When the Covid pandemic struck, most of us ceased travel and stayed close to home. But now that many have begun to travel again, we might see an increase in bed bug activity. That’s because bed bugs don’t typically walk up to our front doors and knock! They stow away in our luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings, and then return home with us. Here’s how you can prevent these unwelcome intruders, and what to do if you suspect a bed bug infestation.
Prevention of bed bugs. As with most problems in life, prevention is your first defence against bed bugs. Inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bug activity, and once again inspect luggage when you return home from a trip. Wash your clothes immediately upon returning home, and clean your luggage before storing it. Thoroughly clean any used furniture purchases before bringing them home.
Spot the signs of bed bug infestation. In the unfortunate event that bed bugs do successfully infiltrate your home, spotting the signs early can hopefully help you to catch the problem before it gets out of control. If you wake up with itchy bites, especially if they tend to occur in a line, you should suspect bed bugs. Other signs include:
- A musty odor that is not explained by something else
- Rusty spots (from bed bug excrement) on sheets, mattresses, pillowcases, and walls
- Bed bug eggs or shed skins
A professional pest control technician can also demonstrate the presence of bed bugs by examining the usual hiding places.
If you do discover evidence of bed bugs… Call us for professional pest control services right away. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate, and it’s better to get the job done right the first time. Because insecticides can be dangerous to humans, professional guidance is needed before attempting to address a bed bug problem in places where you will experience prolonged exposure (such as a bedroom). We will advise you of the steps you need to take, and help you eradicate bed bugs in the safest way possible.