Bed bugs are a nightmare for Cleveland home and business owners alike. Not only do they quickly spread from person to person and home to home, but they are hard to get rid of once they've infested a property. In this article, we'll be answering the most common bed bug questions, so you can learn how to prevent, identify, and get rid of an infestation.
What Causes Bed Bugs?
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs don't like dirty homes more than clean ones. They get onto properties in many different ways, none of which have to do with a lack of sanitation.
Bed bugs get around by crawling through walls of apartments or office units.
They can get into your suitcase when you travel.
They can cling to your clothes or other upholstered materials.
Secondhand furniture and appliances could already have bed bugs in them when you bring them into your home.
However, it’s important to remember that there are a million different reasons your home might have attracted bed bugs. Bed bugs like clean homes, dirty homes, and everything in-between. It’s not what’s inside your home that matters but rather the preventative measures you’ve taken.
Where Are Bed Bugs Found?
While they can be brought inside a home in a variety of ways (on clothing, in bags, inside briefcases, etc.), bed bugs mostly prefer lounging areas in the home of their hosts. Some common areas you may find bed bugs include:
Inside mattresses and around sleeping areas like headboards and floorboards
In couches and other upholstered furniture
In the folds of curtains.
In light covers and other appliances
Under loose wallpaper or behind wall hangings
Around door frames, or where the wall and ceiling meet
In stored items under the bed
If you’re worried about bed bugs inside your home, conduct a thorough sweep of these areas. What you find may give you a better idea of exactly how deep your bed bug infestation goes.
Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?
Besides being an incredible nuisance, bed bugs aren't overtly dangerous. They aren't known to transmit diseases to humans, and the most they are capable of is causing an itchy rash or swollen bite. These rashes, if scratched excessively, can lead to a skin infection.
What Home Remedies Can Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?
You cannot deal with bed bugs easily, but you may have a chance to deal with them yourself if you catch them quickly. For do-it-yourself remedies, try these methods.
Remove clutter, especially from around resting areas. Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of the bag in the dumpster.
Wash and dry your clothes, stuffed animals, and removable chair covers in the hottest setting possible.
If you cannot wash an item, put it in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
Steam clean your mattress, furniture, and carpets on the highest temperature setting.
Pour Borax over your mattresses and other furniture. Leave it for 24 hours before vacuuming it up and disposing of the bag.
Spray undiluted tea tree oil on your mattress and furniture to repel them from your resting areas. Other natural scents and teas can produce the same effect.
There are many other suggested methods out there, but many of them require using flammable, poisonous, or cancerous materials. While these safer methods may solve your problem, keep in mind that bed bugs are notoriously hard to kill, and they may be hiding in places that these solutions can't reach. The very best way to deal with these pests is with professional pest control.
Avenger Pest Control Can Prevent and Exterminate Bed Bugs
For your home or business, there's no better prevention method than enlisting the help of Avenger Pest Control. Our thorough inspection, prevention, and extermination methods will not only provide a solution for your stress and discomfort, but they will help keep your property pest-free for months and years to come. Call Avenger Pest Control or visit us online today for a free estimate.