5 facts you need to know about bedbugs

Bedbugs are virtually everywhere! Regardless of how well your home is kept, once they crawl their way in, they'll create a tumultuous storm. Here are some facts that could assist you with an infestation.

They are not disease carriers.

Many people assume that all blood drinking insects carry diseases that will affect people. Many feel that way about bedbugs. Nonetheless, while they won’t be responsible for a cholera outbreak, the nonstop itching that results from their bites can be quite irritating. Moreover, in rare cases, the insects are also known to cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Taking on a bedbug infestation by yourself is not a good plan.

You might be able to kill a lone defenseless bedbug on your own, but treating a full-blown infestation is another issue. Battling an infestation is definitely no easy task. It’s important that you do not attempt to use any specialized, professional equipment or chemicals even if you think that you have an idea of how to use them. Pesticides are dangerous and careless use can cause public health dangers.

It is always advised that you call in the Pro’s once an infestation has been identified. An expert extermination service may not only get rid of your  bug problem, but they may also prevent the pests from making your problem even worse by scattering to the rest of your house to escape your amateur extermination attempt.

Count Dracula’s got nothing on these Vampires.

Remember those T.V. shows where Vampires wake up from their tomb, feed on a bunch of unsuspecting college kids, and then return to their caskets to continue their extended slumber before starting it all over again? Bed bugs take a somewhat similar approach, with the exception that they can go without food for upwards of ten months.

Researchers have also verified that bedbugs can feed off other insects if they are short on more welcomed meals (humans). Three minutes is the most it will take for a bedbug to feast on its target, crawl back to a safe hiding spot and digest its meal.

Bedbugs slip easily on smoother surfaces.

Bedbugs are not ice-skaters. They slip with ease on smooth areas such as glass and plastic. This minor bit of info may come in handy in preventing the insects from getting on your bed. Also, bear in mind that they cannot fly or jump like most other insects. They can only get to their target by crawling onto it.

You don’t need to throw out all your clothes.

After getting rid of your bedbug infestation, there is no need to get rid of your clothes or mattress. Place the clothes that have been affected by the infestation into the drier at 120 degrees. The searing temperatures will kill any bedbug that was able to endure your extermination attempts, and that hid themselves in your clothing

Despite the scary nature of bedbugs, there's no cause for panic. These blood sucking insects tend to be more of an annoyance than a major health threat. Experts have observed that bedbugs carry approximately 40 diseases; however, none has affected humans. Nonetheless, their tendency to drive you nuts is not easy to cope with. Their bites also leave repulsive marks on your skin. Just try explaining those rashes on your kids at the next pool party.

And if that’s not enough, it’s hard to tell whether you are being attacked by bedbugs, fleas, or even mosquitoes as they all leave similar bite marks on the skin. One good indicator that bedbugs are around is blood stains along the seams of your mattress. But rest assured: if the infestation is a small one, then there is a good chance that it can be easily contained.

Normally, getting rid of a small bedbug problem may require a few home remedies and frequent checks to ensure they never return. A large scale infestation on the other hand requires professional help. Either way, it’s reassuring to know that your bedbug problem could soon be a passing bad memory.