Growing up I thought that bed bugs were imaginary creatures parents told their to children to scare them. I remember going to bed as a child and my mother telling me “Don't let the bed bugs bite!”
Imagine my surprise when I realized a few days ago, my son and I had a bed bug infestation. Immediately I wanted to know how they could have gotten into the house?
What Are Bed Bug?
Bed bugs are real, to my surprise, for thousands of years. While they are not known to spread diseases to humans, they do feed on their blood and some can be allergic to their bites. While getting rid of bed bugs isn't easy, you can take steps to control them and hopefully avoid bringing them into your home.
Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that look to be reddish-brown and are about one-quarter inch in diameter. This is about the size of a small apple seed.
They are hide to find as they hide during the day on beds, including mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and headboards—they can even hide in the cracks and crevices of walls, floors and furniture.
They come out at night when your are sleeping and while they can't fly or jump, they can crawl rapidly.
How Do Bed Bugs Get into the Home
Bed bugs come from infested areas or used furniture. They hitch a ride in luggage, purses, backpacks or items placed on soft or upholstered surfaces. They can travel between rooms in multi-unit buildings like apartments complexes and hotels.
How to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs into the Home
If you are staying in a hotel, don't place your luggage or bag on the bed, but rather on the luggage rack. It is also good to keep the rack away from walls or furniture. When you do go back home, wash the clothes from your trip in hot water and dry in a hot dryer as heat is what kills them.
How Do to Tell if You Have a Bed Bug Problem
While you might not see actual bed bugs, you may find their shed skins or droppings on mattress seams or other items in your bedroom. Your bed sheets may also have blood stains on them.
How to Control Bed Bug Problems in the Home
Controlling bed bugs can be done using an “Integrated Pest Management” (IPM) method. It combines the lowest risk to a person's health and environment. You can try:
Clean and get rid of clutter, especially in the bedroom.
Move bed away from walls or furniture.
Vacuum molding, windows and floors every day. Vacuum sides and mattress seams, box springs and furniture. Empty the vacuum or bag immediately and dispose outside in sealed container or bag.
Wash your sheets, pillow cases, blankets and bed skirts in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes. Also try using mattress and box spring covers, those used for dust mite control, and duct take over zippers.
Seal cracks and crevices and any other openings where pipes or wires come into your home.
Can You Use Pesticides?
It is not recommended to use pesticides as they may not be as effective and can be dangerous if used improperly. If you do use pesticides, follow these rules:
Use pesticides registered by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (look for U.S. EPA Registration Number on label) and check to see if they are labeled to control bed bugs.
Do not apply pesticides on the body as there are no repellents registered to control bed bugs to be used on the human body.
Do not use pesticides outdoors.
If you hire a pest control company, check their experience with bed bugs. They should follow IPM steps, including pesticide applications. Use a company registered to employ licensed applicators. The Department of Environmental Conservation has a list of these registered companies.
It takes time and patience to rid the home of bed bugs. It may also take the cooperation of landlords, neighbors, etc. It is physically and emotionally exhausting, not to mention expensive when pest control companies are called.
One thing to remember—bed bugs are a more a nuisance than a health concern—but with perseverance, you and avoid or deal with infestations.
Source: https://www.health.ny.gov
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