Five Ways To Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Into Your Virginia Home

Only two decades ago, it was unheard of to have a bed bug infestation in Virginia. Now, bed bugs are on the list of top five pests in the United States. If you know anything about bed bugs, you know that this is disturbing news. Bed bugs are one of the most challenging bugs to exterminate with DIY pest control. So you're going to want to stop these bugs before they get into your Virginia home. We have some suggestions.

1. Be Aware Of Common Bed Bug Hotspots

You can get bed bugs from many unexpected places. You can bring bed bugs home from work. A friend or relative can bring bed bugs into your home. There isn't anything you can do to protect yourself 100 percent. But there are a few places that are considered hotspots for bed bug transfer. In these locations, it is wise to be cautious.

• Lodging

• Transportation hubs

• Schools

• Nursing homes

• Daycare                                                 

2. Be Aware Of What Bed Bugs Look Like

It is important to know a bed bug when you see one. When you detect a bed bug, you can take extra precautions to prevent the bugs from coming home with you. If you see a bed bug crawling on you, it is likely to be an immature nymph. Adult bed bugs rarely come out to feed during the day. They wait until carbon dioxide levels rise, which occurs when humans are asleep.

Immature bed bug nymphs have:

• Six legs and two antennae.

• A pale coloration.

• A transparent skin.

• Visible red coloration in the abdomen after feeding.

• Black feces are visible in the abdomen after having a blood meal.

• A tiny body. They will range from 1 to 4.5 mm.

3. Be Aware Of Where Bed Bugs Hide

Bed bugs have a strong aversion to light and an attraction to tight spaces. They're not likely to be out in the open where you can see them. You'll need to inspect cracks, crevices, and compacted areas. Look in these places when doing an inspection both away from your home and inside your home:

• Drag a credit card along the seams of mattresses and boxsprings to uncover evidence that bed bugs are present.

• Look between mattresses and box springs.

• Use a flashlight to look into the cracks of bed frames.

• Check electronics near the bed.

• Check bed stands.

• Inspect the edges of carpets and any gaps in baseboards or crown molding.

• Inspect wall outlets.

• Inspect chairs and couches.

• Check luggage, bags, boxes, pocketbooks, and other carriables.

• Check sleeping bags after sleepovers.

4. Be Aware That Bed Bugs Can Be In Used Furniture

If you get an item from a second-hand store, yard sale, garage sale, flea market, or anywhere, be sure to check it for signs of bed bug activity. While it might be impossible to detect bed bugs, these tips will help:

• Use a flashlight to look into every tight space.

• Search for signs of blood staining. These stains are likely to be tan instead of red.

• Search for black stains caused by bed bug feces.

• Search for eggs. Bed bug eggs are about 1 mm in length. They may be alone or in small batches.

• Look for tiny insects hiding from the light.

5. Practice Bed Bug Prevention

You should always stay vigilant to stop bed bugs from hitching a ride into your home. Wherever you go or spend the night, use these best practice tips to prevent an infestation:

• Always do an inspection. Leave your bags in your vehicle or the bathtub while doing your inspection. Look for the warning signs listed above and look in the locations listed above.

• Use the luggage rack provided to elevate your luggage when opening them.

• Put your laundry items in a sealed plastic bag. Bed bugs are strongly attracted to the scent of humans.

• Refrain from putting your bags near the bags of other people.

• When you return home, make sure to launder items, clean or dirty, in hot water and then dry them to eliminate bed bugs in all stages of development.

Deal With Bed Bugs Quickly

If bed bugs get into your Virginia home, contact All Pest Control & Solutions immediately. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to eliminate without education and trusted control methods. It is best to have these insects exterminated by a licensed professional. Reach out to us today for relief. We're standing by to help.