Bedbugs are notoriously stubborn pests that have a habit of making your home their own. Once they take up residence, it can be a challenge to eliminate them without a residential pest control professional. However, recognizing the culprits that bring them into your home in the first place can help you avoid them in the future. Here’s what every homeowner should know.

What Causes Bedbug Problems?

1. Travel

Bedbugs are naturally drawn to areas where many people are present, largely because it’s easy for them to latch onto a mode of transport and move from one area to another. For example, bedbugs are notorious for “living” on suitcases and in hotel beds.

Once you carry your bag back home or bring an article of clothing that once touched a hotel bed back home, you may have inadvertently brought a bedbug infestation along with you. These bugs are not generally visible without a thorough inspection.

2. Used Furniture

Many people choose to part ways with their furniture. Although you might find some treasures at the antique store or a secondhand shop, be mindful of the history of the piece. It’s very easy for persistent bedbugs to create homes within the corners of sofas and chairs, or inside cabinet drawers.

Because there’s no way for a homeowner to suspect that there’s a bedbug problem on their furniture unless they experience symptoms, it falls on the buyer to properly inspect the furniture before purchasing.

3. Public Transportation

Just like bedbugs like hotels, they are also fond of public transportation sites. This includes everything from airports to train and bus stations. Since these are spots where large crowds of people congregate, often with their bags, the pests are more likely to accumulate.

They’re especially likely to be found on seats. To be safe, wash your clothing in the hottest temperature setting when you return home.

Are you concerned about a possible bedbug infestation? Turn to the extermination professionals at Bruce Terminix Service. Proudly serving clients throughout St. Charles County, MO, they offer comprehensive residential pest control treatments. Visit the website for more information, or call (636) 947-1452 to schedule an appointment.