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Why Columbia, SC Residents Must Be Vigilant With Bed Bugs This Fall
September 15, 2021
Bed bug infestations continue to rise in the United States, and South Carolina is not exempt. We see more infestations every year. But what is it about fall that makes bed bugs worse than other times of the year? The answer may surprise you.
Why Do Bedbugs Invade?
The insect we call the bed bug has been living with humans almost exclusively since the dawn of recorded history. They don't come out of the South Carolina woods, climb into Columbia yards, and get into our homes. They spread from one location of infestation to the next through passive dispersal. This is to say, bed bugs hitch a ride. Can you think of any reason bed bugs would have the ability to hitch more rides during the fall? Here are a few we can think of:
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When school starts, kids gather together, and when kids gather together, bed bugs can pass from one to the next. They do this by hitching a ride in book bags, duffle bags, pockets, books, clothing, and more.
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When school starts up, kids tend to do more sleepovers and have more get-togethers. This can allow bed bugs an opportunity to get into items at night.
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During the fall, we have a few holidays that can bring families together. This can lead to the spread of bed bugs.
When people get together, especially overnight, bed bugs can spread. The secret to preventing the spread of bed bugs is knowing what they look like, what signs they leave, and a few simple preventative methods.
Identifying A Bed Bug Problem
To determine if you're dealing with bed bugs, it's important to know what they look like and the signs of an infestation. Newly hatched bed bugs are pale, 1mm insects. As they grow, they become tan and eventually brownish-red. They are an oval shape, and the transparent skin of their abdomens allows the red coloration of the blood they collect to be seen—especially newly hatched bed bugs.
When bed bugs infest, they leave tiny black droppings, black streaks, and black patches on mattresses, box springs, and furniture. You may also see shed insect skins, tiny white eggs, or brown stains from the excretion of blood.
Keeping Bed Bugs Out Of Your Columbia Home
Though you can take some preventative measures, once bed bugs infest your home, you need to reach out to a professional. If you're worried about bed bugs, know that they can't handle extreme heat. After traveling, run items through a 30-minute dryer cycle. This will kill bed bugs in all stages of development. Furthermore, bed bug eggs can be taken care of with rubbing alcohol. And keeping laundry items in a sealed plastic bag is essential for preventing bed bugs from coming home with you or your kids.
When bed bugs infest, they are challenging to get rid of without proper training. It is best to invest in a professional bed bug treatment and ensure those bugs are eliminated the first time. If you need help with this, remember that Jury Pest Services provides industry-leading pest control service in Columbia, SC, and the surrounding area.
After inspecting your home for bed bug activity, we will develop a customized plan for removal. We use conventional or heat treatments depending on the extent of your problem. For complete, discrete removal, we have the solutions you need. Reach out to us today to learn more about our bed bug control services.