Bed bug infestations happen regularly in Modesto. While many people assume these pest problems only arise because the homeowner is dirty, that’s far from the truth. Even the cleanest of Modesto homes could become a target for bed bugs. Learn more about how infestations start and what you should do to protect your home from these relentless pests.
Why Bed Bugs Are Everywhere
Cockroaches, ants, and mice are attracted to dirty homes. When looking for a place to stay, these Modesto pests seek out areas with access to food. And that makes a dirty home full of crumbs and garbage an inviting place. While cockroaches, ants, and mice may end up in clean homes, they’re not as likely to take up residence in them.
Meanwhile, bed bugs don’t care how many crumbs you have available. They don’t eat crumbs – they feast on human and animal blood. Therefore, bed bugs are attracted to inhabited homes. Despite having the cleanest home on the block, you could have bed bugs.
One of the biggest problems with bed bugs is how hard they are to keep out. Because they measure the size of an apple seed, bed bugs can sneak into homes undetected. You probably won’t know bed bugs are nearby until you have an infestation. Typically, itchy bites are the first sign of these pests.
What Starts An Infestation?
So, how does a bed bug infestation begin? Usually, the bed bugs hitchhike into your home. They tend to live in hotels and travel hubs, which makes travelers more susceptible to carrying bed bugs. When you wait at the airport, a bed bug could crawl into your luggage or coat and follow you to your house.
With that said, you should know that bed bugs could come from a neighbor. These parasites don’t travel very far on their own, but they can crawl. After invading a neighbor’s home, bed bugs might decide to walk into yours. They could crawl right under your door and get inside. If you live in an apartment building, you’re at a greater risk of this occurring.
What Can You Do to Prevent Bed Bugs?
Once you have an infestation, you need to call a professional for assistance. This is why prevention is so important. If you follow a few simple tips, you could deter bed bugs in Modesto:
Don’t Place Baggage On the Ground: When you’re traveling, be mindful of where you place your luggage. Avoid placing it directly on the ground, or bed bugs could crawl in. If you stay in a hotel, keep your luggage on a rack and move it away from the wall.
Check Second-Hand Items: Every time you buy a used item, inspect it for bed bugs. Look for the bugs themselves as well as fecal stains and shed skins. If you have even the slightest suspicion that bed bugs are around, rethink your purchase. A great deal isn’t worth a bed bug infestation.
Know When To Call A Professional
By looking out for the signs of bed bugs, you can prevent a major infestation. Catching these bugs in the early stages is one way to save yourself nights of no sleep and expensive pest control treatment.
Bed bugs are hard to prevent and even harder to eliminate. When you notice bed bugs, call the experts. Here at Insect IQ, we don’t waste any time. Our highly-trained professionals will inspect your home for bed bugs and create an effective treatment plan. With our dedication to customer satisfaction, we always show up ready to get the job done. Call us now to learn more.
