Whether you are among the 80 percent of Americans planning to travel this summer, or you go to the movies, take an Uber, work in an office, or go just about anywhere, it’s important to educate yourself and protect against a bed bug infestation in your Virginia home this summer. These are just a few of the places where you can be exposed to bed bugs. While bed bugs are a year-round problem, bed bug infestations typically increase around peak travel periods such as summer vacations or holidays.
Quick Action Can Eliminate Bed Bugs
It is important to act quickly if you suspect you have a possible bed bug infestation. Ignoring a couple of bed bugs can quickly lead to a major problem. DIY treatments are relatively inexpensive, but not very effective. In fact, self-treating often makes the bed bug problem worse and can make treatment more difficult due to contamination of surfaces as well as pushing the bed bugs deeper into the walls or furniture.
According to a recent study commissioned by the National Pest Management Association, 51 percent of homeowners surveyed said that bed bugs were the worst pest issues to deal with. The bed bug experts at My Pest Pros can help eliminate and prevent bed bug infestations in your Virginia home.
Bed Bugs Can Be Your Worst Nightmare
Periods of peak travel, such as vacations, summer camp or the holiday increase the risk of bed bug exposure. That’s because they are excellent hitchhikers and will stow away in luggage and other items of unsuspecting travelers. And, because of the rapid turnover of hotel rooms, it’s easy to see how your summer paradise can quickly turn into a nightmare when you get back home.
Summer camp is supposed to be fun. Yet camp bunks are the perfect place for bed bugs to spread. Make sure to carefully inspect and follow the tips below when your camper comes home.
A little caution and inspection can help keep your vacation a positive experience.
How to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation
Here are some tips to help make sure you do not bring bed bugs back to your Virginia home:
- Before unpacking, check the entire room, including behind the headboard, in dressers, on sofas, and inside chairs.
- Examine the mattress seams and box springs, particularly at the corners, for telltale stains or spots.
- Don’t place luggage on furniture such as luggage racks. The straps and crevices in the luggage racks are a great hiding place for bed bugs.
- When you return home, inspect your luggage and bags carefully. Ideally, do this before bringing them into the home. Vacuuming suitcases can help eliminate bed bugs and any eggs. Wash and dry the clothes that were in the suitcase on hot settings.
Eliminate a Bed Bug Infestation
My Pest Pros’ technicians are experts at dealing with bed bugs. Give us a call if you suspect you are getting bitten by bed bugs. We offer heat treatments and traditional treatments to eliminate a bed bug infestation in your Virginia home. Call us at 703-665-4455 or contact us online.