By now, you've probably heard of bed bugs. While these insects were nowhere to be found in the United States before the end of the century, they have made quite a comeback over the last two decades, and there seems to be no stopping the increase in infestations across the country. If you're thinking, "Bed bugs! Um, no thank you!" then this little article should help you get a better understanding of how they can get into your Portland home and, most importantly, how to stop them.
Ways People Have Gotten Bed Bugs
This is by no means and exhaustive list. It is meant to give you a clear perspective of what you're up against.
Hotels and Motels — Most people think hotels and motels are the only places they'll pick up bed bugs, so this is a good one to start with. You can definitely get bed bugs from these places. You can also get bed bugs from staying in anything from a 5-star resort to a 1-star hunting cabin. This is because other people stay in these places too. If they come from a home that has a bed bug infestation, they can bring bed bugs with them.
Homes You Visit — You might not think of this one. When you spend the night at the home of a friend or relative, you can get bed bugs. There are a few things to consider with this one. First of all, bed bugs don't just infest dirty places. They have been found in the cleanest of homes. Second, a home can have an infestation for awhile without anyone realizing it. Bites can be minor at first. Last, but definitely not least, staying at the home of someone you know and trust may cause you to let your guard down. No matter how much you trust someone, do a quick check for bed bugs when you spend the night somewhere. Bed bugs have a greater chance of spreading at night.
Schools — There are a few things you should know when you send your kids off to school. On the top of the list is that any child can bring bed bugs to school, even your child. If a family doesn't know they have a bed bug infestation, they don't know to take extra precautions to prevent those bed bugs from spreading to other homes by way of their kids. This happens through close contact between students and the items students bring to school. While bed bugs are more likely to spread at night, they can transfer from one item to another in the middle of the day if they can do so without being exposed to the light.
Nursing Homes — Seniors have more of a tolerance to bed bugs than younger people. This makes it more difficult to detect and eliminate bed bugs in nursing homes, assisted living, and other facilities. If you get a visit from a loved one, it is possible that bed bugs could pay a visit as well. Be alert.
Friends Who Visit You — When someone comes over to your home from their home, they can bring bed bugs with them. It happens all the time.
Workplaces — You can go to work and get bed bugs. Bed bugs transfer between workers the same way they transfer between students.
Taxi cabs — You can take a trip in a taxi cab and pick up bed bugs. They've also been found infestating trains, buses, and planes.
Libraries — When you get a book from the library, you could get more than a good read. Bed bugs have been found laying their eggs in the binders of hard covered books.
Do you see the problem?
We could go on and on, but you get the point. Bed bugs can get into your house in so many ways there just isn't any way to completely prevent them. Just remember, when bed bugs get into your South Portland home, Big Blue Bug Solutions is standing by to help you quickly get rid of them.