Unexpected Spaces Bedbugs May Be Hiding In Your Home

Due to their name, many people assume the only parts of their homes vulnerable to bedbugs are their beds. However, this is simply not true. Since bed bugs are only about the width of a credit card, they can squeeze into really small hiding spots. If a crack will hold a credit card, it could hide a bed bug. Bed bugs live off the blood they suck out of humans and therefore like to live in places near their food source. Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide produced by breathe so they tend live in places where humans spend long periods of time. Bed bugs are good hitchhikers which is why infestations spread quickly. When not feeding, bed bugs hide in a variety of places. With the rise of bedbugs in Hamilton, our pest control professionals have found bedbugs in many different locations in homes, apartments and businesses. Some of the common, but not often checked places that you may find bedbugs are: Clothing Stores Bedbugs do not cling to people, but they do hide in fabric that is close to the human body. It is recommended that you wash and dry on high heat any and all new clothing purchases to reduce the risk of bedbugs being transferred. Books Whether you are renting a book from the library, or buying a new one, we recommend checking the spine and pages of the book for bedbugs before bringing it into your home. Your couch and mattresses Check the seams of your mattress and couch for bedbugs. As it is difficult to wash a couch or mattress, it is recommended to have them steam cleaned regularly.  A bedbug mattress protector is also recommended. It is also advised to check your pet’s beds or sleeping areas. Curtains Though bedbugs prefer to be close to warm bodies, our pest control professionals have found bed bugs in the fold of curtains, especially in bedrooms. Bedbugs can also be found in closets in bedrooms, so inspecting your clothes on a regular basis is recommended, especially if you live in an apartment building, work in a busy public environment, or are coming home from a trip. Movie Theaters Movie theaters have a lot of people coming and going, so bedbugs love the seats. Try and limit the number of personal belongings you bring with you to the theater, to minimize risk. You might also want to wash and high heat dry clothes you wore to the theater. Your suitcase, purse, backpack, laptop bag or gym bag Don’t place your bags on your bed, and closely inspect your belongings when you unpack. Wall Paper, Wall hangings Loose wall hangings make a great hiding spot for the flat bugs. Make sure you check behind pictures and in/around picture frames (same goes for mirrors). Door and window moldings and door hinges are also vulnerable areas. Vacuums Handheld vacuums, vacuums with a cloth bag, and vacuums with hoses that are made of fabric are not a good idea for bedbug clean-up because these vacuums can become infested. Public Transportation Planes, buses, or any public transportation with fabric seats are susceptible to bedbugs and especially vulnerable because of high human traffic. Clutter Stacks of old newspapers, boxes, and even dirty laundry can offer shelter for bedbugs. Keep your home neat and clutter-free as a simple prevention solution. The less clutter, the easier it is to detect an infestation. Hospitals Hospitals around the world have been forced to temporarily quarantine rooms due to bedbug infestations. Limit the amount of personal belonging you bring with you for a hospital stay, and make sure you inspect the items before you return them to your home. Laundromat Bedbugs thrive living on clothes and shared busy spaces. To protect yourself, wash your clothes using hot water and avoid sorting and folding your clothes on community tables. Looking for Signs of Bed Bugs A more accurate way to identify a possible infestation is to look for physical signs of bed bugs. When cleaning, changing bedding, or staying away from home, look for:

• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed

• Dark spots (about this size: •), which are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would.

• Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.

• Live bed bugs

Bedbugs are very hard to get rid of. If you do have bedbugs, it is strongly recommended that you hire a licensed professional pest control operator to deal with the problem, and contain the issues as quickly as possible. If you have a bedbug problem, call Truly Nolen today for a free inspection: 888-832-4705