Nobody ever wants to deal with the horror of bed bugs. Before you even know what’s happening, these small insects have made your house into an uncomfortable sleepless zone.
Bed insect infestations can spread faster than you would believe. Once they settle into your abode, getting rid of them is never an easy job.
If you’ve been struggling with these creatures, however, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you exactly what to do.
Hotels and Motels
We all love to travel to new places. However, uninvited bed bugs can easily ruin your trip.
The high passenger turnover in hotel rooms creates the best environment for these small creatures. Luggage, clothes, or even the seams of fabric chairs or headboards can all let bed bugs travel with you.
The problem is that a clean area doesn’t always indicate the absence of bed bugs. That’s why you need to properly examine your hotel room as soon as you check in.
Look for indications of bugs, like tiny rust-coloured spots or their very presence in the mattress seams. If you notice them, ask them to switch rooms immediately. After all, prevention is better than bringing them with you when you get home.
Public Transport
This is another common area for bed bugs. Trains, buses, and even taxis can all house these. They can readily hitch a ride on bags, clothes, or seats and enter your house.
Though it’s more prevalent than most people think, the idea of bed bugs crawling around a bus seat or hiding in a taxi could cause your skin to crawl.
Steer clear of laying bags or coats right on the floor to lower your risk of dragging them inside your car. If you suspect their presence, wash your belongings right away.
Used Furniture
Finding that ideal second-hand chair or closet can seem like winning the lottery. After all, we all enjoy a great bargain.
However, that poses a huge risk as this is one of the most common causes of bed bug infestations. They are experts at hiding in the nooks, seams, and cracks of furniture. That beautiful antique bed frame you just bought? It’s possible they are lurking inside it.
Therefore, you should carefully check any second-hand furniture you intend to put into your house, particularly upholstered objects like sofas or mattresses.
If you find any evidence of their presence, you would be better off without that item.
Additionally, if you recently made a purchase that you believe is infested, act right away. Effective bed bug treatment can stop them from proliferating around your house and turning a minor annoyance into a major headache.
Movie Theatres
Little do you know, there’s a possibility that bed bugs are enjoying the show, too!
You don’t exactly think of bed bugs as you relax in a luxurious movie seat, ready to see the newest hit. It’s possible you’ve observed unusual bites following a movie night but didn’t really think much of it. However, the truth is they can flourish in the dark of the movie salons and the fabric-covered chairs.
In turn, given that hundreds of people come in and out of the theatre daily, they can easily proliferate there and end up in your baggage or clothes.
So, before comfortably enjoying your movie, carefully examine the chairs.
Offices
Most people assume that these creatures only live in homes and bedrooms. However, offices with plenty of foot traffic or shared areas like lounges and conference rooms can become a hotspot for bed bugs.
Imagine working nine to five, only to take home an infestation. Not good, right? Therefore, you should talk with your company if you believe an infestation is imminent. During that process, take care not to let your things lie on the floor.
Schools and Daycares
Daycares and schools can be a great environment for bed bugs. Through backpacks, coats, and other personal items, they can enter classrooms and then proliferate like wildfire.
If you have kids, routinely go over their bags and possessions for any signs of an infestation. The earlier the treatment, the better.
If you believe bed bugs exist in the classroom, don’t hesitate to notify school officials. It’s better to handle the problem before it affects other children’s homes.
Apartment Buildings
Living in an apartment block offers shared facilities, community, and convenience. However, these common areas could potentially be a bed insect highway from one flat to another.
They can pass through walls, outlets, and even common laundry facilities. Therefore, even if your house is spotless and clear of bed bugs, the infestation of your neighbour can easily and eventually become your concern as well.
If you become aware of this problem, inform your landlord or property management right away. They will have to treat the entire building to prevent any additional spread.
Bed Bug Treatment
What then happens if, in spite of all your best efforts, you find yourself with an invasion?
Though it is not the end of the world, forceful action is necessary. Start by fully washing and drying all bedding, clothes, and other materials. Heat is among the most successful treatments since bed bugs and their eggs cannot tolerate high temperatures, so using hot water is advised.
Although do-it-yourself techniques can be beneficial, experts will guarantee that the infestation is totally removed, thus providing you with peace of mind.
Pest control services such as deep cleaning, heat treatment, and insecticides are usually the most efficient solution. Experts have the tools and knowledge to perform bed bug treatment in your house.
Conclusion
Bed bugs can come into your abode from some of the most unusual locations. Knowing where these critters usually hide will help you avoid them.
However, if they find their way into your house anyway, there is no need to panic.
Quick response and appropriate bed bug treatment will help you recover your territory from these unwelcome visitors. Stay alert, be proactive, and, if needed, bring in the specialists to help you permanently eliminate them.