Bed Bugs and Infestations
(289) 828-2298
How Bed Bugs Infest Homes
Bed bugs don’t typically originate outdoors like many other pests. Instead, they hitchhike into homes and buildings, making it easy for them to spread quickly. These tiny pests can cause significant disruption once they infest a space. Prompt action is essential to prevent them from spreading and causing further issues.
How Bed Bugs Spread & Prevention Tips
Bed bugs are attracted to warmth and the smell of carbon dioxide, making it easy for them to latch onto clothes, furniture, and fabrics. They then travel with people and items into public spaces, rapidly spreading to new areas.
To prevent infestations, launder clothes on high heat for 30-45 minutes and vacuum your home regularly. For more prevention tips, check out the following link. Health Canada Prevent Bed Bugs Link
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bugs can infest any home, whether it’s clean or cluttered. They can be picked up from places like daycares, movie theaters, libraries, airplanes, and hotels. These pests can even travel between neighboring homes. Bed bug infestations are on the rise, and understanding how they spread is key to keeping your home bed bug-free.
Traveling and Bed Bugs
Bed bugs travel as much as we do, often hitching a ride from hotels or vacations. Even the cleanest, most luxurious hotels can unknowingly host them. When traveling, be mindful of your surroundings and inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bugs before unpacking.
Prevention Tip: Bring a large black garbage bag, seal your clothing in it, and keep your luggage in the bathtub while inspecting your room. Check out the following link for bed bug pictures at different stages of life. Bed Bugs Photos
Bed Bugs and Used Furniture
Buying used furniture or clothing can increase the risk of bringing bed bugs into your home. Before taking any secondhand items, inspect them thoroughly. If you’re unsure, call Green Heat at (289) 828-2298 for advice. We offer pre-treatment services for used items to prevent infestations.
For used clothing, always seal it in a bag, and once home, dry it on high heat for 45 minutes to kill any potential bed bugs. For more information, check out our Mobile Heat Treatment service. Mobile Heat Treatment Link
Bed Bugs from Friends and Family
If you know friends or family have bed bugs, avoid visiting their homes until they’ve treated the infestation. Bed bugs spread easily by hitching a ride on people, and staying overnight increases the risk of bringing them home.
Remind your loved ones of the importance of treating the problem immediately. Advise them about Green Heat’s 100% chemical-free heat treatment—the most effective solution. While DIY methods can reduce the issue, only a Heat Treatment ensures full eradication.
Bed Bugs and Sleeping Habits
Bed bugs are nocturnal and feed at night while you sleep. They don’t prefer your bed for comfort, but for proximity to their food source. Their favorite hiding spots are wooden surfaces or particle board, often behind headboards or in cracks and crevices. Bed bugs usually nest close to their host, so a thorough inspection of these areas is crucial.
Bed Bugs Hiding Places & Heat Treatment
Bed bugs are experts at hiding in small, dark spaces—cracks, crevices, pictures, and heating vents. They avoid light and often nest in hard-to-reach areas. This is why chemical sprays are often ineffective.
Heat treatment, however, is highly effective. It reaches 160°F, penetrating these hidden spots and eliminating bed bugs. Plus, unlike sprays, you won’t have to return to a chemically-treated home.