Why It’s Not Unusual to Find Bed Bugs in Clean Homes

Bed bug infestations continue to be an issue for both property managers and homeowners in Florida. While these pest problems are common, having bed bugs is perhaps the most frowned upon pest issue. Primarily, this concern arises because of the stereotype that these pests are only present in cluttered and dirty households. Surprisingly, this is not always the case. Finding bed bugs in clean homes and hotels is not unusual.

Understanding Bed Bug Infestations

To understand why a clean home can suffer from a bed bug infestation, you’ll first need to know bed bug habits.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny reddish-brown insects that feed on human and animal blood for their survival. These bloodsuckers have been a menace for over 3000 years and are commonly seen where humans are present, particularly in movie theaters, hospitals, apartments, nursing homes, residences, and offices.

What attracts these parasites?

Bed bugs spread fast due to their excellent hitchhiking ability. So, what attracts them to a home or office? As mentioned earlier, bed bugs need blood to stay alive. What’s more, they prefer human blood to other hosts. So, how do these parasites detect your presence?

Well, it’s simple. Bed bugs are attracted to the chemicals your body gives off naturally, such as carbon dioxide, and can also sense body heat.

Bed bug feeding and living conditions

Once they find their hosts, these pests often stay about 20 feet from the human or animal host. Bed bugs often feed at night, however, they may emerge during the day if they are very hungry. These bugs can survive in temperatures ranging from 7°C to 44°C.

How to detect a bed bug infestation

Detecting an infestation is difficult, though not impossible. You’ll first need to know where to look. The common bed bug hiding spots include:

• Box springs and headboards
• Furniture
• Curtains
• Inside electrical outlets
• Wallpaper

Here are some of the common signs of a bed bug infestation.

• Musty odor
• Red itchy bed bug bites
• Bloodstains on beddings
• Actual bed bugs

Can You Find Bed Bugs in Clean Homes?

Yes, bed bugs can infest a clean house. Typically, unlike other pests such as rats and mice, bed bugs only need blood. Therefore as long as humans and animals are present, there’s still a risk of infestation. Also, remember that bit about them being pro travelers? Bed bugs can latch onto your suitcase or clothing during your vacation and end up setting up shop in your clean home.

Now that we’ve established that bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene, we still recommend keeping your house clean for these two reasons.

1. Early detection of a bed bug infestation

Bed bugs prefer dark hiding spots such as between cracks or inside cushions. The only way to detect if bed bugs are present is through regular cleaning. Also, by reducing clutter, you make it harder for these parasites to find a suitable hiding place.

2. May prevent bed bugs from spreading

Bedbugs, as their name suggests, love to stay close to where you sleep. Therefore cleaning bedding regularly at high temperatures beyond 45 degrees Celsius will kill these bed bugs. Also, vacuuming all rooms and washing house rugs might prevent bed bugs from spreading around your home.

Bed Bug Control

Having a clean house is an effective preventive measure. However, once your house is infested, no home remedy can eliminate bed bugs. It would be best to seek help from a trusted pest control company offering bed bug treatment.

Currently, there are two common approaches that pest management professionals use to get rid of bed bugs in homes.

1. Whole room heat treatments

This bed bug treatment involves bringing in a particular machine to increase your home’s temperature with the aim of killing these parasites and their eggs. For instance, if the exterminators raise the it to 48°C, it will take about ninety minutes to get rid of bed bugs. Alternatively, the exterminator may use 50°C for immediate treatment.

Your property size will determine the time it’ll take to complete the heat treatment. Usually, it takes exterminators up to eight hours. Be sure to discuss the entire process with the pest control company, including how to prepare the house for treatment.

2. Insecticide bed bug treatments

Pest management companies also use insecticide treatment to kill bed bugs. While there are many EPA-regulated insecticides, exterminators mostly use:

• Fast-acting types for areas that humans often touch, e.g., couches
• Residual types that are effective for hidden spots and crevices
• Dust insecticide on areas where a liquid treatment is unsuitable, for instance, appliances and electrical outlets

Insecticide treatments require about three sessions to eliminate bed bugs from your home. Each treatment may take thirty minutes or even two hours per room. Again just like heat treatments, the area size and severity determine the treatment time. Also, the exterminator should provide clear instructions on how to prepare your property. Ensure your pet(s) are nowhere near the property during treatment.

In Sum

Finding bed bugs in clean homes is more common than you may think. However, having a clean house helps to reduce the infestation spread and also ensures early detection. McDonald Pest Control is a trusted pest management company with extensive pest control experience. In addition, our bed bug heat treatment is both EPA-approved and safe for your equipment. So, do not let bed bugs ruin this year’s summer. Call us at 727-734-0963 for a fast, free consultation.