Did You Know It’s National Bed Bug Awareness Week?
Bed bugs are not an occasion for homeowners to celebrate but the Clark Man, being the pest aficionado that he is, is taking time during National Bed Bug Awareness Week to share his knowledge of these annoying pests that can infest homes and commercial establishments.
Bed bugs have been ranked as one of the most difficult pests to control by pest management professionals nationwide. This is because bed bugs are one of the most mobile pests you can encounter.
Bed bugs can be transferred in a school back pack, clothing and bedding, in a purse or briefcase or in shoes. Needless to say bed bugs will take a free ride whenever and wherever they can to gain access to a structure.
Bed bugs are primarily active at night and prefer to establish harborage close to their feeding sources. They will set up shop in curtains and window coverings, furniture, picture frames, electrical outlets, wall-mounted lights in addition to bed frames and mattresses.
In a study conducted by the National Pest Management Association, apartments/condominiums and single-family homes ranked one/two (98% and 96%), respectively, when pest professionals were asked where do they most often treat for bed bugs.
The study also identified the biggest customer-oriented challenge when treating for bed bugs and topping the responses was homeowner clutter (67%). Every homeowner, the Clark Man included, knows that “stuff” tends to collect around the house and that “stuff” makes an ideal harborage for bed bugs.
If you think you may have bed bugs in your home the Clark Man recommends you contact a pest management professional to perform a thorough inspection of your home. Properly identifying whether you have bed bugs or another insect is a critical first step in eliminating these most unwanted pests.
How can homeowners in today’s highly mobile society prevent bed bugs from infesting their home? The Clark Man recommends the following:
- Pack clothing in sealable plastic bags before a business trip or vacation.
- Unpack luggage, backpacks and bedding brought home by college students outside in the garage.
- Give your suitcase, backpack, gym bag or briefcase a good cleaning.
- Immediately wash clothes and bedding in hot water. If an item cannot be washed you can place it in the dryer at the highest setting for 10 minutes.
Remember, if you have question on bed bugs, call 800/WE-NEED-YOU or drop me an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com
Until next time, I’m the Clark Man and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.