Bed bugs are one of the worst pests that can enter your home. They reproduce quickly, are small enough to hide in hard to reach places, and are a menace for anyone trying to get a good night’s sleep. They’re a true menace for homeowners in East Stroudsburg, PA.
If you’re wondering, “How can I prevent bed bugs?” or if you think you have bed bugs in your home, it’s best to contact a professional exterminator right away. If you want to prevent bed bugs from getting into your home, you’ve come to the right place! Read this guide to bed bug infestations to learn about how to spot bed bug infestations and what you can do on your own to prevent one from happening.
What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are tiny, parasitic pests that infest home and businesses across East Stroudsburg. Adult bed bugs can be around ¼ of an inch while their young (nymphs) can be smaller, around 1.5mm to 4-5mm. They have flat, round bodies varying from shades of brown to red, depending on the last time they fed. Nymphs are often colorless before they become adults.
How did bed bugs get into my house?
The reason bed bugs are so successful at increasing their population is that they are travelers. They are commonly picked up, without the victim realizing it, and carried from one location to another. They can hide in furniture that you purchase, cling onto your luggage at the airport, latch onto your suitcase at the hotel, or get into your bag while you’re at a movie theater.
How do I know if I have a bed bug infestation?
You might have a bed bug infestation if you see eggs, molt skins, and fecal matter. Check your mattress seams and other dark spaces near furniture for this evidence. If you have black spots on your mattress, bedding, or even have bites on your skin, there’s a good chance you have bed bugs. Keep in mind that they are difficult to spot with the naked eye, so setting up a professional bed bug inspection is always your best course of action.
How can I prevent bed bugs from getting into my home?
Like most pest problems, bed bug prevention is easier than dealing with an infestation. Are you wondering, “How can I prevent bed bugs?” A common practice is to heed caution at places where people are frequently traveling since bed bugs are often transferred onto luggage.
One way you can do this is by elevating your luggage using a metal rack or keeping them in the bathtub away from hotel fabrics and furniture.
When you get home from your travels, dry all of your fabrics on a high heat setting (120 degrees or warmer) for at least 20 minutes. This will ensure that if a bed bug does follow you home, it will be dead before it gets a chance to lay any eggs. Sadly, this sort of prevention cannot effectively safeguard you against bed bugs indefinitely.
While it’s tempting to treat or prevent bed bugs with natural DIY solutions they are time-consuming, stressful, and will temporarily mask the issue at best. Just as you should never pick up discarded furniture from the curb, don’t throw out any infested materials. This will only increase the spread into another room or piece of furniture within your home.
Some other ways to protect certain areas of your home is to cover your mattress with a protective cover, remove clutter from your home, and vacuum frequently, especially if you’ve been traveling. Keep in mind that the best and most effective prevention is to call experts who specialize in bed bug infestations.
How can Seitz Bros. get rid of the bed bugs in my house?
Here at Seitz Bros., we offer quality consultations to access the level of infestation in your home. We also provide the best bed bug extermination services in East Stroudsburg, PA. Call us or fill out the contact form on this page to schedule a bed bug inspection at your home or commercial property.
