Bed Bug Prevention for Every Season

There are few insects that can cause an infestation in the winter. Why? Because insects are cold-blooded. Now that might sound strange, but cold-blooded creatures don't actually have cold blood all of the time. In the summer, they warm right up. But, since they don't have the ability to maintain a warm body temperature, they slow down when they get cold. Bed bugs never have to slow down because they live with warm-blooded humans who like to stay warm all year long. For this reason, a bed bug infestation can occur any time of year. But, even though they live inside, August is the busiest time of year because the warm weather gets into homes and businesses that are not temperature controlled. If you read this article in August, when it is first published, you're reading it at just the right time to prevent a bed bug infestation. If you're reading this at some other time of year, don't worry, you can still use these same prevention tips all year long. Preventing bed bug bites is the same in every season. Let's take a look at how the seasons affect bed bugs and what you can do to prevent an infestation.

Bed Bugs In Spring

Spring weather is typically more humid than the other seasons, and bed bugs love the humidity as much as they love warmth. Humidity will inspire these insects to reproduce faster.

Bed Bugs In Summer

When it heats up, bed bugs get busy. While heat can be used to kill bed bugs, it takes temperatures above 120 °F. In the 80s and 90s, the temperature is perfect for these bugs.

Bed Bugs In Fall

As it gets colder outside, bed bugs may slow down inside, depending on the temperature control in the structures they inhabit. This is good for slowing reproduction. However, most people start to notice infestations in the fall because infestations that start in the summer begin to mature in the fall.

Bed Bugs In Winter

There is no rest for the wicked. Since bed bugs spread when humans travel, the holiday season is a prime time for bed bugs to spread.

Bed Bug Prevention Simplified

• Studies have shown that bed bugs are attracted to soiled clothing (items that have been worn). Be cautious about leaving clothing on the floor or draped over furniture when you go anywhere outside of your home.
• Since bed bugs get into dirty clothes and lay eggs in clothing, it is important to wash and dry all of your clothing on the hottest temperature when returning from a trip. Be sure to wash your kids' things when they return from sleeping somewhere, even if it is only for one night.
• Bed bugs get into bedding. If you use a sleeping bag or bring your own bedding to spend the night somewhere, be sure to check it thoroughly and wash any items that are washable. During your inspection, look for tiny white eggs, bed bug nymphs, black stains, black droppings, brown or red blood stains, and insect skins. If you see signs of bed bugs on items that can't be washed, keep those items outside of your home until they can be treated by a pest control company.
• Bed bugs don't just hide in clothing, bedding, and beds. They can get into furniture. If you see an item at a yard sale or on the side of the road, be aware that bed bugs could be inside. Have a pest control company do a chamber treatment on used items or, at the very least, do a detailed inspection for the bed bug signs listed above.
• Bed bugs can get into walls. When you stay in a hotel or motel, it is a good idea to inspect your bed for the signs of bed bugs, but also check baseboards, outlets, electronics, and upholstered furniture as well. While you do your inspection, leave your bags outside your room or on the tiled floor in the bathroom.

Any time you leave your home in spring, summer, fall, or winter, you can pick bed bugs up, even if you don't spend the night. It is important to always keep an eye out for the signs bed bugs leave and get help from a professional whenever you have to deal with these blood-eating pests. Bed bugs are extraordinarily difficult to exterminate.

For assistance with bed bugs in Connecticut or Massachusetts, go here. American Pest Solutions is a leader in bed bug remediation and control. We'll help you get rid of those bugs the first time!