Bed Bugs: Unmasking The Survival Secrets Of These Biting Invaders

Struggling with bed bugs? Learn what makes them tough to eliminate and get the ultimate guide to banish them from your home.

Coleman Spaulding

Published On:

October 12, 2023

Last Updated:

October 12, 2023

Bed bugs are one of the most frustrating pests to deal with. They can be difficult to detect and even harder to get rid of. If you're dealing with a bed bug infestation in your home, you're probably wondering how to get rid of them for good. In this blog post, we'll explain what makes these pests such stubborn survivors and provide you with the ultimate guide to getting rid of bed bugs in your home.

What Makes Bed Bugs So Difficult to Eliminate?

Bed bug infestations are notoriously difficult to eliminate from a home due to several factors. But what is it that makes them so tough to wipe out?

  • Firstly, bed bugs have an uncanny ability to hide in tiny cracks and crevices, making it challenging to locate and eradicate their hiding spots. They can be found not only in mattresses and bedding but also in furniture, baseboards, and even electrical outlets.
  • Secondly, these pests reproduce rapidly, with females laying hundreds of eggs during their lifetime, leading to exponential population growth if left untreated.
  • Furthermore, they can survive for extended periods without feeding, allowing them to outlast many pest control efforts.
  • Additionally, bed bugs have developed resistance to many common insecticides, rendering some treatments less effective.
  • Lastly, the lack of awareness and misconceptions about bed bugs often result in delayed action, giving the infestation ample time to become firmly established and spread throughout the home.

All these factors combined make bed bug infestations particularly challenging to eliminate without professional training and equipment.

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Home

If the information above has left you feeling overwhelmed, don't be! Bed bug infestations can be eliminated and prevented. Here's what you need to know.

How Homes Get Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are usually brought into the home through luggage, clothing, or furniture. You're most likely to bring bed bugs home after a hotel stay, and it's for this reason that cities often experience an uptick in bed bug problems during seasons when people travel the most. Bed bugs can also enter your home through cracks and crevices in walls and floors or through open windows and doors, although this is less common.

Identifying Bed Bugs and Their Bites

Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on human blood. They are reddish-brown in color and can range in size from 1mm to 7mm long. You may be able to spot actual bed bugs or find evidence of bed bug activity (shed exoskeletons, tiny white eggs, and dark spots on mattresses or sheets).

Bed bug bites start out as itchy red bumps and can become more severe later. They usually appear on the arms, legs, and torso in groups.

Investigating Potential Infestations

When inspecting for bed bugs, it is important to look in areas where they may be hiding, such as furniture, mattresses, box springs, and other dark crevices. Start by removing the sheets and mattress coverings from your beds. Drag an old credit card along the seams of the mattress and along the edges of the box springs to dislodge evidence of bed bug activity. Also, keep an eye out for dark spots in these areas.

Treating Infestations

Once you've identified an infestation, you'll need to take the proper steps to get rid of them. It is essential to involve a professional exterminator to treat the infestation if you want a thorough, long-lasting solution. A professional can provide you with the most effective treatment methods (like heat treating) and advice as to how to prevent future infestations.

Preventing Re-Infestation

In addition to involving a professional exterminator, there are several steps you can take to prevent a re-infestation. Remove the bed bugs from your mattress, and machine wash your bedding in hot water. It's also wise to get into the habit of regularly changing and laundering bedding, vacuuming carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture.

Additionally, avoid bringing secondhand furniture into your home, as bed bugs can easily hitch a ride on these items. When you travel, inspect hotel rooms for any signs of bed bugs before unpacking, and never put your suitcase on the bed.

Can't Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Removing bed bugs can be a frustrating and time-consuming process to tackle alone. If you've tried everything and you still can't get rid of a bed bug problem, it's time to call in the professionals. Spidexx Pest Control can provide you with the expertise and equipment needed to eliminate your bed bug problem for good: (855) 925-3550.

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