If you've found bed bugs in your Portland home, it is likely that you have questions. How dangerous are they? How difficult are they to get rid of? And, probably most importantly, how did you get them in the first place? The last thing you want is to get them again, right? Well, you don't need to worry too much about the first question. Bed bugs aren't too dangerous. There are no documented cases of bed bugs spreading illness in our homes or in businesses. They also lack a venom that could cause you to have an allergic reaction. These insects only leave itchy bites on your skin. As for the other two questions, here's what you need to know.
How Bed Bugs Get In
Bed bugs are indoor pests. They don't live in your yard. Someone brought them into your home from another location of infestation. You may have even brought them in yourself. These insects spread passively. They get into an item that can be transported and they are brought to a new area to infest. Once in their new home, they do what they did in the last one. They establish themselves close to humans so they can get the blood meals they need.
Examples
You can get them when you stay the night somewhere, even in the cleanest of places such as 5-star accommodations.
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You can get them when you ride in a taxi, bus, train, or plane.
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You can get them when you spend the night at a friend's or relative's house.
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You can get them when you go to the movies or to a library.
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Kids can pick bed bugs up and bring them home from schools or daycares.
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Kids can bring bed bugs home from a sleepover at a friend's house.
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Your mother, father, grandmother or grandfather can bring them to your home from an assisted living center or nursing home.
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A neighbor can bring them over when they come for a visit.
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You can bring them home when you purchase a second-hand piece of furniture.
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You can get them at work.
We could go on, but you get the point. Bed bugs can be carried into your Portland home in many ways and by many people. They can even come into your home in the middle of a bitter winter.
How Do You Stop Bed Bugs?
There is no way to prevent bed bugs from getting into your home, but there are some ways you can deter them. Here are some of the common prevention tips we provide:
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When you stay somewhere away from home, do an inspection for black feces, shed skins, brown blood staining, tiny white eggs, and the presence of the bed bugs themselves. Search cracks, crevices, pockets, and compacted places.
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Focus on bed frames, mattresses, box springs, and bedding first. But don't limit your search to these places.
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When you stay away from home, keep your clothing in a sealed plastic bag. Bed bugs are attracted to items that have been worn. They're drawn to your chemical scent.
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When you purchase second-hand items or pick something up free from the side of the road, do a detailed inspection before you bring it into your house.
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Teach your kids to refrain from putting their bags, clothing, and other items near the items of other students' or friends'.
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When returning home from a trip, run all your clothes through a hot wash and a dryer cycle. Heat kills bed bugs in all stages of development.
How Do You Get Rid Of Portland Bed Bugs?
These are extremely difficult pests to get rid of. They are wired with behavior patterns that protect them from extermination. Bed bugs also have the ability to develop chemical-resistant skins. If you attempt to eliminate them with over-the-counter products and fail to get rid of them, you could end up creating superbugs. It is best to have a licensed pest professional properly assess your bed bug infestation and apply appropriate treatments to systematically eliminate all the bugs in your home. This is where we can help. Big Blue Bug Solutions is a leader in pest control. Reach out to us and schedule to meet with one of our experienced pest control professionals. We know what is required to get rid of those bugs.
