There’s always multiple do-it-yourself strategies to prevent bed bugs. But, they can only kill small amounts of larger infestations. Bed bugs are most attracted to humans no matter the trap. They’re looking for an easy meal and mostly feast on our blood during the night.

What are bed bugs.

Bed bugs are parasitic insects of the cimicid family that feed exclusively on blood. The common bed bug is best known for being found on mattress feasting on human blood. The bug prefers warm houses especially near or on beds. But, they’re never confined to only sheets and mattresses. Bed bugs can also be found in carpets and other fabric furniture. Most of their feeding and activity is done during the night. There’s a number of health effects on humans after bed bugs bite such as skin rashes, psychological effects and allergic symptoms.

Bed bugs and carbon dioxide.

One of the most common DIY bed bug traps consists of mixing sugar, yeast and water into a solution that is then propped up in an upside down dog bowl. The strategy is that the mixture emits carbon dioxide luring bed bugs to climb in the bowl and fall inside. This technique works only sometimes. It greatly depends on the texture of the bowl. Whether the outside is grippy enough for bugs to climb in, but the inside is smooth enough for them to be trapped.

This will not guarantee optimal bed bug removal. They breed very quickly. Even if you catch some bed bugs in a night there can be plenty more the trap didn’t attract. One pregnant female can begin an infestation since she can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime.

The trap may not be effective in an occupied room. Humans are way more attractive to bed bugs than carbon dioxide. Not only do you release CO2 through breathing, but your body produces a lot of heat, which the trap does not. The presence of a human is more appealing to bed bugs than any trap. Bed bugs still bite. Although you’ve set the trap the bugs will still bite. Bites are the first warning sign of bed bug infestation.

There are multiple commercial traps or deterrents that can offer some solutions to bed bug infestation. Verfi and Nightwatch are active monitors built to determine whether you even have a problem. ClimbUp Interceptor is another trap more useful in an occupied room. However, the best way to remove bed bugs is to contact a professional pest control service. They will properly get rid of any bed bug infestations and prevent them from coming back.

Bed bug prevention.

It’s best to always start with properly determining whether or not you have bed bugs. A lot of the time bugs enter your home by hitchhiking on luggage and other materials coming from infested areas. Always clean all clothing that might have come into contact with infested areas. Keep suitcases and bags away from your bed until you figure out if there’s any travelling bed bugs. Put luggage in black plastic bags for a few days to kill off any intruders.

Signs of bed bugs.

• • • Small dark spots or feces and fecal stains.
    • Blood smears and stains on sheets and mattress.
    • Shed/cast bed bug skins.
    • Eggshells and bed bug eggs.
    • Nymphs or baby bed bugs.
    • Adult bed bugs.
    • Skin irritation from bites.

Hamilton pest control.

Bed bug infestations can grow incredibly quick. It starts with a one or two and can grow within a few days. At first sign of bed bugs make sure to reach out to Truly Nolen Pest Control.