The term “bed bugs” may cause you to shiver, picturing a mattress covered with bloodsucking insects, but don’t be fooled; the name is a bit of a misnomer.
(BPT) – Although nearly 70 percent of bed bug infestations are associated with beds or items found near beds, the pesky insects don’t restrict themselves to those spaces alone. Bed bugs are professional hitchhikers and can be discovered in common spaces like movie theaters and public transportation. Read on for unexpected spots to find these critters.
Personal belongings
Bed bugs can catch a ride into your home via nearly any item, such as purses, jackets, backpacks or other belongings. To defend against an invasion, limit the number of items kids bring home from school, check the items as they come in and keep them in a separate area if possible.
Dirty laundry
You may want to think twice before letting your dirty laundry pile up on the floor much longer. Bed bugs are twice as likely to infest dirty clothes as they are to infest clean clothes, possibly due to odors that mimic the smell of a food source. Put dirty laundry in a bag and keep it separated from your clean clothes to help contain the smells.
Furniture
Be cautious of bringing chairs and other pieces into your home without giving them a thorough assessment. Look in the tucks and seams of upholstered pieces for signs that your furniture may be infested.
Get help
If you do find yourself dealing with a bed bug infestation, don't try to fight it alone. The insects can be extremely difficult to remove through do-it-yourself methods, and you could still wind up with bed bugs after all your efforts. Experienced professionals are trained to perform thorough inspections, detect bed bugs and determine a customized treatment solution for your home.
