Bed bugs were first noted as being a pest as far back as the times of the Pharaohs (and no… I’m not talking about the ant)! The Ancient Egyptians found them to be such a pest that they decided to note their annoying ways in stone for all to read! Bed bugs continued their reign of terror until the 1950’s, when vacuuming and washing machines became affordable for the daily person. So, why have bed bugs come back in such a veracious way? The experts of the pest control world have many theories like, international travel, less general pest control and more targeted pest control for other pest, increase resistance to chemical treatments and the increased use of second-hand furniture.
Bed bugs are tricky! They are very small; adults are about 4-5mm long and 1.5-3mm wide. Most females can lay 1-10 eggs a day and up to 500 in a lifetime. It is because they are so small that people do not even recognize where they could have picked one up at. It is so easy for your child to put their backpack down on the school bus and pick up a bed bug! Here are some other common places to look for bed bugs, especially if you love second-hand stores!
Purses/backpacks – Zippers are the perfect place for mom bed bug to deposit some of her eggs! The eggs will stick to the seam and travel anywhere you go!
Books – I adore a good used bookstore! Finding a new treasure to take home with you! Make sure to take some time to look at the book for any signs of bed bugs. That way you don’t take home a horror story!
Picture frames – If Antiques Roadshow has taught us anything it is to get those really cool paintings from your local second-hand store because they could be worth thousands! Make sure you take the time to inspect your new treasure, or it could cost you more than it is worth!
Airplanes – As the world opens after this Covid pandemic be aware that bed bugs can be in the seats and carpets and the bags surrounding yours.
Stuffed Animals – If your child is like mine, there is a certain stuffed animal that they just can’t go without and takes everywhere! Taking the time to toss the stuffty in the dryer will prevent a ton of tears – from your child and you!
Bed bugs are notoriously hard to get rid of. If you miss one – you must start over. What is the best way to get rid of these pests safely and without the fear of chemical resistance? The answer is of course – heat! Bed bugs are extremely sensitive to heat and when exposed to a sustained heat of 140 degrees for 4 hours will die. This prevents even one being missed and making you do the whole treatment all over again. We use a multiple heaters at a sustained heat that will not damage your property or any of your possessions. Do not wait to get the best treatment around! Email us at jdangler@envpest.com
