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Environment Pest Control Technology

Where did bed bugs come from?

Bed bugs travel surprisingly well, and are quite comfortable stowing away in luggage and even clothing. The bugs are increasingly found in urban hotels in America. Since they tend to stow away and travel with humans, any place that sees a number of world travelers is susceptible. Pilots, wealthy people, and business travelers can bring bed bugs along unwittingly.

What can you do to avoid bed bugs?

Look around. Bed bugs are large enough to see. Look particularly under the mattress and in the seams, in and around the bedframe, and along any cracks or peeling paint in the wall or picture frames.

What should you do if you are bitten by bed bugs?

Bed bugs bite exposed skin and leave behind small, red, itchy welts. The good news? Bed bugs are not generally thought to transmit any diseases. The damage is more emotional than physical. The CDC does say that bites from bed bugs can be treated with topical emollients or corticosteroids. You can also take an oral antihistamine. If you are exposed, you may consider treating your home as well. Most pest control companies are equipped to handle bed bugs.
When it is necessary to live with bed bugs in the short term, it is possible to create a makeshift, temporary barrier around a bed that will help prevent bed bugs from crawling back onto it. A successful barrier, however, assumes the entire bed itself has been completely disinfected of all bed bugs and their eggs beforehand. Using such a strategy to isolate a bed can provide immediate relief and comfort from further bed bug bites. An example of duct tape curled over lengthwise to create a sticky barrier.

In using duct tape as a barrier

A disinfected bed can be isolated and protected by applying a layer of duct tape around each leg of the bed - using regular duct tape that has been curled lengthwise over on itself with the sticky side out. This creates a simple yet sticky barrier that will prevent most bed bugs from being able to crawl up the legs and onto the bed.

Barrier technique may also be used in multiple strips

This barrier technique may also be used in multiple strips or rows placed side by side to create an even stronger barrier (in areas where an infestation is heavy or where there exists a higher chance that bed bugs will attempt to crawl over the sticky tape).

However, in using duct tape as a barrier, it is usually necessary to first place down a protective layer of some sort to prevent the duct tape from damaging the surfaces adhered to as well as to the prevent the duct tape barrier from leaving behind a sticky residue once it is finally removed. This protective layer, if used, can be created by placing a layer of painter's tape (also called masking tape) around the legs of the bed first - before placing the duct tape. The painter's tape will help protect the surfaces wherever the 'curled duct tape' barrier is placed as the duct tape is adhered only directly over top the protective layer of painter's tape. Also, as a substitute to masking tape, Saran wrap can be wrapped tightly around the legs of a bed and used as the initial protective layer instead.