What Do Bed Bugs Hate
Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. These pests are notoriously difficult to get rid of once they infest your home or workplace. The best way to prevent and control bed bugs is to understand what they hate. In this article, we will discuss what bed bugs hate and how you can use this information to keep them away.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that are about the size of an apple seed when fully grown. They are nocturnal and feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are found all over the world and can be transported from one place to another in luggage, clothing, and other personal belongings.
What Do Bed Bugs Hate?
- Extreme Temperatures
Bed bugs hate extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. They cannot survive in temperatures below 0°F or above 120°F. This is why professional pest control companies often use heat treatments to kill bed bugs. You can also place infested items in a freezer for several days to kill bed bugs.
- Essential Oils
Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and tea tree are natural bed bug repellents. These oils can be mixed with water and sprayed on infested areas to repel bed bugs. However, it is important to note that essential oils should not be used as a sole treatment for bed bug infestations.
- Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, powdery substance that is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is safe for humans and pets but deadly to bed bugs. When sprayed on infested areas, diatomaceous earth dries out the exoskeleton of bed bugs, causing them to die.
- Clutter
Bed bugs love clutter. They hide in cracks, crevices, and piles of clutter. To prevent bed bugs from infesting your home, it is essential to keep your living spaces clean and clutter-free. This means vacuuming regularly, washing bedding and clothing frequently, and removing any unnecessary items from your home.
- Light
Bed bugs are nocturnal and prefer to hide in darkness. They will avoid well-lit areas, so keeping your home well-lit can help deter bed bugs from infesting your space.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
Preventing bed bugs from infesting your home is easier than treating an infestation. Here are some tips to help prevent bed bugs from entering your home:
- Inspect Secondhand Items
If you buy secondhand furniture or clothing, it is essential to inspect these items for bed bugs before bringing them into your home. Look for signs of bed bugs, such as small reddish-brown bugs, shed skins, and tiny white eggs.
- Use Protective Covers
Protective covers can be used to cover mattresses, box springs, and pillows to prevent bed bugs from infesting these items. These covers are made of a material that bed bugs cannot bite through, effectively trapping them inside.
- Seal Cracks and Crevices
Sealing cracks and crevices in your home can help prevent bed bugs from entering. This includes sealing gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards.
- Wash Bedding and Clothing Regularly
Washing bedding and clothing frequently in hot water can help kill bed bugs and prevent infestations. It is essential to dry bedding and clothing on high heat to ensure that all bed bugs are killed.
- Hire a Professional Pest Control Company
If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it is essential to hire a professional pest control company. These companies have the tools and experience to effectively treat bed bug infestations and prevent them from returning.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are a common pest that can be difficult to eradicate once they infest your home. However, by understanding what bed bugs hate and taking preventative measures, you can keep these pests away. Remember to keep your living spaces clean and clutter-free, use natural repellents like essential oils and diatomaceous earth, and hire a professional pest control company if you suspect an infestation.
