Why Bed Bugs Are A Constant Problem In North Carolina
Bed bugs (known scientifically as Cimex lectularius) love humans. They love us so much, they live with us. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a bed bug that doesn't live in a man-made structure. This is because inside each and every one of us is the food source that bed bugs need to reproduce and survive. In the wild, they would have to feed on other mammals, and they don't prefer to, so the issue of bed bugs is predominantly an "inside" problem. But that doesn't mean the climate doesn't have an effect. Let's explore this.
While heat is one of the ways pest management professionals arrest bed bug infestations, it doesn't mean that bed bugs don't like the heat. When temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, bed bugs become extremely active. So, a hot North Carolina day will inspire these insects to get busy. This increases the likelihood that they will spread from one place to the next.
Bed bugs spread by passive dispersal. That is to say, they get into stuff that is transportable and are moved to a new location. They don't go from house to house or house to business on their own. So, during the warm months of the year, bed bugs spread more often. This increases the chance of someone bringing bed bugs into your home or business.
Moisture can impact bed bugs and increase their activity, which increases how often they will spread. It is important, however, to understand that creating dry conditions inside a man-made structure is not an effective tactic for control of these insects. They can stay hydrated by feeding on blood. This is why bed bugs do just fine in dry climates such as those found in Nevada and Southern California. But, the humidity in North Carolina promotes bed bug activity.
When it is warm and moist, bed bugs that are inside structures that are not climate controlled will be more active and get into more items that can be moved, but bed bugs can spread any time of year. They are an interior pest that spreads through human mechanical means. This makes them a constant problem in North Carolina.
At any point and at any time, bed bugs can find their way into your home or business. In a previous article, we gave some tips on what to do when you find bed bugs. There you'll be able to learn what bed bugs look like, where they prefer to hide, and what pitfalls you'll experience if you try to get rid of these tormenting pests on your own. It is definitely worth a read as a companion to this article. Here, we're going to focus on professional bed bug control.
When bed bugs get in, they can hide in a wide range of locations. Your pest management professional (PMP) knows where to look. A PMP is trained in entomological behavior patterns, as well as industry-leading pest management methods.
Control of bed bugs begins with a detailed inspection. Once potential trouble areas are cataloged, treatment options will be suggested.
In some cases, it is possible to deal with a bed bug infestation using conventional treatment methods. This requires multiple visits from a PMP and an application of chemicals to key areas such as baseboards, floorboards, and walls.
When bed bugs are widespread, it is necessary to do a full treatment of the home. For this, the best option is heat remediation. Heat is a powerful extermination method because it radiates into walls, furniture, electronics, and other hiding places. Once the treatment is done, it's done. All that is required is a follow-up visit to make sure that no bugs found a way to hide from the heat.
Be aware that the use of chemicals and the application of heat within a home requires special training to ensure the protection of individuals, pets, and belongings. Professionals follow strict guidelines when applying these bed bug control measures. Don't trust your family's health and the safety of your property to an untrained and unlicensed person.
For bed bug elimination, or ongoing inspections to prevent bed bug infestation in North Carolina, start here by requesting a free estimate.