A lot of people think that having bed bugs in their Tulsa home is a sign that things are filthy and haven’t been cleaned in a while, but this is not actually the case.
Even if your home is squeaky clean, bed bugs can make their way into any place where their food source is readily accessible.
But what are these little pests and what’s actually so bad about having a few in your home? We want to take a moment to share some little known facts about bed bugs, and the problems they can cause if left untreated.
Bed Bugs Are Brilliant — To stay alive, bed bugs have come up with ways to stay hidden, especially in the daylight. They know exactly where to hide in your mattress, baseboards and box springs, wallpaper, picture frames, dresser drawers, and electrical outlets. When night falls and we are sleeping, the carbon dioxide we exhale actually draws them out of their hiding places.
Bed Bugs Aren’t Just In Beds — Because it’s in their name, a lot of people think that bed bugs, well, are only in beds. However, bed bugs are able to thrive in other environments like movie theaters, schools, offices, grocery stores, and a lot of other places where humans hang out.
Bed Bugs Are Tough — While bed bugs are small, this most certainly doesn’t make them weak. Bed bugs are able to survive for months at a time without eating a single meal. They are also able to stay alive in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. This allows them to stay in hiding for extremely long periods of time until a human happens to be in close proximity.
Allergic Reactions — Not all, but many people have negative allergic reactions when these pests bite because of the chemicals that are released. Swelling, redness, and inflammation are some of the results of a reaction if left untreated. In some cases, an allergic reaction can be more than a nuisance, and end up being a life-threatening situation.
Mental Harm — A study done at the University of Montreal showed that an infestation of bed bugs can cause insomnia and anxiety. Knowing that bed bugs have infested your home will always be in the back of your mind, and leaving you feeling slightly unsettled when you enter a room.
More Bed Bugs — Bed bugs won’t just go away. If left alone, they will continue to hide, continue to mate and continue to eat. This creates an endless cycle that is easily able to spiral out of control. The result is an infestation that you will wish you had taken care of a long time ago before it all started.
If you live in the Tulsa metro area and find yourself dealing with a bed bug infestation, or you just want to find out more about some preventative steps you can take to keep one from happening, we want to help! Don’t put it off any longer and contact us today!