SourceAfter dealing with bed bugs during the warmer months, you may feel that winters will give you a much-needed break. Most homeowners are in for a surprise because these pesky pests are around throughout the year. You will probably see them in your bed at night or notice their shed skin on your sheets. Even worse, your body may have bite marks all over as they feast on your blood.
The last thing you will want to deal with in the holiday season is an unruly bed bug infestation in your home. There is much to do, and the stress of bed bugs can deprive you of festive joy. Not to mention, they can give you sleepless nights. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with these tiny enemies, provided you stay one step ahead of them. Here are some actionable measures that can help you eliminate bed bugs from your home this winter.
Reduce the clutter in your living space
Summer or winter, clutter can be the biggest culprit when it comes to pest infestations. It gives bugs a hiding place, so reducing it can go a long way in eliminating them. If you think that bed bugs survive and thrive only in beds and mattresses, your facts are wrong. Clutter around nightstands, headboards, and under the bed also offer ideal hiding conditions to them. This winter, start with a home decluttering project, so pests do not get enough places to hide and hibernate. Keep the areas around your bed tidy, and skip storing things underneath unless they are in sealed containers.
Vacuum regularly
When it comes to keeping your space free of bed bugs, vacuuming regularly helps. It may not clear a full-blown infestation, but it helps in reducing their population. Pick the problem areas like bed frames, areas under and around the bed, upholstered furniture, rugs, and floors in the room. Also, pay attention to the cracks and crevasses around the room because bugs can reach them and hide there too. Vacuum them at least once a week as a preventive measure. Make sure that you change the vacuum bag after completing the job. Place the bag in a sealed garbage bin outside so that the pests do not find their way back.
Move your furniture
Bed bugs seldom live up to their name. They can live elsewhere and multiply within no time if they get favorable conditions. You can expect to find them on the wall behind the bed, nearby furniture, and even curtains and rugs close by. Try moving your bed and rearranging the furniture around it. Even if you have bugs, they will get fewer places to hide and thrive. This measure can contain their spread and make the infestation easier to handle. Rethink the arrangement of your room in the winter and move things around before the season begins. There are good chances you will curb the spread, even if not avoid these pests altogether.
Invest in winter pest control
Most homeowners skimp on winter pest control because they think it is not essential when pests are on a break. Likewise, you may feel too busy with holiday preparations. But you must call them for bed bug pest control at the slightest sign of infestation. Schedule a visit even if you cannot see any warning indications but have them otherwise. It is the best investment you can make for your home this winter. You have the assurance that bugs wouldn’t be around to disrupt your sleep or stress you out amid the holiday plans.
Change linens often
When the weather turns cold, you may feel lazy about changing and washing your linens. But sleeping on dirty linen is the best way to invite bed bugs as these creatures thrive in warmth and dirt. Change your sheets and comforters regularly and replace them with fresh ones. Launder your nightwear and curtains that hang near your bed. Washing and drying in high heat settings is a good idea. Bed bugs cannot survive on high heat exposure, so these measures kill them and keep your home bug-safe.
Be extra-conscious after holiday travel
Bug stress can aggravate in winters if you plan to travel during the holidays. There are good chances you may carry them home from your hotel room. Make sure you are extra conscious while unpacking your stuff. Go through your clothes and suitcases carefully as they may hide within, even in the crevasses. Look for warning signs like tiny blood stains and droppings, even if you cannot see any insects in the inspection. It is a good idea to vacuum your luggage before storing it back after the holiday. Also, wash your clothes, linen, and towels in hot water to kill the pests even if they get through the inspection phase.
Do not panic
Winter bed bugs can be a shock for most homeowners because you never expect them to appear in the cold season. But the last thing you should do is panic at the situation. It sounds easy to move out and stay with a relative or in a hotel. But you will probably end up spreading the bugs elsewhere by acting without thinking. The best piece of advice is to call the pros and create a plan to deal with these pesky creatures for good. Exterminators can help you understand the extent of the infestation and devise a roadmap for eliminating them with minimal discomfort for your family.
Final Thoughts
The most important advice for homeowners who want to avoid bed bugs this winter is to be realistic. Pests may not show up as frequently as they do during summers, but they are still there. Letting your guard down is the worst way to handle them because you may end up giving them more opportunities to thrive. Pests are more likely to stay indoors and find warm spaces to make it through the cold season. If you take them less seriously, they will probably return as a severe problem in summer. So make sure you are more proactive about bug control in winters.
