Three of Pennsylvania’s cities are among the most heavily affected in the country, and the state is currently dealing with a serious bed bug infestation. Philadelphia is ranked second in the most recent survey by Orkin, a reputable pest control firm; Pittsburgh and Allentown are ranked 14th and 20th, respectively. This article looks at the causes of the rise in bed bugs, how to spot an infestation, and what to do to get rid of the pests.
What Are the Most Common Ways Bed Bugs Spread in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, bed bugs are most frequently transmitted via hitchhiking on personal belongings such clothing, furniture, and baggage as well as by travel and trips to locations that have been infected. Bed bugs may travel from place to place with ease since they are able to stick to objects like purses, luggage, and personal possessions.
Unknowingly, people can spread them to others by carrying them on their clothing or other possessions after visiting hotels, public transit, movie theaters, or other locations where people spend a lot of time sitting down.
Furthermore, worn clothing and furniture can become infected with bed bugs, which spread when these things are moved to new areas. In Pennsylvania, houses and businesses must be properly inspected, cleaned, and taken preventive action to stop bed bugs from spreading and invading.
What Are the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?
Getting up in the morning to find closely spaced clusters of raised, red bites on your skin is frequently the first indication of a bed bug infestation. But not everyone responds to bed bug bites the same way, and some people might not even get itchy bumps at all.
The size of an apple seed, adult bed bugs range from 5 to 7 mm. If they haven’t eaten recently, their bodies are long, flat, oval-shaped, and if they have, they are reddish-brown and rounder.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs From Infesting Your Home
Based on the data from the sources listed, there are a number of proactive steps you may take to stop bed bugs from taking over your house:
1. Seal Crevices and Cracks: To keep bed bugs out of your house, caulk, sealer, or weather stripping should be used to seal any cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings.
2. Cover Electrical Outlets: Since bed bugs can hide in electrical outlets, covering them will prevent them from entering and limit their movement, which will hinder their ability to spread.
3. Wash Bedding on High Heat: To ensure that there are no bed bugs or their eggs left in your bedding, wash your pillowcases, sheets, and comforters in the washing machine at the highest temperature possible. After washing, dry them on high heat for a minimum of one hour.
4. Take Care at the Laundromat: If you use a communal laundry room, bring your dirty laundry in a sealed bag, load it right into the machine, and take extra care to make sure your clean clothes don’t contain bed bugs.
5. Examine Secondhand Furniture: Bed bugs can hide in furniture and make their way into your living area, so thoroughly check any used furniture for evidence of these pests before bringing it into your house.
6. Reduce Clutter: Clear out clutter in your home to help bed bugs find fewer hiding places and to make it simpler to find and treat infestations.
7. clean Often: To get rid of stray bed bugs and their eggs before they hatch, clean your floors, furniture, mattresses, and box springs on a regular basis.
8. Keep an eye out for Infestation Signs: Look for indications of bed bug infestation, such as bloodstains, feces, eggs, and live bugs. Examine the spaces surrounding your walls, furniture, and bed for any signs of pest infestation.
By taking these precautionary steps, you can lower your home’s risk of becoming infested with bed bugs and steer clear of the negative effects that an infestation of bed bugs can have on your finances, social life, and health.
Eliminating Bed Bugs
Bed bug removal calls for a multifaceted strategy. Reduce harborages by vacuuming and steam cleaning carpets, washing all bedding, drapes, and clothing in hot water, sealing cracks and crevices around baseboards and cove moldings, and thoroughly cleaning contaminated areas.
For treatment, get in touch with a reputable pest control business if an infestation is detected. It can be risky and useless for homeowners to try treating the infestation on their own with store-bought insecticides.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania has a serious bed bug problem; three of its cities are among the worst afflicted nationwide. A multifaceted strategy is needed to prevent and eradicate bed bug infestations, including public education, vigilante behavior, and hiring pest control experts.
Homeowners and renters may safeguard their homes and health from bed bugs by preventing infestations and responding quickly to infestations when they do arise.
