With the number of bedbug infestations at an all time high in 2014, people are well aware of these pesky little bugs and the risks they pose. Your best defense against these little bloodsuckers is to be armed and ready with the knowledge on how best to prevent them from moving in to your home and making themselves comfortable. In this article, we discuss ten things you should know about bedbugs.

Bedbugs hitchhike

Bedbugs are only about the size of an apple seed and if you aren’t actively searching for them the chances are, you won’t notice them as they hitch a ride on your suitcase or in the seams of your jacket. Wherever you stay, a hotel, even a friend’s home, it’s a good idea to check your clothing and belongings before leaving to ensure you don’t take home an unwanted Bedbug or two.

Seal all cracks and crevices

Bedbugs generally hide during the daytime and come out at night to feed. During the day, they’ll hide in the cracks and crevices of your home, usually close to their food source (humans). Don’t leave them anywhere to take root, seal all cracks and crevices.

Daytime and nighttime feeders

Despite their name, bedbugs go where ever they need to, no matter the time of day, in order to feed on humans.

Heat is their worst enemy

While bedbugs have proven resistant to some chemicals, heat is their worst enemy. If you’ve found an infestation, heat treatment is your best option but it’s best you call in the professionals who know what they’re doing.

Bedbugs aren’t fussy eaters

Messy homes, clean homes, old, young, rich or poor, it’s all the same to bedbugs. If you’re human that’s enough for them.

They go where the food is

If you think changing rooms will thwart the bedbugs efforts to feed, you’re mistaken. They go where the food is and will follow you where ever you go, thus spreading the infestation further.

The best indicator you have bedbugs

The most common sign of bedbug activity is bedbug poop which appears as small dark stains on your mattress.

Let the professionals deal with them

While you can cause bed bugs some significant problems by hunting them down and sealing cracks etc, you should never attempt fumigation on your own. Likewise, don’t use bug bombs or foggers as these will only cause the bugs to disperse and spread them throughout your home and even to your neighbors. If you find them, as early as possible, get the bed bug exterminator in to do the job.

Not all bites appear the same

You can’t rely on the bites alone as an indicator you have bedbugs. No two bites are the same and you may confuse them with mosquito or biting fly bites.

Sniff them out

You can tell you have a bedbug infestation when there is an unexplained bitter or musty smell in the air.

Bed bugs may be making a comeback but armed with the right knowledge, you can prevent them from coming anywhere near your home. Should you discover an infestation however, don’t take them on alone unless you know what you are doing. Send for the professionals so you can rest easy at night.