For many families, having a bed bug infestation can be an extremely jarring situation. These tiny insects can live in clothing, furniture, bedding, and even artwork, so it’s essential to take steps to prevent transporting them. Below are four potential causes of a bed bug infestation. 

What Can Cause Bed Bug Infestations? 

1. Traveling

When traveling, you’ll pass through many temporary residences. From hostels to hotels and lodges, it’s essential to check the corners and underside of the mattresses for tiny bed bugs. Even rooms that look clean may have insect problems, so it’s important to look before you sleep. If you notice any signs of molted skin, eggs, or the bugs themselves, head for other lodgings right away.

2. Purchasing Secondhand Items

If you buy clothing, linens, furniture, or art secondhand, be sure to assess each piece. Bed bugs can hide in the folds of lampshades, corners of paintings, and any dark crevice. Always wash fabric items in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill off potential bugs. 

3. Moving into a New Home 

If you have recently moved, you are at-risk of learning that the new place has pests. Insects can travel from one apartment or lodging to the next, so it’s essential to check into the residence’s pest control procedures. When vetting potential new homes, ask the landlords if they’ve had pest issues and how they treated them. Regular preventative insecticide spraying in the common areas should significantly reduce infestation problems.

4. A Cluttered House

While bed bugs aren’t necessarily attracted to dirt, they do like having dark places to hide. If you keep a cluttered home with a lot of items on the floor and counters, you’re more likely to have bed bugs. These insects will take advantage of the mess, making it more challenging to mitigate the infestation due to the excess items.

Homeowners who have bed bugs can turn to Advanced Termite & Pest Control in Cumberland County, TN, to address the infestation. The exterminators are well trained in treating homes and business facilities to rid them of a variety of pests safely. Call the Crossville-area experts at (866) 636-2687 or visit the website for information on how they mitigate bed bugs, ants, scorpions, wasps, and rodents.