Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite. Parents have said this to their children at bedtime for generations, but it has a whole new meaning in recent years. A resurgence of bedbugs has meant that infestations are now found everywhere from college dorms to resorts and hotels to private homes. One of the problems that homeowners have is that bedbugs are so difficult to get rid of; when you see evidence of an infestation, it’s time to get professional bed bug control help.
Bedbugs are hardy little creatures that can survive virtually anywhere; they can travel from city to city and state to state with ease. They are also particularly nasty pests because they feed on human blood; while not strictly nocturnal, they do tend to feed when human hosts are sleeping. This is why you may be waking up with itchy bites. The bedbugs can also cause skin rashes and allergic symptoms.
While bedbugs do carry disease, they are not believed to transmit these to humans. Large populations do deposit excrement on mattresses, though, and while unlikely, this could cause health concerns.
Another reason to choose a reputable Brevard County pest control service is that bedbugs can have a psychological effect on homeowners. It can be incredibly uncomfortable knowing these bugs are in your bed, couch, or other belongings. It can even cause social isolation because you don’t want guests exposed – or they choose to stay away. In any case, exterminating these bugs is important.
But it is also difficult. Part of the reason we are seeing a surge in numbers is because the EPA banned Propoxur, a pesticide, in the 1990s. Prior to that, the chemical pesticide was effective in killing adult bedbugs and killing newborns as they hatch. The problem is that chronic exposure to the chemical can be dangerous for children. What can you do for effective, safe bedbug control?
- Vacuum up the bedbugs.
- Heat treat infected areas and/or wrap mattresses.
- Wash sheets and bedding in very hot water.
- Rent or buy a high powered steam pump to treat walls.
- Inspect luggage and bags for any sign of bedbugs.
- Treat your entire house, not just the bedrooms. Couches, chairs, and other soft areas are just as hospitable to bedbugs.
- Call a professional pest control service. Bedbugs can thrive in any home, and they are difficult to get rid of with do-it-yourself remedies. A thorough inspection and extermination is necessary to keep your home free of these parasites.