Snug as a Bed Bug in a Rug: Tips for Dealing with Bed Bugs

Snug as a Bed Bug in a Rug

Bed bugs are back! Read our blog for tips and tricks for the prevention and removal of bed bugs.Sad but true, bed bugs are back to haunt you.

Although bed bugs were nearly eradicated several years ago, they have made a bold resurgence in America–and around the world.

It could be because of an increase in world travel. Or lack of education. It could be due to overcrowding in urban areas. Or because of the crack down on chemicals like DDT.

Hey farmer, farmer, put away your DDT/I don’t care ’bout spots on my apples, leave me the birds and the bees, please…
Whatever the reason, it’s important to realize that the threat of bed bugs is real and worthy of attention.

Oh, the places we will go
Bed bugs are quite the hitchhikers. They’ll grab a ride on whatever they can:

* Used furniture from stores, garage sales, relatives, dumpsters: Couches, beds, chairs, mattresses, love seats, etc., etc. Bed bugs hang out on furniture so they can get to you, their meal.
* Clothing: Have you stayed in a hotel recently? Bed bugs love your luggage, especially when you put it on the floor, on the bed, or in the dressers. New college student in a not-so-new dorm room? Bed bugs have parties, too. They wait for you to get their party started. Are you a couch surfer? You may be the gnarly wave that a bed bug rides in on. Bed bugs can also be found in clothing stores. But believe us, clothes with bugs in them aren’t a bargain.
* Outlets: Have you ever wondered how bed bugs get from one room to another? Besides using people as a vehicle, they will also go through the outlets in the walls. They travel through phone jacks and through holes in the ceiling or floor, too.
* Movie Theaters: People like movies. People sit in seats. Bed bugs fall off people. Other people sit in seats. Bed bugs get on new people.

For more information on bed bugs, please visit the All Things Bed Bugs website. It’s a great resource with tons of tips. For example, here are links to their tips for:

College Students
Travelers
Shopping
The Office

If you discover bed bugs in your home, office, or dorm room, it’s important to call a professional. Bed bugs are not a do-it-yourself pest and they are tough to get rid of. For peace of mind and professional service, call The Bug Man at 615.217.7284 today to set up an appointment.

For more on bed bugs, here’s a stellar article from TODAY Health.

Garage Sale Goodies and Bed Bug Bites

Garage sale bed bugs

Be cautious when searching for that great bargain at the local garage sale. You could be bringing bed bugs and roaches to your home. I drove by my first yard sale of the season this afternoon while cruising through Murfreesboro on Highway 96. You’d think that gazing at the steals-of-a-deals and knick-knacks strewn about on the lawn would bring me feelings of joy and delight.

I did not feel those warm, fuzzy feelings. Instead, I was provoked.

Why the provocation? Allow me to offer you an explanation.

In addition to the goodies out for sale on the lawn, I also saw furniture. I was then reminded that bed bugs and roaches often hang out in used couches, chairs, appliances, and beds. Sometimes bed bugs can even be transferred in used clothing.

Most bargain shoppers are unaware of the dangers of bugs as they shop. We’re not writing this blog in an attempt to scare you away from your neighborhood garage sale. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to provide for you and your family. But we are informing you on bug basics for bargain shopping.

If you purchase any clothes at a garage sale/yard sale/thrift store/etc., wash them before you wear them. The heat of the clothes washing and drying process kills a possible bug threat.

If you see a piece of used furniture that you simply must buy because it’s such a great deal, thoroughly inspect it before you buy it. Look in the seams of the fabric. Lift up the cushions. Inspect the crevices. Look underneath the furniture.

If you’re shopping for mattresses–especially used mattresses–look for any tiny blood stains or dark spots. Comb through the cracks and crevices of this cushioned comfort.

The exhilarating feeling of getting a great deal can easily fade upon discovering a pest infestation because of a lack of diligence while shopping.