Will Pest Control Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
Goodnight, sleep tight! Don’t let the bed bugs bite!
But, what if they do?
In 2018, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) conducted research on the prevalence of bed bugs in the United States. They found that 50% of people only report bed bugs after finding bites on their skin. Along with that, 84% of pest control providers reported that they were initially called for another pest issue, and found bed bugs upon arrival. They reported that 71% of the calls were for fleas. Overall, 97% of pest control providers reported treating bed bugs within the past year.
The report states that despite the public’s awareness of bed bugs, their ability to identify them is “alarmingly low”. Contrary to their name, bed bugs do not solely exist in bedding or couches.
They have also been found in more unusual places, such as stuffed animals, window frames, buses, and planes. Bed bugs tend to congregate wherever humans are and feed on their blood.
They are able to travel by latching onto suitcases and cloth items. This explains why they are able to spread so easily, and why there is a rise in bed bug reports during the summer.
Especially during travel, it is important to take steps to prevent the spreading of bed bugs. The NPMA suggests that upon arrival one should closely inspect the place in which they are staying, including beds, sofas, chairs, lights, and behind headboards.
They assert that one should pay extra attention to the inside of sheets and seams of mattresses. They also recommend not storing suitcases on upholstery or racks with hollow rods. Upon return home, one should vacuum inside of the suitcases, and wash and dry all clothing on high heat.
PestWorld.org emphasizes the benefits of being able to identify a bed bug infestation. The first sign usually consists of red-brown stains on sheets. Secondly, one may be able to see adult bed bugs, which are visible to the human eye. They are usually mahogany-colored, with a round flat body and six legs. Unlike fleas, bed bugs are not able to fly. Adults usually reach about a quarter inch in length. Individuals identifying bed bugs will allow for a quicker intervention, ultimately making it easier to treat the problem
Once bed bugs are identified, it is important to solicit the help of a pest control provider. Although common, many people underestimate the severity of a bed bug infestation. Female bed bugs will lay between 1-5 eggs per day, those of which will reach adulthood in 21 days. Without proper treatment, bed bugs can easily and quickly infest an entire house or building, making nursing homes and college dorms especially vulnerable.
An NPMA survey reported that 76% of pest control professionals found bed bugs the hardest to treat. Although tempting it may be to search for a “do-it-yourself” method, contacting pest control is the best plan of action. Pest control providers are trained to identify bed bugs and can eliminate them at all stages of development. Wil-Kil Pest Control reports using techniques such as crevice injections, mattress encasing, pesticide treatments, and even high heat treatments for larger infestations. These techniques are only to be done by professionals.
Next time you suspect an infestation, be sure to contact your local pest control agency. Professionals are professionals for a reason. They will be sure to help solve your problem as quickly, effectively, and safely as possible.
