“Sleep tight and don’t let the bedbugs bite” used to be an innocent phrase parents uttered as they put their children to bed, but the statement is becoming more of a real warning each day. According to PestWorld.org, “95% of pest management companies report that their company has encountered a bedbug infestation in the past year,” where only about 25% reported dealing with bedbug infestations prior to 2000. That’s a 70% increase in only 15 years! Today, one in every five Americans surveyed reports that either they themselves, or someone they know has suffered a bedbug encounter in recent years.
With bedbug infestations on the rise, it’s important to stay informed about this sneaky pest, which is why we’ve dedicated today’s blog post to a brief bedbug FAQ.
Q: Is my bed the only spot in my home susceptible to bedbugs?
A: Although bedbugs are commonly found in mattresses as their name suggests, this isn’t the only location that these creatures can dwell. Pest control professionals have reported finding bedbugs in “chair cushions, sofas, behind electrical outlets, cracks and crevices around baseboards, or even behind picture frames.”
Q: Are bedbugs only found in the home?
A: While it’s most common for bedbug infestations to be treated in the home, these tiny bloodsuckers have been known to dwell almost anywhere that a food source is present. Infestations have been found in single and multi-family homes, apartments, hotels, hospitals, schools, office buildings, movie theaters and more.
Q: Are some states more affected than others?
A: From east to west and north to south, bedbug activity has been reported all across the nation.
Q: What makes a bedbug problem so difficult to control?
A: The fact that bedbugs are not confined to just the bed makes it difficult to be sure that they have all been eliminated after treatment. If one or two slip away from the mattress and into the carpet or couch nearby they’ll be able to live for over a year without eating and can withstand extreme temperatures with ease.
Q: Can coming into contact with bedbugs make me sick?
A: Although bedbugs have not been proven to spread harmful disease, their bites can leave behind itchy, red welts that may become infected from scratching.
Q: How can I protect my home from bedbugs?
A: The best way to prevent a bedbug infestation is by making sure to keep a watchful eye on your home, and look for warning signs like unexplained bug bites and tiny, pepper-like specks in the mattress. Whenever you return home from vacation, or have a child come home from college, always do a thorough check on all luggage and clothing.
Although there are preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk of suffering a bedbug infestation, sometimes these pesky critters will find a way to strike regardless. If you or someone you know is dealing with a potential infestation, remember that the only way to truly eliminate this pest once and for all is by hiring a trained pest management professional.
At Pest Control Unlimited, we’re committed to providing high quality, fast and efficient bedbug removal services to the Massachusetts and New Hampshire areas. For more information call at 888-649-9919 today.
