Bedbugs have made a comeback. All over the world, folks are waking up with itchy red welts all over their bodies. And it’s not a problem contained to fleabag hotels–even $400 a night hotels have them. There is good news and bad news about bedbugs. The bad news is that they are extremely hard to get rid of, they can live for a year without food, and they are very mobile. What’s the good news? You won’t catch any disease from their bites. (This is likely a small consolation for those who have experienced an infestation of the tiny blood-sucking critters.)
Bedbugs aren’t found just in beds and mattresses. They can be found in furniture, clothing, luggage, and more. And, they spread rapidly. So fast, in fact, that National Pest Management Association reports that bedbug calls to pest control companies are up 70% in the past five years.
You may not even know if you have them. Most people bitten do not show a reaction. Only about 30% of people experience reactions to a bedbug bite. But, if you get bedbugs, or suspect you have bedbugs, don’t be a cheapskate. Call a professional. It can be expensive, but home remedies are spotty, at best.
And if, unhappily, you already have bed bugs? Call a reputable exterminator with plenty of bed bug experience. Expect to have several treatments that last several hours, and be prepared to throw out a lot of your stuff.
Avoid used mattresses and be wary of used clothing and furniture. If you’re staying in a hotel, check for signs of bedbugs before unpacking.
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