Person pulling a cover onto a bed mattress

How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky

Bed bugs are a tough and often unexpected problem in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, but prevention is possible. The top ways to avoid them include recognizing the signs, being careful with secondhand items, and staying alert during travel. Staying proactive can help catch a potential infestation before it spreads.

Can Bed Bugs Be Prevented?

Yes, even spotless, well-maintained homes can fall victim to a bed bug infestation. These pests don’t discriminate, and their arrival can feel random. Still, there are practical ways to stay alert and protect your home year-round. The more you know about bed bugs, the better your chances of preventing a serious problem later.

How Do Bed Bugs Spread?

Infested beds, furniture, and suitcases are typical ways bed bugs get around, but they’re also known to travel through buildings. They can move through pipes, wiring, shared walls, and doorways, making their way from one space to another. This means that even if you haven’t brought them in yourself, bed bugs from a neighboring unit can still make their way into your home. Moving items like an infested mattress or couch is one of the fastest ways to cause an infestation to spread throughout your property.

How Quickly Do Bed Bugs Reproduce & Spread?

Bed bugs typically lay between one and twelve eggs per day, which is relatively slow compared to many other insects. These eggs usually hatch in about ten days, and the young bed bugs can take up to six weeks to reach adulthood. If left undetected, a small bed bug issue can quickly escalate into a larger infestation.

Easy Tips to Prevent Bed Bugs in Your Home

The good news is that you can take steps to stay safe from bed bugs. Consider the following strategies:

  • Know What to Look For: Bed bugs leave behind fecal spots, blood stains, and itchy bite marks. Early detection starts with recognizing these signs.
  • Keep Things Clean and Clutter-Free: Regular vacuuming, checking pet bedding, and reducing clutter can make it harder for bed bugs to hide.
  • Inspect Secondhand Items: To avoid bed bugs, thoroughly check any secondhand furniture before bringing it inside.
  • Travel Smart: Choose reputable hotels, store your luggage off the ground, and use vacuum-sealed bags to protect your clothes.
  • Use Mattress Encasements: A tear-resistant, zippered mattress cover can help block bed bugs from getting in or out of your bed.
  • Block Their Hiding Spots: Cover electrical outlets with simple plastic plugs to eliminate an easy hiding place for bed bugs.

What Attracts Bed Bugs in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky?

Even the cleanest and most well-maintained properties are not safe from bed bugs. These pests are not attracted to dirt, grime, or poor hygiene but instead seek out warmth and a source of blood. Bed bugs rely on feeding from humans or animals to survive, so as long as they find a host to feed on, they will settle and multiply. This means that no matter how spotless your home is, if bed bugs manage to hitch a ride inside, they can quickly establish an infestation.

Can You Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Used Furniture?

If you discover that a second-hand piece of furniture is infested with bed bugs, make sure to inform the seller or store owner. Some sellers might provide a refund, but this depends on their policies. If you want to keep the furniture despite the infestation, it’s wise to seek advice from a professional on how to eliminate the bugs effectively. To prevent spreading the infestation, always keep the infested furniture outside your home until it’s treated.

How to Check Used Furniture for Bed Bugs

If you plan to purchase used furniture, there are several steps you can take to avoid bringing bed bugs home. Consider the following tips to make sure your furniture is bug-free:

  • Inspect Thoroughly: Be sure to inspect the undersides and cracks of tables, shelves, bed frames, and other furniture pieces.
  • Check Hidden Areas: Check joints, seams, creases, crevices, cracks, and voids carefully; bed bugs can even hide in screw holes.
  • Look for Signs: Watch for tiny black spots or small blood stains, which are strong signs of bed bug presence, active or not.
  • Avoid Risk: If you notice anything suspicious, it’s best to avoid bringing the furniture into your home to prevent an infestation.

Likelihood of Bed Bugs in Used Furniture

Not every piece of used furniture carries bed bugs. Across the country, many people purchase second-hand items that are free from pests. However, some donated furniture may come from homes that once had bed bugs. If you plan to buy used furniture, make sure to carefully inspect each item before bringing it inside.

How to Stop the Spread of Bed Bugs in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky

Discovering bed bugs in any part of your home means it’s crucial to act quickly. Professional bed bug exterminators at Action Pest Control will inspect your Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky residence and develop an effective treatment plan.

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How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky in Indiana, Illinois & Kentucky

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