Humans have lived alongside bed bugs for more than 3,300 years. Even though, as their name suggests, they are found more often than not taking sanctuary on a warm, inviting bed, they can actually be found virtually everywhere people in Las Vegas tend to congregate; residences, hotels, schools, offices, retail stores, or even public transportation. A common misconception involving bed bugs is that they are more commonly found in dirty or lower-income homes, which can’t be further from the truth. These bugs don’t care about socio-economic lines, they just want warm blood to survive, and any blood will do.
What Are Bed Bugs?
A Bed bug is a flat, wingless insect measuring anywhere from 1/8 to 1/4 inches long and ranging in color from a light-brown to reddish-brown. If you see one Bed bug, there might be hundreds more hiding from you. See, these pests can lay up to 540 eggs in a lifetime. Not only that, but those bugs can turn and reproduce in just 21 days. Now you could have a severe infestation on your hands. Thankfully, bed bugs are nuisance pests only and aren’t known for carrying or spreading any diseases.
Bed Bugs And Second-Hand Buys
Bed bugs have made “hitchhiking” an art form, perfecting the ability to travel long distances by simply latching onto suitcases, clothing, and linen. Yet another way these bugs can find their way into your home is by purchasing second-hand items. Be extra careful if you visit and buy things from estate sales, garage sales, or thrift stores because bed bugs have been known to hide in books and inside pleats or seams on furniture. The best way to avoid bringing them home with you is to closely inspect the items you buy, avoid upholstered furniture, and choose surfaces like wood, plastic, or leather.
Controlling The Spread Of The Dreaded Bed Bug
The first thing you want to do is not panic. Bed bugs can’t move great distances on their own so that these pests can be contained and eliminated through quick and concise action. Once an infestation has been found, don’t move any new items into or out of that room. If you must remove anything, place the item in a secured trash bag.
If you have fabric items in the infested area, they should be laundered right away. These items include clothing, sleepwear, pet bedding, mattress covers, pillowcases, sheets, curtains, throw rugs, towels, etc. Wash these items using a strong detergent and in the hottest setting on your machine.
For other items like decorations or furniture, everything should be moved to the center of the room, limiting the potential hiding areas for the bed bugs and maximizing the distance between the furniture and walls. They will hide behind loose wallpaper, in plaster cracks, inside mounted light fixtures, under pictures, light sockets, phone/ cable jacks, anywhere they can find to escape eradication.
Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs In Your Las Vegas Home
Bed bugs are elusive pests and brutal to eliminate. In a recent NPMA survey, 76% of pest professionals called them the most challenging bug to eradicate. Don’t let a bug infestation ruin your holiday. Instead, trust the experts at Anderson Pest Control. Our calculated procedure for bed bug control includes the following:
- Inspection: We come into your home searching for bed bug hot spots so that we can come up with a customized approach for elimination.
- Installation: Depending on the extent of your problem, we may need multiple treatment sessions to eliminate the problem. We use products that are harmful to bed bugs but safe for your family and pets. We off our Bed Protector Bed Bug trap that helps prevent and eliminate infestation.
- Monitoring: We will monitor the problem to ensure all bugs are removed from your home.
At Anderson Pest Control, we have the experience and tools to get the job done right. Not only will we remove all bed bugs, but we will also offer preventative tips to keep them away for good. To learn more about our bed bug control options and receive your free quote, reach out to us today.