Below is a straightforward guide on beating bed bugs in Georgia, utilizing the eco-friendly strategies of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), courtesy of Sloan Pest Control. You’ll find simple, actionable advice to tackle those pesky bed bugs right at home or in commercial spaces.
If the bed bug situation becomes overwhelming, Sloan Pest Control is there to support you with complimentary inspections to guarantee your home or commercial space is cleared of bed bugs for good, guaranteed.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a bed bug battle plan that anyone can use, not just the pros. It’s about checking out how bad the bed bug problem is, using a mix of smart, safe ways to fight them off, and keeping an eye on things to make sure the bugs stay gone.
Why Bed Bugs Come Indoors
Ever wondered what makes your cozy nook a paradise for bed bugs? It boils down to their survival needs and dining preferences. Bed bugs favor homes and commercial spaces over the outdoors due to the warmth and constant temperatures provided by indoor environments. The proximity to humans offers them a steady food supply of blood without the risk of outdoor elements. Additionally, the absence of natural predators in the home environment enables bed bugs to thrive. The combination of safety, food availability, and suitable habitat makes our homes ideal for bed bug infestations. Here’s the breakdown:
Bed Bug Hideouts
Bed bugs are like tiny heat-seekers, depending on warmth from our beds and furniture to thrive. These spots also provide a safe zone away from threats, perfect for their living and breeding needs.
• Love for the Dark: These critters are nocturnal, favoring unseen corners and cracks that resemble their natural habitats.
Bed bugs discreetly bite and numb our skin so we don’t notice, then gulp down our blood. They depend on our blood to grow and proliferate, finding numerous sneaky spots in our homes to hide and multiply with their eggs.
Why Bed Bugs Like Humans
• We’re Warm and Breathe: Our exhaled CO2 and body heat are like beacons for bed bugs, signaling that dinner is served.
• Bed bugs are drawn to the smells that come from our skin. One smell they like a lot is lactic acid, which is something our bodies make and can end up in our sweat. So, when we sweat, even a little bit while we’re sleeping, the lactic acid in it is like a dinner bell for bed bugs, telling them where they can find their next meal.
• Easy Access: Our mostly hairless skin makes for an easy target.
Getting to Know Your Enemy
Spotting bed bugs early is crucial. These invaders are attracted to warmth and CO2, making beds and couches their preferred spots. They’re indifferent to cleanliness, so any home can become their next domain.
Cutting Off Their Resources
- Barrier Up: Mattress covers and interceptors are your first line of defense.
- Keep It Clean: A tidy space gives bed bugs fewer places to hide.
- Bring the Heat: Heat treatments can eradicate them at all stages.
For the best results, the treatment typically involves heating the affected areas or the entire property to temperatures between 120°F and 140°F (approximately 49°C to 60°C) for a set duration, often spanning several hours. These temperatures are lethal for bed bugs and their eggs.
Steam and Clean
Steam clean mattresses, sofas, beds, and any type of cloth or upholstered material of furniture to kill bed bugs on contact without chemicals. Launder sheets, clothing, and curtains in hot water, then dry at high heat to eliminate bed bugs in fabrics. Use blow dryers for direct heat treatment on cracks and hard-to-reach spots, and vacuum regularly to remove bed bugs and eggs from various surfaces.
Chemical Help
Look for an IPM-approved product at your local hardware store. Additionally, diatomaceous earth is an effective, natural, abrasive powder that combats bed bugs by dehydrating them. Apply it sparingly in infested areas, and be careful to avoid inhalation. Patience is key, as this contributes to a comprehensive bed bug control strategy.
Stay Vigilant
Regular checks can prevent new infestations from taking hold.
When to Call the Pros
For significant bed bug infestations, a pest professional is the most effective. They have the industrial-grade equipment and expertise to ensure comprehensive treatment.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Your Bed Bug Questions
- Cleanliness: It doesn’t deter bed bugs.
- Bites: Try antihistamines or topical creams for relief.
- Temperature Threshold: Above 100°F (37.7°C) is harmful to bed bugs.
- Hibernation: They don’t, but cooler temperatures can slow them down.
- Entry: They hitch rides on clothes, furniture, and luggage.
- Signs: Look for itchy welts, blood spots on bedding, and the bugs themselves.
- Prevention: Be cautious with used furniture and maintain cleanliness while traveling.
- Flight: They cannot fly.
- Habitats: They aren’t limited to beds and can occupy various places.
- Spread: They crawl or hitch rides on personal items.
The Sloan Pest Control Promise
At Sloan Pest Control, it’s about more than just pest removal; it’s about maintaining a healthy home environment and ensuring customer satisfaction with eco-friendly treatments. If bed bugs return, so will Sloan Pest Control, at no extra charge.
Schedule a Free, No Obligation Inspection
Choosing Sloan means personalized service and expert care. With free inspections and flexible scheduling, we’re ready to ensure your property is safe and protected. Please submit your contact information below to receive a free property inspection today.
