How Do Bed Bug Infestations Start In Bay Area Homes?

There is a certain stigma about bed bugs, a notion that they only occur in “dirty” homes and businesses. This is both unfair and untrue, as bed bugs can happen to anyone, anywhere. In the end, getting bed bugs pretty much comes down to bad luck. Bed bugs are hitchhikers; they latch onto people and personal items and catch a ride to new locations. When you spend time anywhere groups of people congregate in the Bay Area, you run the risk of picking up these unseen stowaways. Once you return home, they will quickly spread throughout your house, no matter how clean it is.

While a bed bug problem is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s still not ideal. Bed bugs are a nuisance, and their bites can be extremely itchy. While they are difficult to avoid, there are a few ways you can help prevent bed bug infestations. In this post we’ll investigate how bed bug infestations start, how to protect yourself from them, and what to do if you have the bad luck of bringing them home.

What Are Bed Bugs, Anyway?

Before we dive into how bed bug infestations occur, let’s explore what bed bugs are and how to identify them.

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects about the size and shape of an apple seed. They are brown and relatively flat when unfed but become round and reddish after a blood meal. Bed bugs feed on human blood, usually when the person is asleep in bed, hence the name. A reaction to bed bug saliva typically causes the bites to swell and become red and itchy.

Aside from the bites or spotting the bugs themselves, you can identify bed bugs by finding dark fecal spots on walls or mattresses or coming across their eggs, eggshells, or shed skins. Homeowners may also notice the musty odor that bed bugs produce.

Bed bugs are not only found in bedrooms. They have also been discovered in carpets, furniture, under wallpaper, and even inside picture frames and appliances.

Bed Bug Hotspots In The Bay Area

While you can find bed bugs almost anywhere groups of people spend time, certain locations are more likely to have bed bugs and are known as hot spots. Pest control companies list the following places as the locations that they most commonly treat for bed bugs:

Bed bugs hitchhike in and out of locations like these, getting picked up and dropped off as people come and go. Whenever you are in a place where large groups of people congregate, it’s important to take precautions to avoid picking up these pests.

Bed Bug Prevention In The Bay Area

Avoiding bed bugs can be a challenge, as they are great at hiding and difficult to see due to their small size. However, there are some preventative measures you should take to reduce the risk of an infestation. Here are some tips for protecting yourself against bed bugs in the Bay Area:

• Never place your baggage or clothing on the ground in a public area.
• When staying at a hotel, always check the mattress, bedding, and headboard for bed bugs before settling in.
• Keep your suitcase in a plastic bag when staying at a hotel or motel.
• Vacuum out your suitcase when you return home from traveling.
• Launder all clothes in hot water after staying at a hotel, even if you didn’t wear them
• Bed bugs can also be introduced into your home through second-hand furniture or other items. Be sure to thoroughly inspect any used items for signs of bed bugs before bringing them inside your home or vehicle.

These tips can help you avoid picking up bed bugs, but it is still possible that you may unknowingly bring bed bugs into your home. Be sure to call a reputable pest control service if you notice any signs of bed bugs.

Who To Call If You Have Bed Bugs - Bay Pest Solution

If you have a bed bug problem, don’t panic - call the pest control professionals at Bay Pest Solution. With over 40 years of experience in pest control, we know how to get rid of bed bugs once and for all. We provide three different bed bug control methods: chemical, heat, and fumigation, and will recommend the best one for your particular situation.

Our technicians will thoroughly inspect and treat your home for bed bugs to ensure that the entire population is eliminated. We offer a 60-day warranty and will return to your property to re-treat if necessary during this period. Don’t let the bed bugs bite in your Bay Area home - contact Bay Pest Solution today for effective bed bug control.