DOES THE FALL WEATHER IMPACT BED BUGS?
A common question asked of our pest control professionals is whether or not bed bugs are affected by the changing weather. This question makes a lot of sense because we see a die-off of summer pests like mosquitoes as the weather gets colder, so it would make sense that other pests experience that same die-off. Unfortunately, the temperatures have little to no affect on bed bug populations, here’s why.
The reason that the cooler weather of fall does not impact bed bugs is that they are indoor pests; the climate-controlled indoor environment that bed bugs live in allows them to remain active all year long. Throughout the winter season they are continuously feeding, breeding, and when given the chance invading new properties. In addition to being problematic because they live inside, another fact about bed bugs that makes them so invasive and difficult to control is their ability to live anywhere; in any home and in any public place.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
Since bed bugs are a year-round pest, you as a homeowner can never put down your guard against them, you always need to be protecting yourself and belongings from coming into contact with these pests and accidentally introducing them into your home. The following tips can help limit the likelihood of bringing these troublesome pests into your home.
- If you will be traveling this fall check bedbugregistry.com to see if your hotel or motel has had a bed bug report filed. It is important to remember that a bed bug infestation can happen in any establishment, it is how the company handled the infestation that is important.
- The fall and winter seasons host a lot of holidays which means that you may be hosting a lot of overnight guests. After your guests leave, make sure to wash their bedding using your washer’s highest temperature setting. Your guests may have unknowingly come into contact with bed bugs during their travels.
- If possible try not to purchase second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box springs for your home. If it is not necessary, as it’s not worth the risk of a bed bug infestation.
- Avoid putting bags, purses, and coats on the floor of public places like movie theaters, libraries, shopping centers, airports, and similar places.
- When traveling, thoroughly inspect the entire room for signs of bed bugs before bringing your luggage in and unpacking. Keep suitcases in plastic trash bags and up off of the ground during your stay.
- After returning home from a trip, wash all clothes in hot water and dry them using a hot dryer setting.
If you find bed bugs or evidence of bed bugs in your home this fall or any time of the year, contact the bed bug control professionals at Viking Pest Control. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to get rid of without the help of a trained professional. At Viking Pest we have the ability to offer our customers year-round control and proactive preventative services to protect your home and family from invasive bed bugs!
Call Viking at 800-618-2847 to learn more about bed bug pest control and extermination services, or get a fast, free quote online today!
