Fall is a unique time of year for bed bugs. They are not outdoor bugs. They live inside man-made structures. So while other pests are slowing down as temperatures drop, bed bugs are moving along as though nothing has changed. What's worse, bed bug infestations actually go up in the fall because conditions in fall help bed bugs to spread. We're going to talk about these conditions and give you some insight into what essential steps you need to take to defend your home from bed bugs.
In the fall, kids go back to school and bed bugs can go to school with them. These are hitchhiking pests that spread by passive dispersal. This is to say, they get into things and are transported to new locations where they can take root. When bags or clothing from one student are left by the bags or clothing of another student, these insects can transfer. This can happen at schools, extracurricular activities, sleepovers, camping trips, and many other activities kids engage in during the school year. The school season brings kids together, and bed bugs unknowingly take advantage of this.
How do you prevent bed bugs from accidentally come home with your kids? You need to teach them what bed bugs look like and what signs bed bugs leave behind. Detection is the first step in prevention. Here are a few more tips:
- When you or your kids stay somewhere for the night, be sure to put laundry items in a sealed plastic bag (such as a trash bag with a tie). Bed bugs are drawn to items that have been worn.
- When you or your kids return home from a trip, put all appropriate items through a drier run, on the hottest temperature. This kills bed bugs in all stages of development.
- Check the seams of duffel bags, book bags, pocketbooks, and clothing as a routine precaution. This is where bed bugs lay their tiny white eggs.
When should you call a professional?
If you see bed bugs in your home, it is time to get professional help. The reason these insects have gotten so much news attention is that they are incredibly difficult to get rid of. When folks attempt to get rid of them on their own, it often turns ugly because desperation sets in and desperate people take desperate measures. The smart choice is to contact a licensed professional. You can save yourself a whole lot of time, energy, and stress.
If you live in Bettendorf, or somewhere else in our Illinois service area, let Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators help you resolve this frustrating pest problem. We use the most advanced and trusted bed bug treatment options. We can help you make sure those bed bugs don't bite… anymore.