As we begin to prepare for the cold winter months, many believe that they are safe from pest invasion. There are many species of insects and other pests that hibernate or even die during the harsh cold of winter. However you may be surprised to find that not all pest problems are solved in the cold season. Bed bugs are one of these pests that will remain active even during the cold weather. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control wants to make you aware of the continuous possibility of bed bugs becoming a problem in your home, and what you can do to prevent bed bugs from making themselves cozy right next to you when you sleep.
At what Temperature Do Bed Bugs Die?
First let’s talk about bed bugs. Most believe bed bugs aren’t a problem when the weather temperatures being to drop. However recent studies show that bed bugs can survive in 14 degrees Fahrenheit for up to five days. This gives them plenty of time to retreat into a warm environment with plenty of food. This is when bed bugs will come into your home for warmth. They feed on blood so you, your family, and even your pets are an excellent food source.
How Do Bed Bugs Travel?
Bed bugs are hitchhikers; they make their way into your home by clinging onto every kind of fabric imaginable. You can bring them home with your purses, backpacks, clothing and luggage when traveling. They can hitch a ride from a friend’s house or cars, public transportation, in vacation lodgings, and really just about anywhere you go. You may never know when you bring a bed bug into your home. They are very small and flat insects, no bigger then an apple seed. You will want to do your best to keep an eye out for these mall brown bugs.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
To prevent an infestation in your home, make sure you do regular cleaning. Wash bedding and other fabrics in hot water and dry them with high heat. This will kill any bed bugs and their eggs. To prevent bed bugs from crawling onto your beds, you can use glass bowls on the legs of your bed frame. These creatures can’t climb smooth surfaces. Vacuum mattresses and furniture to suck up any bed bugs or their egg when you do your regular cleaning.
Bed Bug Bites & Other Signs of Bed Bugs
If you are beginning to get bug bites when you wake up in the morning, this is a good clue that you may have a bed bug invasion. Bites will appear in a group cluster and even in a line. If you are under the suspicion that there are bed bugs in your home, do a visual inspection. Inspect your bedding for small red or brownish stains. This is a sign of bed bugs. You will want to examine your mattress, box springs, bed frames, and any furniture within five to eight feet of where you sleep. Also look in cracks; this could be door frames, floor boards, outlets, and peeled wallpaper. Bed Bugs will hide in dark places during the day and come out at night to feed.
Bed Bug Pest Inspections, Control, Management & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
After you have done all the cleaning and thorough inspection, and you still can’t get rid of your bed bug problem, it’s time to call a professional. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control can do a thorough inspection and eliminate your bed bug problem. Call us and see how we can help you solve your problem.
