I never thought much about that silly little night time phrase when I was a child. As an adult who is exposed to bed bug stories day after day, it takes on a whole new reality. The fact is, bed bugs are very real, and they are prevalent in the Boise and surrounding areas.
One common question people ask is where did they come from? Well, they can be found in most any setting. Schools, hotels, nursing homes, thrift stores and more. Travel very much? You have a good chance of bringing these little hitchhikers home with you. Travel is currently recognized as one of the most common cause of bed bug occurrences in your home. People rarely think about it, but how many set their suitcases right next to their beds? All it takes is a few bed bugs to crawl in your suitcase and before you know it, you’re dealing with a rapidly increasing infestation in your home after returning from that relaxing trip.
What about a good sale? I admit, I have always loved a good rummage through a thrift store. I know I’m not the only one. But unfortunately, another common place to find bed bugs is on used furniture, beds and clothes. Scoring a great deal on that love seat may end up costing you in the long run. It’s recommended to put used clothes straight into the washing machine when you get home and dry them on the highest setting. Same for blankets, rugs and stuffed animals. Furniture should be treated before being brought into the home, by your local pest control company such as Barrier Pest Control.
Perhaps it’s already too late. You’ve woken up one morning only to discover bites on your torso, legs or arms. Bed bugs are ravenous little blood suckers. Once you are asleep, they will emerge from their hiding. Typically your bed frame, head board, light fixtures, baseboards or where ever they can squeeze into to be safe and undetected during the day. At night, they begin their search for your warm, sleepy body. And unlike a mosquito, you won’t even know they are feeding on you. Upon insertion, their mouth part injects a type of numbing saliva as well as an anti-clotting agent. You won’t even feel it as they continue on their buffet of blood. But how do you know it’s bed bugs? After all, you can’t always tell by the bites because everyone reacts different. A thorough inspection done by a professional will tell you for sure if it’s bed bugs and what stage of infestation you might be dealing with as well.
Treatments can vary, however chemical applications are recommended as they remain active for a length of time afterwards in order to continue killing any that may have been hiding up in wall voids, cracks & crevices, in vents, etc. as well as those hatching from eggs. It does require meticulous preparations to ensure the treatments are the most effective.
If you need help dealing with a bed bug infestation, contact Barrier Pest Control today. We’re happy to send a representative out to do a free inspection!
