Throughout history, humans served as a food supply for bed bugs. Bed Bugs have evolved to feed on humans without transmitting any diseases, since making us sick wouldn’t be in their best interest. At the same time, there are still health risks associated with the pests — health risks that range from mild to severe.
These night crawlers cause problems like sleep deprivation. Also, getting rid of these buggers is pretty arduous once they’ve nested in your home, but overall, these pests are considered inconveniences. The problem is that seemingly minor issues, like a bed bug infestation, can lead to more severe matters. Lack of sleep affects alertness, harming your ability to drive or perform your job safely. Children begin to suffer in school, and pets may find themselves bitten and itchy as well.
Preventing a Bed Bug Infestation
Bites are the first sign of a bed bug infestation. These often appear as red welts on the skin and look similar to mosquito bites. They last for two weeks and cause immense itchiness.
Scratching bites damages your skin and allows for potentially dangerous organisms to infect you. While you should try to control your scratching, you should see your doctor immediately if you show signs of infection. To avoid an infestation, consider the following:
- Check your sleeping area – Overnight stays present opportunities for bed bugs to relocate. When you check into any hotel, the first thing you should do before bringing in your luggage is check for bed bugs. Inspect the bed frame, wall behind the bed, the carpet, and any chairs or sofas in the room. Bed bugs can hide anywhere.
- Inspect anything that enters your home – Appliances, clothing, and even stuffed animals can contain these bloodsuckers. Even if it’s a gift, or from a seemingly clean store, it only takes one traveler to infest your home.
- Check your bed – Each time you change the bedding, look for signs of bed bugs. These pests can easily go undetected for months, so it is essential to stay vigilant.
- Leave your suitcase – Keep it in the garage or anywhere else outside of places where you reside (especially your bed) after returning from an overnight trip. Just in case you picked something up in the airport, cab, or bus, you don’t want it to find shelter under your pillow immediately.
- Wash travel clothes immediately – Particular items that can’t go in the washing machine should be put in the dryer for 30 minutes on the highest heat setting to kill all bed bugs and their eggs.
If Infested, Exterminate Immediately
While they don’t transmit diseases, knowing that bed bugs are feeding on you as you sleep isn’t a pleasant thought. While they may not kill you, it’s still a good idea to get help from a pest control specialist. Contact us by calling My Private Exterminator Inc at (347) 365-2159 today for a home inspection. We will help develop a plan to get rid of your nighttime pests so that you can sleep easy.
