Few things are more disturbing than the thought of bugs crawling on you during the night. In fact, the thought of having bugs in your bed can make it impossible for you to get the restful sleep you need. Unfortunately, the fear of having bugs in your bed is a reality that you may have to face. Anyone can develop a bed bug problem in their home – even people who live in clean and well-maintained homes. Your best defenses against having bed bugs crawl on you at night are to learn about bed bugs, take steps to prevent them, and to bring in professional help when necessary.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small insects that feed off of the blood of humans (and other mammals). The name of these pests describes their behavior. Bed bugs are often found in or near beds. They feed primarily in the early morning hours while people sleep. If there are bugs crawling on you during the night, bed bugs are the most likely culprit. The small size of bed bugs and the fact that they are active while you sleep means that you most likely will not wake up when they bite. However, if you notice lines of red, itchy bumps on your skin, it is a sign that you may have bed bugs.
How do I prevent bed bugs?
There are some steps you can take to prevent bed bugs. One of the most common ways people pick up bed bugs is through travel. If you stay in a hotel that is infested with bed bugs you can unknowingly bring them home with you on your luggage or clothes. A few small actions can minimize your chances of bringing bed bugs home from a trip. Keep your luggage, clothing, and other items away from the bed and off of the floor. This will make it a little more difficult for bed bugs to hitch a ride. When you get home, wash all of your clothing and bags in the hottest water the material will tolerate. Bed bugs are sensitive to heat and this step may be enough to kill off any bugs that found their way back to your home on your clothing or luggage.
Read our New Blog: HOW TO IDENTIFY A BED BUG INFESTATION
Where can I get help eliminating bed bugs?
There are times, despite the best of preventative efforts, that bed bugs still find their way into homes. If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your house, the best course of action is to get professional help. The small size of bed bugs makes it easy for them to squeeze into cracks and crevices that you may not even notice. It is easy to miss areas that need treatment when you do not have the training or tools necessary to eliminate bed bugs. Bringing in a professional to deal with the bed bugs in your house is the quickest and most efficient way to ensure that no more bed bugs crawl on you at night.
No one wants to think about the possibility of a bed bug infestation. Simply thinking about bed bug crawling on you at night is enough to cause concern. Fortunately, there is help available if you ever suspect a bed bug infestation. In St. Louis and surrounding areas, Unitech Pest and Termite Services can help you eradicate bed bugs from your home.