Being plagued by bed bugs causes emotional and physical distress. Bed bugs are a nightmare to eradicate, not just because of their persistence but also the costs involved.
Seeking professional help from #1 Pest Extermination & Bed Bug Treatments in Toronto, ON, is important because they will inspect your property and recommend preventative methods to solve the problem. Read to learn the prime causes of bed bug infestation.
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Traveling to Places with a Bedbug Infestation
Even if you are traveling to a place without evidence of bedbugs, it does not mean the place is free from them. Bed bugs hide in small places like clothing, bedding, and luggage. They can crawl into your bag or suitcase when you travel and then come out once you reach your destination.
Most hotels, hostels, and motels have unoccupied rooms at night, making them an ideal habitat for bed bugs who like spending time in dark areas. They also tend not to be cleaned thoroughly because the cleaning staff might not notice signs of an infestation until it has become too big.
Used Furniture
Used furniture can be a source of bed bugs. Bed bugs are found in the cracks, crevices, and seams of old furniture. When you purchase used furniture that may have been previously infested with bed bugs, you risk bringing them into your home.
If you’re buying used furniture from a thrift store or other second-hand store, inspect it for signs of bed bug infestation before taking it home. Flip over cushions and look for fecal matter on the upholstery fabric. If there’s fecal matter present, there may be bed bugs hiding underneath cushions or somewhere else where they gathered after feeding.
Via Schools and Daycare
Schools and daycare facilities are prime places for bed bugs to be. The environment at these places is conducive to spreading bed bugs, who like to hide in the crevices of furniture (like chairs) and can travel easily via clothing, bags, etc.
Public Transit
You expose yourself to bed bugs when you take public transportation, like a bus or train. These insects can easily be transported from place to place on your clothes and luggage.
Bed bugs survive for 20-400 days without feeding, so they can travel long distances in travelers’ luggage. Once they arrive at their new location, they will seek a host and feed on them.
If you ride the bus or train often, you must inspect your personal belongings after each trip. Contact a professional immediately if you find any signs of bed bugs, such as blood spots or shed skin (looks like little clear plastic).
Birds and Bats
Bed bugs are not just a problem for people. They also infest birds and bats, which can lead to an infestation of the home. Birds and bats carry bed bugs because they travel between homes.
Bats, in particular, carry bed bugs because they roost in places such as attics, under roofs, or in the crevices of buildings. Bats can also transfer these pests if they contact other animals or humans at feeding sites.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs Infestation
Bed bugs are a common problem in homes and apartments. They can be difficult to eliminate, especially if you don’t know how to go about it.
Here are some ways to prevent bed bug infestations:
- Ensure that your house is clean and clutter-free. It will make it harder for the bugs to find places to hide.
- Don’t bring used furniture into your home unless you’re sure it’s clean. If it’s old or damaged, don’t buy it!
- Keep pets out of bedrooms and other areas where you sleep or sit down during the day (beds, couches). It helps keep bed bugs away from places where pets might find them.
- Check for bed bugs when you travel, especially if you are staying at a hotel or other type of facility that is not your home. Bed bugs can be found on mattresses, chairs, headboards, box springs, nightstands, and other furniture in your sleep room. They also can hide behind wall hangings and inside electrical outlets.
- Keep luggage off the floor to avoid bed bugs crawling into your bag from under the bed, and never put your luggage on the bed while sleeping.
If you suspect you have bed bugs, call a professional immediately.
One in every five homes suffers from bed bug infestations. Bed bugs can be quite a nuisance, but to prevent them from becoming a problem in your home, you need to understand the causes and factors that lead to these infestations.
