As a parasitic insect, bedbugs live off human blood and tend to go wherever it’s located. However, as they cannot fly or attach to bodies, these pests must make a home nearby, which makes the bed a natural place to find them. Even if you have the cleanest home in the neighborhood, it could be invaded if you’re not careful. Fortunately, following some regular pest control policies will greatly improve the odds of keeping your home bedbug-free.  

Where Do Bedbugs Come From?

Bedbugs are hitchhikers, which means they’re easily transported from one place to the next and can be found practically everywhere as a result. If you visit a home or establishment or ride in a vehicle that has already been infested, it's possible you’ll bring the pests home with you. 

Once you bring them into your house, the insects will seek out dark areas that are close to where you spend your time. While they’re not attracted to dirt and clutter, it's common for the bugs to use them as hiding spots. However, tidying the area won't get rid of them, as they'll only relocate to a darker spot. For effective solutions, you'll need to call a pest control expert.

How Can You Avoid Bringing Them Into Your Home?

After single-family homes and apartments, bedbugs are most often found in hotels. If staying in one, thoroughly inspect your room before bringing in your belongings. Keep your clothing in your luggage during the stay, and if there’s a shelf off the floor, place all of your pieces there. When you return home, immediately wash everything in hot water and dry on high heat to kill any potential hitchhikers. 

For pest control success in your day-to-day life, vacuum the floors in your home one to two times a week, and go over the furniture with upholstery attachments. Regularly check your mattresses for physical signs of the bugs, such as brownish rust spots, and add a mattress cover over the mattress and box springs to minimize hiding spaces. Finally, always examine any secondhand furniture before bringing it into your home. This includes removing screwed-in pieces and checking between all cracks with a flashlight.

If you've found bedbugs lurking in your home, contact Advanced Termite & Pest Control. Since 2000, this family-owned pest control company has provided quality services to Cumberland County, TN, and surrounding areas. After inspecting your home, they’ll provide a tailored program to effectively get rid of any unwanted guests. Call them today at (866) 636-2687 to schedule a free pest inspection. Visit their website to learn more about their bedbug, termite, and roach control solutions.