Bed bugs infest our beds, our furniture and our personal belongings. They feed on our blood and are one of the most difficult pests to control. That's because they're masters at hiding in locations where most people will not find them, and they are resistant to just about all of the pesticides on the store shelves. If left untreated, they can make your life miserable.
According to research from Bayer, many homeowners may have put off dealing with bed bug infestations due to concerns about having people in their houses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, this means that when a bed bug control specialist gets called, the problem is worse than it would have been had they called a professional sooner.
If you think you have a bed bug infestation, don't wait to call us. Here are some reasons you should act now.
Reasons to Treat a Bed Bug Infestation Fast
1. One bed bug could cause an infestation.
Can one bed bug cause an infestation? Well, if it's one male, there's no chance of an infestation. However, if it's an adult female, then the answer is yes - it could cause an infestation. All it takes is one one adult female, which can lay eggs, and you could be in for a real problem.
2. Bed bugs bite and the thought of them is creepy.
Everyone knows the saying "Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite." Unfortunately, this saying is rooted in fact, making it hard to "sleep tight" when bed bugs are present in your home. These tiny bugs feed on human blood while we sleep, robbing us of a peaceful night's rest. They infest our beds and upholstered furniture. The thought of bed bugs coming out to feed on us while we sleep is not only creepy, but bites can be intensely itchy, or worse if you are allergic to their bite, according to the CDC.
Related: Bed Bug Bites: Treatments and Resources
3. Bed bug infestations spread quickly.
How long does it take to get a bed bug infestation? Bed bugs can reach maturity in about 35 days, and they can live up to 12 months. Every day, a single bed bug can lay up to 1-2 eggs, and in rare cases up to 6 eggs. Bed bugs are also good crawlers, moving as much as three to four feet per minute. All this means an infestation can get out of control quickly if not addressed.
4. The longer you wait, the more expensive a bed bug infestation gets.
The longer a bed bug problem is allowed to exist, the larger the population grows and the more difficult and expensive it is to eliminate. If you sit on a bed bug infestation — or even if you attempt to control it yourself — the problem is likely going to get worse. And a worsening problem means more time, more bites, more frustration and more money to get things under control. If you're vigilant and act quickly, you'll save yourself a world of frustration — and several dollars.
What kills bed bugs instantly?
There is no silver bullet when it comes to eliminating a bed bug infestation and bed bug control is not something you should attempt yourself. Because these pests are so difficult to remove, dealing with them is a job best left to the professionals. There's no instant, or simple, fix for bed bugs, but trained specialists understand that every bed bug infestation is different and know which methods of elimination to use based on your situation. If you think bed bugs are making themselves at home in your house, contact Terminix® today.