When you're enjoying a vacation with your family, the last thing you want to have to think about is bringing bed bugs home with you. However, knowing how to avoid these pests can save you from the frustrations and anxiety that come with an infestation. Once bed bugs have made their way into your house, it can be extremely difficult to get rid of them on your own. Fortunately, through preventative measures and professional bed bug control services in Columbus, you can keep these invaders away. Read on to learn more about how to protect yourself from bed bugs.
Four Simple Things You Can Do To Avoid Bed Bugs While Traveling
Bed bugs are known for being expert travelers. These pesky insects hitch rides on unsuspecting passengers who then bring them into their homes. It's important to be aware of the different places bed bugs hide so you can take precautions. One of the most common places bed bugs tend to hide is in hotel rooms. Upon arrival to your room, perform a full inspection of the bed, sheets, and mattress. Also, check the curtains and any furniture in the room. Avoid placing your luggage on the floor and use shelves or a stand instead.
In addition to the above-mentioned hotel room tips, follow these four helpful tips to prevent these unwanted guests from coming home with you:
Consider bringing large plastic bags with you to wrap luggage in when traveling. Store clothing and other items where bed bugs could hide in separate Ziploc bags for greater protection.
Vacuum your luggage thoroughly when returning from your trip. Consider going over your empty bags with a steamer, as the heat will kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Wash all clothing as soon as you get home from traveling. Make sure the washer is set to the highest temperature.
Be mindful when traveling on public transportation. Inspect your seat before sitting down and check any bags you're carrying when you arrive at your destination.
In the event you brought bed bugs home with you, call an exterminator with bed bug control experience right away.
Warning Signs That You Have Brought Bed Bugs Home
Once bed bugs have infested a home, they make their way into every corner of the house and tend to stay out of sight. One of the most telltale signs of a bed bug infestation is noticing bite marks on your body. These disgusting pests feed on humans while they're sleeping. The bites don't hurt as they're occurring, but they leave behind tiny, itchy, red bumps. These bites are usually found in groups and in a linear formation.
Aside from bed bug bites, here are several other signs you might be dealing with an infestation:
Blood spots on sheets and bedding
Dark stains from bed bug fecal matter on bedding, linens, mattresses, and box springs
Shed bed bug body parts or molted skins
Spotting actual bed bugs crawling around your home
Noticing a foul, musty odor (caused by bed bug scent glands)
Seeing pinhead-sized, pearly white eggs that look like grains of rice
At the first sign of a bed bug infestation, contact a trusted source of bed bug pest control in Columbus, like 1st Response Pest Management.
Why You Should Avoid DIY Bed Bug Control
Some homeowners try to tackle bed bug infestations on their own, only to wind up frustrated that their efforts have failed. Because of their rapid reproductive cycle and ability to remain undetected for long periods of time, bed bug infestations are best left to professional exterminators. These bugs are even known to modify their exoskeletons to become resistant to some pesticides! Instead of wasting precious time and money, contact the experts at 1st Response Pest Management for effective bed bug control near you.
What To Look For When Ordering Professional Bed Bug Control
Don't let bed bugs keep you up at night. 1st Response Pest Management has provided local pest control for bed bugs since 2006. Our technicians are trained in the latest extermination methods to eliminate infestations and keep bed bugs from coming back. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today.