Maybe you've heard about the increase in bedbug infestations across the country, and you're wondering: How do those pests get into a house in the first place? The short answer is, they need to be brought in. Here are some tips on how you can keep bedbugs from entering your house.
Bedbugs like furniture, particularly mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. They also enjoy chests of drawers and cabinets. Students often put these and other items out by the street at the end of the school year. In residential neighborhoods, people put them out for scavengers or trash collectors. Since they're such good hiding places for bedbugs, make sure your second-hand furniture comes from a safe place and inspect it before bringing it into your home.
It's not uncommon for people to discover that they have birds or bats in their attic. Unfortunately, birds and bats can sometimes be hosts for bedbugs and similar pests. If you manage to clear out your birds or bats, you may still have bedbugs. It's a good idea to bring in a professional to see if you have bedbugs in your house after a bird or bat infestation.
You might say that bedbugs are opportunists. They seek out snug, cozy places like suitcases and back packs, where they're content to wait months for their next meal. You may be bringing bedbugs home with you after returning from a stay at a potentially infested hotel, hostel, or house. Search all bags, luggage and clothing thoroughly before you return. Take special care to inspect the seams as they are a favorite hiding place for bedbugs. You can also put clothing and bags in the dryer on high heat for 30-40 minutes to ensure that all potential bedbugs and eggs have been killed.
