There are many insects that can get into our Alabama homes. One of the most mysterious is the insect known as the bed bug. Why? Because bed bugs don't get into Alabama homes like most other pests. They don't live in your yard and come in through your exterior walls. And they don't fly in through open windows. They're carried in. The more you know about how bed bugs are carried in, the more you'll be able to keep them from doing so.
How You May Pick Bed Bugs Up
Everytime you or someone else in your home goes out to another man-made structure, you have the potential for picking bed bugs up. This is because bed bugs live almost exclusively with humans. They live in homes, businesses, government buildings, vehicles, and more.
- When you spend the night anywhere, you have a higher chance of picking up bed bugs because these insects usually come out at night when carbon dioxide levels rise. You can get them staying in hotel accommodations, or at the home of a friend or family member. Keep in mind that bed bugs can be found in the cleanest of places. They aren't attracted to bacteria or filth.
- When you go somewhere that is dark. Bed bugs don't just come out at night. They come out when they can be concealed by darkness. You should be aware that you can get them when you go to the movie theater, or when you sit in a dark room at work. Any structure you visit that has areas that are dark can present a threat for exposure to bed bugs.
- When you bring a bag somewhere. Every time your kids go to school, they are at risk for picking up bed bugs. This is because bed bugs get into bags. They are drawn too tight spaces, gaps, cracks, dark pockets, and other hiding places.
- When your kid puts a bag down next to the bag of another student, bed bugs can move between items. Keep in mind that this can happen when you put your work bag next to the work bag of a colleague. Close contact of bags allows bed bugs to spread.
- When you take a ride in a taxi, bus, train, plane or some other form of public transport, you can pick bed bugs up. Bed bugs don't just live in beds. They can live in an upholstered seat and feed on people while they are awake.
How To Deter Bed Bugs
There are some conditions that can increase your chances of getting bed bugs. Consider the following tips to prevent bed bugs from coming home with you or with someone else in your home.
- Bed bugs are drawn to laundry items. If you stay overnight somewhere, be sure to put laundry items in a sealed plastic bag, like a garbage bag sealed by a bread tie.
- When you stay anywhere, do a quick check for signs of bed bug activity, such as black stains, dried blood stains, insect skins, tiny white eggs, or the presence of bed bugs in tight spaces, cracks, and crevices.
- Always be on the lookout for bed bugs and signs of bed bugs anywhere you go.
- Refrain from putting your bags near the bags of others. This applies to other items that bed bugs can hide inside such as electronics, clothing, and even hardback books.
- Heat kills bed bugs in all stages of development. If an item can be put in a dryer for 30 minutes, you can run it through a cycle to kill the bugs hiding inside.
What To Do When You Find Bed Bugs
When bed bugs appear in your home, it is time to call a licensed pest professional. These insects can be very difficult to get rid of. If you live in our Alabama service area, reach out to Havard Pest Control. We have a track record for effectively ridding homes of bed bugs. We can help you get those bugs the first time and shorten your misery.