Why Bed Bugs Are a Serious Concern
Bed bugs are small, nocturnal pests that hide in cracks and crevices, making them difficult to detect and treat. Their rapid reproduction means a few bugs can become hundreds within a month. Without proper treatment, infestations can persist indefinitely.
Prevention is the best defense. Bed bugs often enter homes through:
- Carrier transmission: Hitching a ride on clothing or personal items.
- Adjoined unit transmission: Entering from adjacent units through vents, wiring, or hallways.
While adjacent unit transmission can be difficult to control, following prevention practices—especially while traveling—can help avoid bringing bed bugs into your home.
The S.L.E.E.P. Method for Bed Bug Prevention
Use the S.L.E.E.P. acronym when inspecting accommodations:
S — Survey
Survey your room for bed bug signs. Bed bugs are not limited to dirty spaces and can inhabit any environment. Warning signs include:
- A sweet or dusty odor
- Brown or black spots on bed linens or sheets
- Clusters of itchy welts (often in groups of three, nicknamed “Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner” bites)
L — Lift and Look
Lift bedding and inspect thoroughly. Check:
- Mattresses and bed linens
- Box springs and bed frames
- Behind headboards and pillows
- Under the bed and around the bed structure
Look for live bugs, molted skins, or fecal stains.
E — Elevate
Keep luggage elevated and away from beds, walls, and furniture. Use a luggage rack (after inspecting it) or place bags on a table away from the wall. Elevating luggage reduces the risk of bed bugs hitching a ride.
E — Examine
Before leaving, examine your luggage and clothing carefully. If you notice signs of bed bugs, unpack directly into a washer or in an area away from living spaces, such as a garage or utility room.
P — Place
Once home, launder all clothing—even clean items. Run clothes through a dryer cycle for 15 to 20 minutes to kill any potential hidden bed bug eggs.
Why Professional Help Matters
Bed bug infestations are extremely difficult to remove and require the use of a Pest Control company with specific experience and equipment to resolve the issue. Following the SLEEP acronym is your best protection against unknowingly bringing bed bugs into your home. In the event that you have, Pestward is only a call away to help.