bed bug signs on a mattress Many people are aware of bed bug infestations and just how difficult they can be to get rid of from inside a home. However, fewer people are aware of just how those bed bugs get inside in the first place. When it comes to bed bugs, the best defense is a good offense. Therefore, knowing how bed bugs might enter a home is the first step in keeping them out. As such, if you want to lower your odds of having to deal with a bed bug infestation in your Philadelphia home, you need to know all the ways bed bugs might get inside.

Bed Bug Basics

Bed bugs are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of mammals and some birds. Their favorite food, however, is the blood of humans. As such, they are known to make their nests inside of our homes. In regards to their appearance, bed bugs are often compared to apple seeds due to their flat, ovular bodies that are brownish-red in color. However, after feeding on blood meal, their bodies will swell up and turn to a deep reddish-purple.

Bed bugs derive their name from the fact that they often make their homes inside of mattresses and box springs. This is because bed bugs are nocturnal, and these locations provide them with easy access to sleeping people upon whom they can feed.

How We Bring Bed Bugs Into Homes & Bed Bug Hotspots

The unfortunate truth about bed bug infestations is that we are often the ones responsible for bringing bed bugs into our homes. That’s because we will unwittingly pick them up while we are out in the world and then introduce them inside when we return home. Because bed bugs travel around on humans and our belongings, they are frequently referred to as hitchhikers.

The areas that you are most likely to pick up bed bugs are referred to as bed bug hotspots. And given that bed bugs prefer to feed on people, these hotspots could be any location that has a high volume of people coming and going daily. These include lodging establishments, transportation hubs, and other high traffic areas such as schools or hospitals.

When you venture into bed bug hotspots, there are some techniques you can put into practice to help lower your odds of picking up bed bugs. These include:

Do not sit directly on the ground.
Refrain from placing your belongings directly on the ground.
Inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before settling in.
Inspect your person and your belongings for bed bugs after returning from bed bug hotspots.

Other Ways Bed Bugs Get Inside

In addition to riding in our bodies and our belongings, bed bugs also can be brought into homes while hiding in second-hand items. Items such as mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, bedding, and clothing could all be prime locations for bed bugs to hide. If you can avoid buying these items second-hand, do so. However, if you must purchase any of these items second-hand, be sure to thoroughly inspect, clean, and wash them before bringing them into your home.

What To Do If Bed Bugs Infest Your Home

In the unfortunate case that you do bring bed bugs into your home, don’t panic. Simply contact the trained professionals here at Pestmaster® Services and let us take care of it for you. Our certified pest technicians come fully equipped with the experience and the expertise required to effectively eliminate a bed bug infestation that you are dealing with. So, don’t lose sleep over these parasitic pests. Give us a call today.