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How Bed Bugs Get Into Dallas Homes
September 17, 2021
There’s a common misconception that bed bugs only pose a threat to dirty, unkempt living environments. Easy-to-please guests these pests are; the truth is that they’re attracted to humans. They feed on our blood, yikes! To access humans and find adequate shelter, they attach to our clothing and belongings, like purses, backpacks, luggage, and used furniture, and ultimately land in our homes. In multi-family units, apartment buildings, and hotels, it’s easier for bed bugs to transfer between rooms, migrating swiftly from your neighbor’s home to your own, or vice versa. But more typical than shared living spaces, travel is the primary cause of bed bug infestations.
Unfortunately in warm-weather climates like the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which is subtropical—meaning hot, humid summers and mild winters—it presents the perfect breeding conditions for bed bugs to thrive. However, there are still a few ways you can prevent bed bugs, such as being aware of bed bug hotspots, how to avoid bringing them into your home, and what to do if you’re faced with an infestation.
What Are Bed Bug ‘Hotspots’?
Bed bug hotspots are areas where bed bugs are attracted to and most commonly found in. Recognized as a feeding parasite, bed bugs nest close by humans and pets, which allow them to feed (or bite) when we’re asleep or sitting still, and return to their nest afterward. Although bed bugs aren’t known to transmit disease to humans, they pose an unavoidable nuisance to homeowners and renters.
These critters - which are brown with small, oval-shaped bodies - usually seek refuge in the cracks and crevices closest to us, most commonly in the mattress, box spring, and bed frame. However, bed bugs can also be found around the home in hard-to-see places, such as:
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behind baseboards, picture frames, and light-switch covers
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in gaps in upholstery and furniture
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inside cracks in wood or nail holes
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between the pages of paperback books
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inside the pleats and seams of lampshades
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inside small appliances and electronics, such as fans, lamps, and clocks
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inside hollow towel racks and curtain rods
If you suspect bed bugs, you’ll notice the following telltale signs:
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an unpleasant, musty odor
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dark spots on bedding, mattresses, pajamas, and walls left behind from bed bug fecal matter (yuck)
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eggshells or shed skins in areas where they are hiding
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bloodstains on sheets and/or pillowcases
Bed Bugs & Secondhand Items
Used furniture and appliances are another way for bed bugs to enter your home. The only sure way to avoid bringing them in this way is to refrain from accruing used items altogether. Even if steam-cleaning and over-the-counter pesticides are used, there’s no guarantee it will eradicate bed bugs, especially in upholstered furniture. If chemical products are considered, you’ll be left with the problem of dead bugs and a lingering residue, despite deep cleaning efforts.
However, this is not always realistic, so if you’re bringing home a secondhand item, be sure to thoroughly check for signs of bed bugs and the areas they commonly hide and opt for items that aren’t in areas where people sleep, such as bedding, sofas, and recliners.
Behaviors To Prevent Bed Bugs In Your Dallas Home
To avert picking up bed bugs and bringing them into the home, consider the following measures:
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Thoroughly check bedding when traveling or renting.
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Protect your mattress and box spring with bed bug-proof encasements, and use bed bug interceptors.
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Place luggage on a luggage rack or a desk instead of on the floor, and consider wrapping luggage in a trash bag upon arrival.
Let The Experts At Addison Pest Control Help With Your Bed Bug Needs
Bed bugs are hard to prevent. Regardless of how vigilant you are, or how clean you keep your home, there’s still the chance for bed bugs to find their way inside. If you do encounter the trouble of bed bugs in your home, call Addison Pest Control of Texas right away for our bed bug control service and we’ll get your place back to being yours, soon. For pest issues, contact us for pest control in Dallas today!
