Bed bugs are a persistent pest that can turn your home or business into an uncomfortable and expensive nightmare if left unchecked. One of the best tools for bed bug prevention is regularly scheduled inspections. However, like everything else in life, timing is everything. Knowing when to bring in a professional bed bug inspector can spell the difference between catching the problem early or facing a full-blown infestation.
So lets talk about some of the more strategic times to arrange a bed bug inspection. We’ll look at a variety of reasons ranging from season timing to lifestyle changes to early warning signs.
Moving Into a New Home
Whether you’re buying a home or renting an apartment you should always consider scheduling a bed bug inspection before you move in. Bed bugs can remain dormant for months, so a vacant property is no guarantee that your new digs are pest free.
Landlords and real estate agents may not always disclose previous infestations. Even if they do, it’s possible for lingering bugs and eggs to remain. A professional inspection prior to moving in allows you to start with a clean slate.
After Traveling
One of the most common ways bed bugs enter a home is by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, or other personal items when you travel. Even high-end hotels and resorts can harbor bed bugs, and you may not realize you’ve brought them home until it’s too late.
Scheduling a professional inspection shortly after you return from a trip can help detect bed bugs before they have the change to multiply. This is especially important for frequent travelers, flight crews, or anyone attending large events where luggage storage is shared by other travelers.
After Buying Secondhand Furniture
Thrift stores and yard sales can be a great way to find bargains. But secondhand items can sometimes carry hidden pests. Furniture, mattresses, and even clothing may be harboring bed bugs.
If you’ve purchased or been given secondhand furniture, consider an inspection before bringing them inside your home. This is particularly important if the source of the items is unknown or if they have been stored under questionable conditions.
After a Neighbor Reports an Infestation
Apartments and condos are at an elevated risk for infestations. Bed bugs can easily travel between units through walls, electrical outlets, and shared hallways. If you find out that one of your neighbors has had a bed bug problem scheduling an inspection is a good way to protect your own unit.
Early detection is critical when dealing with a bed bug infestation. This is even more true in multi-unit buildings. A proactive inspection can stop bed bugs from spreading and reduce the chances of a needing a potentially more disruptive or expensive treatment later.
During High Risk Seasons
While bed bugs are not strictly seasonal like some other household pests, certain times of the year do seem to pose a higher threat. Late summer and early fall, for example, tend to see increased bed bug activity. This is largely due to vacation travel, the beginning of college terms, and seasonal workers relocating for the jobs.
Scheduling inspections during peak times of the year can help prevent bed bug infestations before they start.
As Part of a Pest Control Routine
Businesses who experience high levels of human traffic, such as hotels, theaters, libraries, and public transit depots, are at a higher risk for bed bug infestations. For these public facing businesses inspections should be part of a regular maintenance program.
Quarterly, or even monthly, professional inspections can detect infestations early. This protects both customers and the business’ reputation. In industries where reviews and public perception matter, preventative inspections are much cheaper than after-the-fact damage control.
After Noticing Signs of Bed Bugs
Finally, the most obvious time to schedule a professional inspection is when you begin to see signs that indicate bed bug activity. The most common warning signs include:
- Small rust colored stains on sheets or mattresses
- Tiny white eggs or eggshells in mattress seams or furniture crevices
- Shed exoskeletons
- Itchy, red welts on the skin
The earlier you confirm a possible infestation the better. Bed bugs reproduce very quickly, and waiting can turn a minor issue into a major headache.
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time for an inspection, remember this: bed bugs don’t go away on their own. The sooner you know, the sooner you can take action — and the better your chances of keeping your home or business bed bug-free.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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