How Do Bed Bugs Happen?

Bed bugs are one of any homeowner’s worst nightmares. These tiny insects can quickly infest a home and be difficult to eradicate. But how do bed bugs happen in the first place?

Introduction of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are introduced to a home from outside sources. They are brought in by people in the form of hitchhiking. This can come from:

Staying in an infested hotel

Buying second-hand furniture or bedding

Visiting or hosting an infected home

Bed bugs are also spread through migrating populations. This is when birds, bats, or rodents carry them to new locations.

Hiding Places for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have plenty of places to hide in the home. They will often gather in dark and out of reach spots. Some of the most common locations are:

Back of drawers and dressers

Below carpets/rugs

Behind wallpaper

Behind headboards

Cracks in walls or furniture

Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

The easiest way to detect an infestation is to keep an eye out for any signs of the bugs. Some of these include:

Small, flat, reddish-brown bugs

Tiny eggs

Musty odor

Rusty or reddish spots on linen and bedding

How to Treat an Infestation

If you find evidence of a bed bug infestation, act quickly to prevent a full-blown infestation. Treatments range from pesticides to heat treatments and freezing. Hire an exterminator to come to the house and thoroughly check for bed bugs and take necessary steps to get rid of them.

It is important to keep the home clean and vacuumed, in order to prevent any re-infestations. If you suspect that your home is being re-infested, contact a professional to help you.

Conclusion

Understanding how bed bugs happen is the only way to begin to prevent an infestation. Consider the ways bed bugs can be introduced to the home and actively look for signs of them. If bed bugs happen, act quickly to prevent them from multiplying. With the right steps, they can be eradicated and kept under control.