Recently, Orkin gave Indianapolis a title the city and its inhabitants certainly did not desire: to be in the Top Ten of Bed Bug Cities in the U.S. Sadly, Indianapolis has been climbing in the ranking for a few years now, and in 2023, they are now in slot #7. So what can Indianapolis residents do to move on down that bothersome list? This article will review facts about bed bugs and how to get rid of them.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs, the size of an apple seed, are small, reddish-brown wingless insects with a flattened shape that allows them to hide in small spaces. These critters feed on the blood of humans and animals, are usually active at night, and can be found in various environments, including homes, apartments, hotels, and other types of buildings. They have six legs and two antennae and are about 5 millimeters long.
Bed bugs are known for their ability to survive in many environments and for their ability to go long periods without feeding. They typically hide in the crevices of beds, mattresses, box springs, and other furniture and come out at night to feed. They are drawn to the warmth and carbon dioxide from sleeping humans and animals. Bed bugs’ bites can cause itching and inflammation and lead to secondary skin infections. They can also cause psychological distress and insomnia due to the fear of being bitten.
Preventing Bed Bugs
No one wants to deal with bed bugs in their home, which is why it’s essential to take the necessary steps to prevent them from ever entering your space. Unfortunately, bed bugs can be hard to detect and even harder to eliminate once they have taken root in your living environment, so prevention is critical. Thankfully, there are a few simple strategies that you can use to help stop bed bug infestations before they start.
- Inspect second-hand furniture and clothing before bringing them into your home, as bed bugs can easily hitch a ride on these items.
- Vacuum your home regularly, especially around the edges of rooms, where bed bugs often hide.
- Use bedbug-proof mattresses and box spring encasements to make it more difficult for bed bugs to hide and breed.
- Use a bed bug interceptor, a small device that you place under each leg of your bed frame, to trap any bed bugs trying to climb up or down your bed.
- Vacuum frequently and check the crevices of couches and chairs for any sign of bug activity.
- Do not bring home any used mattress, box spring, or furniture
- It’s also important to be cautious when traveling and to inspect hotel rooms for bed bugs before unpacking. If you suspect you have bed bugs in your home, it’s best to contact a professional exterminator to safely and effectively eliminate the infestation.
Eliminating Bed Bugs
Eliminating bed bugs can be a difficult task, but several steps can be taken to get rid of them:
- Clean and declutter the infested area. This includes vacuuming and steam cleaning all surfaces, as well as removing any clutter harboring the bugs.
- Use pesticides specifically designed for bed bugs. These can be purchased at a hardware store or applied by a professional exterminator. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
- Seal any cracks or crevices in the infested area to prevent the bugs from spreading.
- Use bed bug-proof encasements on your mattress and box spring to trap any bugs that may be hiding inside.
- If you cannot get rid of the bed bugs yourself, it is necessary to hire a professional exterminator.
In conclusion, evidence suggests that Indianapolis is not the worst city for bedbug infestations, but it suffers from a significant problem. The data points to the fact that the number of bed bug cases in Indianapolis has steadily increased. This should serve as a warning sign that more attention and resources should be devoted to prevention efforts and extermination services. Trio Pest Control is just the right company to help anyone in Indianapolis who is suffering from this problem.
