One pest that is the bane of all property owners is the bed bug. Bed bugs are small, flat, and round. They look eerily similar to an apple seed. However, they're better known for their desire to drink the blood of everyone in your Jackson home.
In addition to their feeding habits, the real problem with bed bugs is how they get around. Bed bugs don't crawl into the house as other pests do. Instead, they hitchhike by clinging to clothing, luggage, or even your car seat. As such, it's understandable that people are naturally concerned about whether they're dangerous or not.
How Dangerous Are They?
Since they feed on our blood, it's natural to assume they're dangerous to humans. Fortunately, they are not a direct threat to humans since they don't transmit disease. However, that doesn't mean they aren't dangerous. Some of the concerns associated with bed bugs include:
- Allergic reactions: Some people suffer allergic reactions to bed bug bites. In some cases, this presents itself as a more extreme itch. However, some people can experience anaphylactic shock, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Infections: Due to the extreme itch with these bites, scratching is pretty much unavoidable. As such, the bites can open up leading to infection if not treated soon enough. People can suffer impetigo, ecthyma, and lymphangitis among other infections.
- Mental strain: It's stressful having bed bugs in your bed or other furniture. That's why some people develop insomnia or anxiety with a bed bug infestation.
Considering the lingering issues that can affect people with a bed bug infestation, it's always best to seek a prompt response from professionals trained in bed bug control. Don't try to control the problem on your own since their small size and exponential reproductive rates ensure you'll never get ahead that way. Additionally, bed bugs are extremely tough due to building up immunities to most pesticides. While prevention is tricky to accomplish, the following tips can help give you a head start:
- Luggage check: If you have traveled or know someone else who has traveled recently, then the first thing to do is check the luggage to ensure there aren't any hitchhikers. You should do this well before that suitcase has a chance to make it inside the house.
- Wash everything: The one true weakness this pest has is extreme heat. As such, you can get ahead by washing your clothes, bedding, and other items regularly with hot water from the washing machine followed by high heat in the dryer.
- Immediate response: Bed bugs aren't a pest that deserves a "wait and see" approach. Every second counts so the second you suspect an infestation is the second it's time to get a professional consultation. Even if it's not bed bugs, an inspection is worth it for your peace of mind.
Get Rid Of The Bed Bugs With Havard Pest Control
Bed bug infestations have only grown in reported cases over the last 40 years. Some of this is the overall reduction in the use of pesticides, but increased domestic and foreign travel is the real culprit. Regardless of the cause, the fact remains that a lack of bed bugs in the home is the desired goal for everyone.
That's why our team at Havard Pest Control is ready to work with you to ensure your bed bug infestation is stopped in its tracks. You deserve the peace of mind, which is why we also take the time to place measures to ensure you continue to remain pest-free long after initial treatment.
Do you think you have a bed bug infestation? Give us a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional bed bug control options or fill out our online form to schedule your free inspection.