Until recently, bed bugs were widely thought to be a thing of the past, some even thought them a mere myth associated with a childhood bedtime rhyme but this very real ectoparasite has made a resurgence over the last few years. Though experts are not sure exactly what has caused the resurgence, pest control companies are receiving more complaints from businesses and homes regarding bed bugs than they have ever had. Whether it’s due to a change in pesticide practices, increased international travel, or some other entomological mystery, bed bug infestations are on the rise and they can have severe consequences for both businesses and homes.

Unlike other parasites, such as mosquitoes, bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases. However, just like other parasitic insects, including fleas and lice, they can cause a skin reaction known as dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin as a result of the bites and the itching. There is a always a risk of infection if the skin is scratched to the point of creating an open wound. While this is a secondary health risk associated with bed bugs and not a direct result of the bites, it is a consequence of an infestation and one that could become serious.

The other consequences associated with bed bug infestations are not health related. Businesses and homes alike can be affected by bed bug infestations in negative ways. Bed bugs are resilient and can be difficult to control. They are common in hotels, motels, resorts, apartments, college dorms and also in clothing and bedding retailers. An infestation can have a very negative impact on the image of a business, especially in the hospitality industry.

Many affected businesses have voluntarily closed up shop long enough to treat any suspected problems and any business that suspects an infestation should do the same. Trying to control the problem after it has gotten out of hand is far more difficult than preventing the problem in the first place. There is at least one case of a linen retailer being sued for transmitting bed bugs to a customer via their product, a situation that could have been avoided through proper pest control.

Businesses aren’t the only ones impacted by bed bug infestations. Homes across the United States have reported problems in record numbers according to some of the major pest control companies. Aside from the nuisance of being a meal while sleeping, bed bug infestations can have a psychological impact as well. Many people who experience an infestation feel helpless and stigmatized. Battling the problem over a period of time can cause some homeowners feeling exasperated and depressed.

It is important to remember that no one is immune to bed bugs. They often are inadvertently introduced to a home, traveling on clothing worn to other places and in some cases, even new clothing or items brought home from the store may have been returned with bed bugs. While they are not associated with dirty or unsanitary conditions and should not be viewed as a source of embarrassment clutter can undermine control and treatment.

You can take simple steps to try and avoid the introduction of bed bugs to your home. Wash and especially dry on high heat for half an hour new items of clothing, bedding, or other linens as soon as you bring them home. Bed bugs cannot survive high temperatures so the dryer should do the trick. Also make sure to check the headboard, night tables, under the mattresses and in bed crevices at hotels or other places of lodging when you travel. If you find bed bugs, don’t stay there and be sure to wash and dry all exposed clothing as soon as possible and again when you return home.

Routinely check your own home for the signs of bed bugs. Tiny flecks of brown on sheets and mattresses are tell-tale signs. Also check underneath mattresses, the crevices of your sheets, pillows, and even head or foot boards. Bed bugs are tiny but can be seen with the naked eye. If you suspect their presence, wash all bedding thoroughly in hot water and treat the mattresses, carpet, and all crevices with an appropriate, labeled pesticide designed to kill bed bugs. You can further clean a treated area by using a vacuum cleaner.

Like all pests, bed bugs can be a significant source of stress and may require pesticide treatment. However, with proper treatment as soon as a problem is identified, you can avoid the consequences associated with a bed bug infestation – a measure that will no doubt leave you sleeping easier at night.

For over 80 years Standard Pest.com has been setting higher standards in pest management. Our mission is to provide the best exterminators new york city has to offer! In so doing, we aim to improve the quality of life of our clients, community, environment and employees.

No homeowner feels comfortable in a home that is invaded by pests. Pests of all sorts and sizes – from insects to rodents – can inadvertently make their way into a house and cause an infestation. Some pests find their way indoors mistakenly, while others are intentionally seeking shelter and food sources. Pest control can be costly and sometimes invasive, if a problem presents. While some infestations occur despite a homeowner’s best efforts, there are several things you can do to deter pests.

The number one thing you can do to deter common pests from your home is to eliminate what attracts them in the first place. Food is the primary reason any pest will invade a home. Ants, cockroaches, and various other insects, as well as mice are all gluttons for an easy meal. Avoid leaving food sources in easy reach on your counters, in your sink, or exposed in your trash cans. If you do leave food out, such as leftover cake, fruit, or bread, be sure to cover it or seal it in an airtight container. Use a single trash can with a lid for disposing of food and promptly remove full bags to their proper containers. Don’t leave trash sitting on porches or balconies.

Be sure to routinely clean areas where food is prepared and served as well. Even the smallest of crumbs left on the floor can pique a pest’s interest and serve as a food source. Avoid leaving dishes that haven’t been rinsed in the sink and make sure to properly seal foods that are stored in cupboards. Reducing the availability and access to food sources is the best deterrent.

Even with food sources eliminated, there are other conditions that some pests find favorable. Dark, damp spaces are ideal breeding grounds for some insects. Make sure to keep wet towels and other linens off the floor and keep areas underneath sinks clean and dry. Always store items in attics or basements in airtight containers, as even paper or cardboard can act as a food or nesting source for some pests.

To avoid parasitic insects such as fleas or ticks, practice good hygiene. When you’ve been outside, especially if you’ve walked through high grass or weedy areas, disturbed an area by mowing or hiking, or simply walked around the block, wipe the bottoms of your shoes on a mat and remove them before entering the house. Use a rag to wipe off your ankles and lower legs to brush off any small insects that may have attached themselves. If you have pets, brush and inspect them frequently for fleas and ticks.

Some parasitic insects attach themselves to a variety of objects. Always wash clothes when you bring them home, inspect any linen or fabric item you bring in that wasn’t packaged, and be sure to wash or clean all clothing and baggage after returning from a trip. These small measures can prevent inadvertently introducing a hitchhiking pest into your home.

Another way to deter pests is to make entrance into the home more difficult. Seal up any cracks, crevices, or holes that provide an entrance from the outside. Cracks around windows, doors, and other areas of the home that are not sealed make ideal entrances for a variety of pests. Maintain these areas by sealing with sealant or steel wool and expanding foam, and you will reduce the chances of any unwanted guest gaining entrance.

Use preventative pest control products on a regular basis. Treating the foundation around your home and around doors, in basements, crawlspaces, and attics with pest control products is a good deterrent. Even if you don’t relish the idea of using pesticides, there are a variety of earth-friendly options that work as well. Check with a pest control service for available products.

Since pests come from the outside in, giving attention to the outdoors is warranted. Don’t let high grasses or weeds grow up around the home, and keep trash and brush to a minimum. Avoid leaving standing water in containers or other areas around your home as well. If you have water features with no aquatic life, consider chlorinating the water.

Most pests would prefer not to cohabitate with humans but some find it easy. By taking simple measures to deter a pest invasion, you will likely never experience an infestation of any type. However, sometimes despite our best efforts, an infestation occurs. You can try treating the problem yourself but if the problem is big enough, you will need to call in a professional exterminator or pest control specialist. The sooner you catch a problem and treat it, the easier it will be to rid your home of the problem.

For over 80 years Standard Pest.com has been setting higher standards in pest management. Our mission is to provide the best exterminators new york city has to offer! In so doing, we aim to improve the quality of life of our clients, community, environment and employees.