Bed bugs are small insects that infest mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other soft fabrics. They are almost undetectable unless you look closely at the seams or folds in fabrics or you are bitten. If they find their way into a bed or a piece of furniture, they are extremely difficult to eliminate.
You may be wondering what causes bed bugs. Bed bugs feed on blood, so they are attracted to biological signs of life, such as warmth and the emission of carbon dioxide. This is why they are more active during the night, as we are exhaling with our mouths open and are typically warmer in bed.
Undoubtedly, they create problems, but they can cause additional health concerns to sick people whose immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Though bed bugs are not known to carry and spread disease, they do bite their hosts and feed off of human blood. The itching associated with bed bugs opens up the skin and makes it susceptible to a secondary infection as a result of the bites.
Furthermore, these bugs like to hide in people’s clothing and belongings, and we want to avoid their transfer by ensuring that our healthcare facilities stay free of these pests. As a result, it is incredibly important that these institutions in particular take proper precautions against bed bugs. Knowing how to prevent bed bug infestations and how to get rid of them is crucial in keeping people healthy and their homes safe from these pests.
How Do Bed Bugs Spread Into And Out Of A Home Or Business?
Bed bugs can’t fly or jump, so it may be a mystery to some as to how they get around so quickly. Bed bugs typically travel by hitching a ride on someone's clothing or luggage. The constant flow of people coming in and leaving healthcare facilities creates the perfect opportunity for bed bugs to travel and infest quickly.
What Are Common Issues Caused By Bed Bugs?
Thankfully, bed bugs are not carriers of disease, so you don’t have to worry about getting sick if you find them. They are, however, nuisance pests, and can cause problems for people who are already healing from other issues. Their bites are itchy and can wake you up in the middle of the night to scratch them, which may lead to insomnia. Any sort of pest inside a healthcare setting is considered unsanitary and can ruin the reputation of that facility quickly.
What Causes An Infestation Of Bed Bugs?
This is a common question for home and business owners alike. If you know where they come from, they're easier to prevent, right? Sort of. Bed bugs reproduce quickly, and in a place where they have plenty to eat, such as a hospital or hotel, they stay and reproduce in that area, as they don’t have to migrate for food. Furthermore, in these institutions, there are plenty of places for them to hide. If owners detect a bed bug problem, they may partially eliminate the pest, but it’s incredibly difficult to exterminate bed bugs completely without the help of a professional.
How Do I Prevent Bed Bugs?
You may be wondering, “What is a good way to get rid of bed bugs?” The best way to keep your Aiken healthcare facility bed bug-free is by constantly checking the beds and sheets of the building. Unfortunately, even if it was possible to check every person who entered for bed bugs, you most likely wouldn’t find them because of their small size and ability to hide.
The best way to reduce the risk of bed bugs in any building is to establish year-round pest control services. Eliciting professionals to come in regularly is the only way to ensure that your facility remains free of nuisance pests. If bed bugs have already infested your home, business, or healthcare facility, contact Aiken Pest Control immediately. Our bed bug control programs are designed specifically with the sensitive nature of healthcare facilities in mind. We will help keep you, your staff, and your patients safe.