Good night, sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite. That grandmother's bedtime warning has made a comeback as bedbug infestations continue to escalate.
Bedbugs are called the "new scourge of America" by one
expert, this blood-feeding insect of mythical lore has been spotted
increasingly in cities that have an influx of international tourists, including Metro Atlanta.
Infestations have been reported in hotels and motels -- and it's not
just the rundown, seedy ones.
It's been 50 years since we've had a serious problem with bedbugs, so most hotel workers don't know what to look for. A lot of homeowners bring these tiny critters in their luggage when coming back from a business trip.
Some signs of infestations are:
* Small, reddish-brown stains on sheets and mattresses.
* Similar stains at other locations that could be entrances to hiding places.
* A sickening, sweet odor.
* Bedbugs in the pockets of "popcorn" ceilings and other secreted places.
Here are a few things to do when if you find to there to be a bed bug infestation in your home.
- Don't overreact & grab the first can of pesticide or set off 10 bug bombs inside your house because that's not going to work. Over the counter pesticides typically repell pests, and since bedbugs are usually found in linens and matresses you wouldn't want to go to sleep on pesticide.
- Do NOT throw away your Mattress or furnirture. You risk dropping bedbugs and eggs with every step you take with them, AND it will not get rid of the problem. Not only will you still have your bedbugs, but the expense of replacing the furniture and paying for treatment as well. Don't waste hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a new bed and furniture.
- Don't move objects and furnishings from room to room.
If you move your pillow, blanket, or stuffed toy to another room to sleep, whether in another bed or a couch, you risk spreading the problem. If you need to go to a different room, go there with clean pajamas, clean bedding and clean pillows. If your child simply has to have that one stuffed toy to sleep, put it in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. - Don't count on freezing temperatures to kill your bedbugs.
You would need to use a deep freezer with a sustained temperature of zero for two weeks-freezing temperature is 32 degrees. Putting objects out on the patio on a cold winter may slow things down, but most people do not live in climates with qualifying temperatures.
If you need help concerning a bedbug problem, or if you need a FREE inspection plesae call us today