Bed bugs are tiny parasitical hitchhikers that will find their way into your Modesto home with the greatest sense of ease. These pests latch onto things like suitcases, clothes, and furniture, and make themselves at home without paying rent. And while they measure approximately ¼ of an inch, the chaos and discomfort that they wreak are enormous. Don’t be fooled by their name, bed bugs do not live in the bedroom exclusively. An infestation can occur anywhere that humans congregate and spend time. This might include public transportation, hotel rooms, movie theaters, laundromats, and libraries. Essentially, bed bugs could be anywhere.
Preventing Bed Bugs
Preventing Bed Bugs can be tricky. It takes a lot of diligence from Modesto homeowners, and while hard, it is feasible. A few tips to keep bed bugs out of the home are:
- Bed bugs look for dirty nooks and crannies to hide in and fester. By keeping a clean and sanitary home, homeowners take away many of their favorite spots.
- Before bringing any secondhand furniture, mattresses, beds, and/or couches into the home check them meticulously. As previously mentioned, bed bugs are parasitical hitchhikers and tend to get their free ride through items like these. By inspecting them thoroughly before bringing them into the home, you cut out their most reliant vehicle.
- Try vacuuming frequently to rid your home of any insects that may have gotten into your home through any vulnerable openings.
- Always use protective mattress and box spring covers to not only create a barrier between you and any potential pests but to also eliminate any hiding spots for bed bugs. Try using a cover that is light in color, which will make any bed bugs easier to spot.
Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself dealing with a bed bug problem. Even the cleanest of homes are susceptible to a bed bug infestation. If you find yourself struggling with bed bugs, don’t take on this overwhelming task alone. It will only leave you frustrated. Instead, reach out to a professional for help.
Health Concerns Of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs do not pose any dangerous health concerns, but their bites do leave victims uncomfortable. Bed bug welts are often large, red, and extremely uncomfortable. While the bite attacks themselves are not painful, this is essentially an allergic reaction to the bed bug’s saliva. These bites are commonly treated with over-the-counter topical treatments and do not require professional treatment. That said, sometimes a secondary infection can occur from a bite, like an impetigo or ecthyma, which should be looked at by a medical professional.
Furthermore, a bed bug problem can cause a great deal of stress. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that people who are exposed to bed bugs may suffer from insomnia, anemia, anxiety, and systemic reactions from people who live in infested homes.
How To Treat A Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs can be hard to get rid of not only because an infestation can be hard to spot but because of the rate at which they grow. Here are a few tips to treat your Modesto home of a bed bug infestation:
- Clean all of your fabrics thoroughly. Since heat is an effective killer of bed bugs, washing all of your belongings in hot water followed by running them through the dryer at the highest heat level possible is key. Nothing should be spared either. Consider washing towels, sheets, stuffed animals, clothing, and even sneakers.
- Fill in any cracks in walls, as this is a common hiding spot for bed bugs.
- Bed bugs live in places beyond the bedroom but are commonly found in mattresses, so deep clean any mattresses that have been exposed to bed bugs.
If you suspect that you have bed bugs in your Modesto home, contact Peace Of Mind Pest Control immediately for a plan of action. Our experts at Peace Of Mind Pest Control will inspect your home and come up with a plan that eliminates every single bed bug. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you with all of your pest control needs.
