When people imagine bed bugs getting into their Charlotte, North Carolina home, the thought can fill them with dread and disgust. There are good reasons to want to avoid these difficult pests as they are extremely invasive and hard to remove.
However, there are also many misconceptions about bed bugs. For one thing, they don’t actually attach to human or animal hosts, but instead, they can catch a ride on other items like clothing or luggage. Another misconception is that bed bugs prefer dirty homes. In fact, bed bugs can be found nearly anywhere, and they aren’t more likely to get into untidy homes than tidy ones.
This is because of the ways that bed bug infestations begin. So, to help you understand how bed bugs get inside, and how to prevent them, we’ve put together this useful guide.
The Two Ways Bed Bug Infestations Begin
There are two main ways that bed bugs get into Charlotte homes. The first, and most common, is that bed bugs hitch a ride during travel. However, this doesn’t just mean traveling to new locations.
Bed bugs can also originate in local businesses or other people’s homes as they are found nearly anywhere. They will hitch a ride on purses, luggage, or clothing, and you won't even realize they are there as you bring them home.
Secondly, bed bugs can get inside on second-hand items that are already infested. While bed bugs are most commonly found on mattresses and bedding, they can also invade other items of furniture, such as couches, and even things like appliances and curtains.
Tips To Avoid Picking Up Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are generally one of the most difficult pests to prevent because they are so tiny. While they aren’t invisible to the human eye, they are about the size of an apple seed, so they usually aren’t noticed until the infestation has grown.
However, there are still some things you can do to avoid picking bed bugs up or bringing them inside. To start with, pay extra attention when in bed bug “hotspots” which include hotels, laundromats, and public transportation stations. This means avoiding putting your luggage down, inspecting hotel rooms for bed bugs, and carrying laundry to and from laundromats in a plastic bag.
And, when bringing second-hand items into your home, keep an eye out for the following signs of a bed bug infestation:
- Brown smear marks left behind by bed bug excrement
- Rusty blood stains on fabric items especially
- Discarded egg casings that can range in color from creamy white to dark brown
- If you see any of these signs reconsider bringing the items into your home.
How To Remove A Bed Bug Infestation
If you do end up with a bed bug problem, don’t feel bad. These pests are exceptionally difficult to keep out, and even if you do everything right, you could still end up with bed bugs.
Once inside your home, bed bugs are resistant to many DIY removal methods. This is because every single bed bug and every single bed bug egg needs to be eradicated, or the bed bugs will come back again.
Instead of wasting your time and money, let the experts at Go-Forth Home Services handle the problem. We can efficiently and safely remove these pests and ensure the infestation doesn’t come back. Contact us today to get your free quote.