Guest post by Francis Intia
Monsters under the bed do exist. But it’s not what you think. They’re so tiny that you won’t see them right away if you peek under your bed. You must take a closer look at your mattress or between the cracks of the bed’s wooden frame. That’s where these nasty bed bugs usually stick on.
Is cleanliness next to buglessness?
Yes, keeping your rooms clean counts. It keeps bed bugs and other pests away. Cleanliness is like the light that invites the good, whereas messiness is like the dark that invites the bad. But there’s more to consider when we talk about bed bugs.
Keep your clothes, cabinets and drawers clean too. Why? That’s because bed bugs are little vampires that feed only on blood. Yes, they literally suck. They have to be close to their food source (you) and breeding ground (beds and furniture). Luckily, they don’t spread any diseases to humans.
How do you defend your family from bed bugs?
Bed bugs are tough. Even though they feed on blood every 5 to 10 days, they can survive for several months up to a year without food. Even their eggs are resistant to chemical and non-chemical methods of pest control.
But you’re tougher. Follow these simple precautions to keep bed bugs at bay.
- When you buy secondhand furniture, couches and beds, don’t bring them inside your house just yet. Check them outdoors for any signs of bed bugs.
- When you check in at an inn or budget hotel, inspect the luggage rack in your room for bed bugs.
- Cover the mattresses and box springs with high-quality encasement to eliminate many hiding spots. Bed bugs are easier to see with light-colored covers. Regularly check the encasement for holes, too.
- Clean up, vacuum frequently and declutter stuff to decrease hiding places for bed bugs.
- Keep an eye on your belongings when using a shared laundry area. You can kill bed bugs by setting the dryer in high heat. Remove clothes from the dryer, put them directly into a clean bag and fold them at home.
- If your home consists of two or more families, install door sweeps on the bottom of doors to prevent insects from entering through the floor. Also, seal cracks and crevices in the walls.
How much does a bed bug extermination cost?
Let’s answer the most bugging question: how much does a bed bug exterminator cost? The price ranges from $300 to $5000, and the average cost is $3250. If it’s just one room, your damage is $350-$500.
Your actual cost also depends on inspection rates, treatment types, number of rooms infested (or severity of the infestation) and number of exterminator visits.
So yes, bed bugs suck your blood and bucks. If you have to shell out cash anyway, better invest in regular and reliable cleaning, quality furniture, and improving your space. Your peace of mind with prevention far outweighs the hassle of pest extermination. But if you have to, contact no less than certified and insured bed bug exterminators.
Where do bed bugs come from anyway?
Cimex lectularius, commonly known as bed bugs, ride on clothing, bedding, luggage, furniture and boxes. They travel from places where people gather or sleep. This includes schools, camping grounds, hospitals, hotels, motels and public transport like taxis and buses. All these are contact points where bed bugs can stick to get into your home uninvited.
In addition, these pests can also spread from one apartment to the next through vents in buildings. Did you know you can check if your property had a bed bug report? Visit Bed Bug Registry and find out. Hopefully, your place is pest-free.
What do bed bug bites look like?
They look nasty, itchy and red. Here are some bed bug bites photos. To differentiate their bites from other insects, bed bug bites come in clusters and rows and can usually appear in some sort of line.
Bed bug bites are not poisonous and don’t transmit diseases like malaria, fever or aids. You don’t need to consult a doctor either. You can buy anti-itch creams over the counter to alleviate the itchiness.
Final Thoughts
Remember, you’re mightier than these mini monsters. As with anything, prevention is better than cure. So try to keep your entire home clean and check every nook and cranny once in a while to prevent bed bugs from residing in your space. Hire an extra pair of hands if you have to. Besides, the cost of cleaning far outweighs the hassle of treating.