Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to eradicate in the home and can be found nearly all over the world, including the U.S. Infestations, may occur nearly anywhere where people frequent, including hotels, hospitals, and even forms of public transportation.
Due to their small size and flattened bodies, bed bugs can hide in some unusual places, including couches, picture frames, and behind electrical switch plates.
How Do You Get Bed Bugs in Your House?
So, how do you get bed bugs in the first place? Bed bugs are notorious for their hitchhiking abilities. If you’re suddenly experiencing signs of a bed bug infestation in your home for the first time, they likely snuck their way in as a stowaway on a purse, luggage, or clothing.
Secondhand furniture, particularly mattresses, box springs, couches, and chairs, may harbor hungry bed bugs. If you purchase secondhand furniture, be sure to thoroughly inspect the item for any evidence of bed bugs including cast skins, eggs, fecal spotting, or the insects themselves.
Pay close attention to seams or folds in fabric and use a high-powered flashlight to aid in the inspection.
Lodging facilities like hotels and motels are prime sources for bed bugs, so be on high alert when traveling to be sure you don’t take bed bugs home with you as unintentional souvenirs. To avoid any unwanted encounters, always thoroughly inspect your room for any signs of bed bug activity before unpacking.
The joints of the mattress, headboards, sofas, and chairs are typical places to look. While you complete your inspection, leave your luggage in the bathroom or the hallway; do not set your luggage down on any furniture until you have had a chance to check it for bed bugs.
If you do find evidence of an infestation, change establishments immediately to avoid bringing bed bugs into your house. When you return from your trip, inspect your suitcases and wash all the packed clothing in hot water to kill any would-be hitchhikers.
How Do You Get Bed Bugs in Your Bed?
Once bed bugs get into your home, why do they go to your bed? Bed bugs will be attracted to any areas where humans spend a lot of time. Once in the area, they will look for dark hiding spots that are close and convenient to their food source.
Beds make a perfect location to hide since the bed bugs can easily come out to feed at night while we are sleeping. And, if needed, they can quickly retreat to the safety of the bed frame or mattress if disturbed. While bed bug infestations are often associated with beds, they are easily spread throughout the home and be found on other furniture outside of the bedroom.
What to Do if You Get Bed Bugs?
If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, call a pest control professional immediately. Because bed bugs can breed quickly, time is of the essence when combating an infestation.