Doing so could spread the infestation to other areas of the house. Immediately call a pest control company and have them do an inspection. From here they can handle the treatment and management of the infestation. However, you will need to wash all clothing and linens in the washing machines using the highest temperature setting.
Bed bugs are one of the worst pests you can have infesting your home, so it’s best to manage the infestation early. When your home is infested with bed bugs, contact Knockout Pest Control. To learn more, or to schedule an inspection, give us a call at (800) 244-7378.
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