Mark's Blog

Everything You Need to Know About Bed Bugs

If you're a new homeowner, it may be easy for you to feel like bed bugs are the worst possible thing that could happen to your house -- and with good reason. Bed bugs are repulsive and hazardous to be around. Most people assume that the presence of bed bugs can be indicative of the fact that the individuals involved are dirty. However, that isn't necessarily the case. Here are four facts about bed bugs and pest control that every homeowner should understand.

1. They Aren't Connected to Dirtiness

Bed bugs are connected to the cleanliness of your home. Bed bugs travel from place to place similarly to fleas. Often, people who experience bed bug infestations have picked them up after they bring inside bedding or pieces of furniture, particularly used pieces because they are more likely to carry bed bugs. Once the bed bugs are in your home, they'll jump from place to place and spread further.

2. Bed Bugs Are Hard to Kill

It's not enough to just smother or "starve" bed bugs. This is because these parasites can live for months without a meal. As such, many pest control companies consider bed bugs to be one of the most difficult types of pests to eradicate. For this reason, many homeowners go straight to the professionals rather than attempting to get rid of them on their own.

3. They're More Common Than You May Think

Bed bugs may seem like they only happen to a rare few, but that's not the case. In fact, according to Pest World, about 97% of all pest control professionals have dealt with bed bugs in the past year, with 69% of them saying that they have more bed bug service work. Additionally, 66% of these professionals say that instances of bed bugs in homes, in general, are increasing.

4. Bed Bugs Are Smart

Bed bugs seem to know how to hide, making it even harder for pest control professionals to eradicate them. They hide in crevices and instinctively burrow further to avoid pest control efforts. However, they can be tempted out of hiding by the carbon dioxide we breathe.

If you're dealing with bed bugs, call in the professionals at Key Termite and Pest Control. We'll take care of the issue efficiently so you can return to your normal life as soon as possible!