Pennsylvania is grappling with a significant bed bug infestation, with three of its cities ranked among the most infested in the United States. According to the latest report by Orkin, a leading pest control company, Philadelphia ranks second, while Pittsburgh and Allentown are 14th and 20th, respectively. This article explores the reasons behind the bed bug surge, how to identify an infestation, and the steps to take to eliminate these pests.
What Are the Most Common Ways Bed Bugs Spread in Pennsylvania
The most common ways bed bugs spread in Pennsylvania include hitchhiking on personal items like luggage, clothing, and furniture, as well as through travel and visits to infested areas. Bed bugs can easily cling to items such as luggage, purses, and personal belongings, allowing them to move from place to place with ease.
They are often spread unknowingly by individuals who carry them on their clothing or belongings after being in infested environments like hotels, public transportation, movie theaters, and other places where people sit for extended periods.
Additionally, bed bugs can infest used furniture or clothing, spreading through the transfer of these items to new locations. Proper inspection, cleaning, and preventive measures are essential to avoid the spread and infestation of bed bugs in homes and businesses in Pennsylvania.
What Are the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation?
The first sign of a bed bug infestation is often waking up with tightly-packed clusters of raised, red bites on your skin. However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way, and some individuals may not develop any itchy bumps.
Adult bed bugs are between 5 to 7 mm and about the size of an apple seed, with a long, flat, oval-shaped body if they haven’t fed recently or reddish-brown and rounder if recently fed
How to Prevent Bed Bugs From Infesting Your Home
To prevent bed bugs from infesting your home, there are several proactive measures you can take based on the information from the provided sources:
1. Seal Cracks & Crevices: Seal any cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings using caulk, sealant, or weather stripping to prevent bed bugs from entering your home.
2. Cover Electrical Outlets: Bed bugs can hide in electrical outlets, so adding covers to outlets can block their entry and restrict their movement, making it harder for them to spread.
3. Wash Bedding on High Heat: Wash your pillowcases, sheets, and comforters on the highest temperature setting in the washing machine and then dry them on high heat for at least one hour to kill any bed bugs or eggs hiding in your bedding.
4. Be Careful at the Laundromat: When using shared laundry facilities, carry your dirty laundry in a sealed bag, transfer it directly to the machine, and take precautions to avoid bringing bed bugs home with your clean clothes.
5. Check Secondhand Furniture: Before bringing secondhand furniture into your home, carefully inspect it for signs of bed bugs, as these pests can hide in furniture and spread to your living space.
6. Reduce Clutter: Declutter your home to minimize hiding spots for bed bugs, making it easier to detect and address any infestations.
7. Vacuum Frequently: Regularly vacuum your floors, upholstery, mattresses, and box springs to remove any stray bed bugs and eggs before they multiply.
8. Monitor Signs of Infestation: Keep an eye out for signs of bed bugs such as blood stains, droppings, eggs, and actual bugs. Inspect areas around your bed, furniture, and walls for any indications of an infestation.
By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of bed bugs infesting your home and avoid the financial, social, and health-related consequences associated with a bed bug infestation.
Eliminating Bed Bugs
Eliminating bed bugs requires a multi-faceted approach. Thoroughly clean infested rooms, wash all bedding, draperies, and clothing in hot water, vacuum and steam-clean carpets, and seal cracks and crevices around baseboards and cove moldings to reduce harborages.
If an infestation is suspected, contact a professional pest control company for treatment. Homeowners should not attempt to treat the infestation on their own with store-bought insecticides, as this can be ineffective and potentially dangerous.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are a significant problem in Pennsylvania, with three cities ranking among the most infested in the United States. Preventing and eliminating bed bug infestations requires a multi-faceted approach, including public awareness, vigilance, and professional pest control services.
By taking proactive steps to prevent bed bug infestations and addressing infestations promptly when they occur, homeowners and renters can protect their homes and health from these persistent pests.