It is commonly thought that bed bugs are caused by an unsanitary living environment because bed bug infestations were once associated with low-income places where people lived in cramped and cluttered spaces. However, modern bed bugs are common in all types of living environments. Unfortunately, bed bugs have steadily been on the rise for the past decade in the Texas area and across the United States.
Most often, bed bugs spread through hotels and inns during travel. However, bed bugs are almost just as commonly spread through using second-hand mattresses and upholstery. Bed bugs are commonly found in hotels, ins, apartments, hospitals, nursing homes, and other shared facilities. Bed bugs are also elusive travelers. They can easily hide in luggage, bags, electronics, or even on clothes.
There are several things you can do while traveling to prevent spreading bed bugs to your home. First, before booking a room check to see if your hotel is listed on any online bed bug registries. Before you unpack, it is a good measure to check the bedsheets and under the sheets on mattress corners for signs of bugs. When you return home, wash everything in your suitcase in hot water. You can even vacuum items that can't be washed. Although tedious, preventing bed bugs is much easier than dealing with an infestation later.
Bed bug infestations can happen anywhere humans rest or sleep. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide exhaled by humans as they sleep and hide in the daytime. Usually, they burrow into mattress creases around the piping or blanket folds around the mattress. At night, these nocturnal creatures come out when their victims are asleep. Because bed bug bites do not cause any immediate pain, victims rarely wake up to the feeling of being bitten. Red, swollen bites are often found near a person’s head and neck but can be found anywhere.
If bed bugs have taken up residence in your Travis County or Harris County home, it is time to call in a professional. Bed bugs are nearly impossible to eradicate without professional help. Catching bed bugs before they severely infest a building is the safest thing to do for you and your loved ones. Pest Management, Inc. is knowledgeable in bed bug control and ready to help. Time is of the essence – contact your local bed bug control experts today.