Pennsylvania has a major bed bug problem; three of its towns are among the worst afflicted in the country. Orkin, a reputable pest control company, recently published a new research that ranks cities according to pest control. Second place goes to Philadelphia, followed by Pittsburgh and Allentown, ranked fourteenth and twentieth, respectively. This article discusses the causes of the rise of bed bugs, how to identify an infestation, and how to eradicate these pests.
Most of the time, bed bugs get from one place to another in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, bed bugs typically spread by traveling or stopping by areas where they are already established. They can also get on personal belongings that people bring with them, such as furniture, clothing, and baggage. Because they are so adept at adhering to objects, such as handbags, bags, and personal belongings, bed bugs have an easy time traveling from one location to another.
Because they carry them on their clothing or other items after being in an infected location—such as a hotel, public transportation, movie theater, or other location where people spend a lot of time sitting down—people frequently spread them unknowingly.
Additionally, when used clothing or furniture is transferred to new locations, bed bugs may enter and multiply within it. In Pennsylvania, bed bugs must be examined, cleansed, and kept out of doors in order to prevent them from proliferating and infiltrating residences and commercial buildings.
What Are the Signs That You Have Bed Bugs?
Your skin may be covered in little clusters of raised, red bites when you wake up. Often, this is the initial indication that you have bed bugs. But not everyone is affected by bed bug bites in the same manner, and some people might not even develop itchy lumps.
The length of an adult bed bug is 5 to 7 mm, and its size is comparable to an apple seed. They have long, flat, oval bodies that are reddish brown if they haven’t eaten in a while. If they have, they have bigger, more reddish-brown bodies.
What you can do to keep bed bugs out of your house
You may prevent bed bugs from entering your house by taking a few proactive measures using the information provided by the sources:
1. Seal Cracks and Holes: To prevent bed bugs from entering your house, seal any gaps in the walls, floors, and ceilings with weather stripping, glue, or sealant.
2. Cover the outlets with covers. Since bed bugs can hide in electrical outlets, covering them will keep the bugs out of the room and hinder their ability to spread.
Third, use the washing machine’s maximum temperature setting to clean your comforters, sheets, and pillows. Next, dry them for a minimum of one hour on high heat to eliminate any potential bed insect infestations or their eggs.
4. Use caution when doing laundry. Put your filthy garments in a ziploc bag and throw them straight into the washing machine if you use a common laundry room. Additionally, take care to ensure that your clean garments do not contain bed bugs.
5. Examine used furnishings. Before bringing old furniture into your house, thoroughly inspect it for indications of bed bugs, as these insects can hide in furniture and spread to your living space.
6. Get Rid of Clutter: Clearing out clutter in your house will make it more difficult for bed bugs to hide, making it simpler to identify and cure infestations.
7. You may eliminate stray bed bugs and their eggs before they have a chance to spread by routinely vacuuming your floors, furniture, mattresses, and box springs.
8. Watch for indications of an infestation. Bloodstains, feces, eggs, and even live bugs can be left behind by bed bugs. Inspect the areas surrounding your bed, the walls, and the furniture for indications of pest activity.
You may significantly reduce the likelihood that bed bugs will enter your home and avoid the associated social, economical, and health issues by implementing these preventative measures.
Getting rid of bed bugs
Multiple approaches are required to eradicate bed bugs. Spotlessly clean fully infected rooms. To prevent bugs from hiding in baseboards and cove moldings, vacuum and steam clean any carpets, wash all bedding, drapes, and clothing in hot water, and seal any cracks or crevices.
To get rid of them if you believe you have a problem, contact a reputable pest control business. It is not advisable for those with infestations to attempt self-eradication using poisons purchased from stores, as this method may not be effective and may potentially pose a risk.
In conclusion
Bed bugs are a major concern in Pennsylvania. Among the most afflicted towns in the entire nation are these three. A number of actions are necessary to prevent and eradicate bed bug infestations, including public education, constant vigilance, and the use of professional pest control services.
By preventing outbreaks before they start and acting quickly when they occur, landlords and tenants can safeguard their properties and well-being from bed bugs.