Bed bugs exhibit deceptive behavior to avoid detection. This behavior works extremely well because the bed bugs can live in a home for months without being detected. While this works well for the bed bug, the household members do not appreciate it. The key to a quick and easy eradication is early detection.
There are several reasons why bed bugs are so difficult to detect. The first reason is related to the insect’s small size. The adult bed bug grows up to seven millimeters, making them extremely difficult if not impossible to spot.
The second reason is related to the insect’s nocturnal behavior. Bed bugs are not nocturnal insects, they just mimic nocturnal insect’s behavior, feeding at night, hiding out during the day. Bed bugs are unique insects because they will alter their schedule to fit their host’s routine. For example, if the host works at night and sleeps during the day, the bed bug will do the exact opposite to avoid detection.
What Are The Best Strategies To Drive Bed Bugs Out Of Their Hiding Places?
If your DIY inspection failed, you will need to drive the bed bugs out of their hiding places to validate your suspicions of an infestation. How is this possible? By following the tips provided in the content below.
- Bed bugs exhibit nocturnal behavior, feeding at night and sleeping during the day. You can utilize the insect’s nocturnal behavior to your benefit. Mimic the nocturnal behavior in an attempt to catch the insect’s in action
- Center your bed in the room to make way for CO2 monitors. Place one monitor on each side of the bed, directed toward the wall. Leave the CO2 monitors in place for at least 15 minutes. It will take 15 minutes or longer for the CO2 to penetrate the bed bug’s hiding place.
- Utilize glue traps in conjunction with the CO2 monitors. Place the glue traps around the CO2 monitors. So, when the bed bugs finally emerge from their hiding places, they will meet their fact. Once the traps are filled, you can safely transport them to an outdoor trash bin.
- Place heaters on each side of the bed to entice bed bugs to leave their hiding places. Bed bugs are drawn to heat, making this a great option for those who believe they have no options.
- Utilize a floor steamer to drive bed bugs out of hard-to-reach hiding places. Direct the steamer toward suspicious areas for at least 20 minutes. The hot moisture from the steam will penetrate wood, plastic, and other materials.
- Bed bug detectors can also be utilized to help homeowners validate their infestations. The device utilizes special technology to detect bed bugs. When bed bugs are detected, an alert will be issued.
- If you detect signs of a bed bug infestation on your bed linen, bed, or box springs, we suggest a full washing and drying cycle. Place the bed bug-contaminated bed linen in a plastic bag and transport it to the laundry room. Select the maximum temperature setting and set the timer to 15 minutes. Temperatures over 200 degrees Fahrenheit can eradicate bed bugs in all phases of the life cycle after 15 minutes of exposure.
Bed Bugs Are Drawn To Aldehyde Scents
If the above tips fail, we suggest utilizing aldehydes, bed bugs attractants. Unlike the deterrent peppermint essential oil, aldehydes may help attract bed bugs. These pheromone compounds derive from the exoskeleton of bed bugs.
To learn more about bed bug aldehydes, please feel free to contact our local licensed exterminators. We utilize the latest technologies to attract, deter, and eradicate bed bugs in all phases of the live cycle.