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MARCH 16 2022 / PEST AND TERMITE
Oftentimes the question has been asked, “Are bed bugs worse in the summer?” Although there is not an official bed bug season, they do appear to be more prevalent during the summer months than wintertime.
This is perhaps a result of increased travel and motel visits with all the spring break and summer vacation trips.
With 99.6 % of U.S. based professional pest control companies professing an encounter with a bed bug infestation, it is safe to say that there are bed bugs in DC. The pesky bed bug continues to be the most difficult pest to treat. In fact, 78% of pest control companies participating in a survey rated them above cockroaches, ants and termites.
While the greater number of treatments is in residential settings, bed bugs are also found in college dorms, hotels, nursing homes, schools, office buildings, daycare centers, hospitals and public transportation.
There have even been cases of bed bugs on planes. Bed bugs have been discovered in all 50 states.
The easiest way to allow bed bugs into your home is by bringing them back with you from vacation. The good news is that there are ways to enjoy your summer vacation without becoming infested with bed bugs.
The following tips can drastically reduce the chances of a bed bug infestation.
Perform a thorough inspection of your motel room before unpacking. Look closely at mattress seams and box springs for live bed bugs or shed bed bug skins.
Thoroughly check drawers for signs of bed bugs. We suggest to avoid using drawers in hotels and motels altogether.
Keep your suitcases off the floor. Thick carpet is a great place in which bed bugs hide. Place your luggage on the elevated stands usually provided by the motel.
Bed bugs do not travel directly on you like lice. They will hitch a ride to your home in your clothing or suitcase. If you are suspicious of being exposed to them, place all clothing in plastic bags and wash them as soon as you get home. Set the washer and dryer on the hottest setting available. Also, inspect your suitcase again with a flashlight after emptying it, looking for live bugs hiding in the seams.
Contact American Pest in the event of an infestation of bed bugs in the home. Eradication of these pesky creatures is very difficult without professional treatment. American Pest has provided pest management services since 1925 and offers K-9 bed bug detection services and heat treatments for bed bugs to successfully remove these pests.
