Bed Bugs are making something of a resurgence in the United States after being all but eradicated in the 1950s. With this recent increase in bed bug infestations across the country, we believe knowledge is power! How much do you know about these bloodsucking beasties? Let’s talk about how to spot bed bugs in your home and when to seek out bed bug treatment in Knoxville. Here are some of the most important things every family needs to know about bed bugs.

Why Has the US Seen A Bed Bug Resurgence?

If we think back to the 1970s and 80s, bed bugs were not at all common in the United States, but a slow comeback began in the 90s. Today, it is suggested that 1 in 5 households will experience an infestation that requires bed bug treatment in Knoxville. So what caused this resurgence? One of the primary reasons that is often cited is that bed bugs have developed a resistance to many insecticide products. It has also been suggested that because bed bugs were not common previously, some pest control technicians were not familiar with the correct way to eradicate an infestation. That’s why when you seek out bed bug treatment in Knoxville, you need to find a bed bug specialist like Otis Pest Control. We understand that pesticides are not very effective, which is why we use thermal heat treatment to tackle bed bug infestations.

Bed Bugs Won’t Go Away On Their Own

If you find bed bugs in your home, you can clean every inch of the property to remove dead bugs and potential hiding places. However, this isn’t going to get rid of the infestation. Even spraying with insecticide is unlikely to eliminate every single egg. Over the years, bed bugs have become resistant to most commercial pesticides and insecticides. If you want to eradicate an infestation, you need to seek out professional bed bug treatment in Knoxville. Thermal heat treatment is the most effective way to kill all mature bugs, larvae, and eggs.

Bed Bugs Will Make Themselves at Home Anywhere

When customers call us for professional bed bug treatment in Knoxville, they are often embarrassed to admit that they have bed bugs. However, there is really no reason to be ashamed. Bed bugs are not a sign of poor housekeeping! They will make themselves at home in any location, from a budget motel to a five-star hotel. They have no preferences when it comes to cleanliness! It might make you feel a little better to know that even New York’s iconic Bloomingdale’s department store has had bed bug treatment in the past! Nobody is immune.

You Won’t Necessarily Feel a Bed Bug Biting

Bed Bugs feed on our blood, but you may not actually notice that they have bitten you. Many people don’t realize that they have bed bugs until they spot other evidence. One of the most common indications of a bed bug infestation is bloodstains on the bedsheets. This is usually caused by a bed bug being squeezed or crushed after it has fed, and the blood leaks out. It can also be staining from bed bug excretions. If you haven’t noticed bug bites on your skin, then bloodstains are likely the first sign that will trigger you to search for bed bug treatment in Knoxville.

Pro Tip! If you get an itching sensation around your bed bug bites, bathing with oatmeal or applying a steroid cream can alleviate the itching, although it won’t speed up the healing process

Bed Bugs Are Champions When it Comes to Hide & Seek!

One of the main reasons you need professional bed bug treatment in Knoxville to help rid your home and belongings of bed bugs is that they are so good at hiding! These tiny bloodsuckers can be more or less invisible to the untrained eye. Despite their name, beds are not the only place that bed bugs will choose to hide. Bed bugs will fit into the smallest of cracks! Some of the common hiding places that may be harboring bed bugs include:

• In the seams of chairs and couches
• Between cushions
• In the folds of your curtains
• The joints of drawers and other furniture
• Inside electrical outlets and appliances
• Underneath loose wallpaper and wall hangings
• Where the walls meet the floor and ceiling
• Window frames
• In the head of a screw!

If you think that you might have a bed bug infestation, it is best to seek out bed bug treatment in Knoxville sooner rather than later. Book a home inspection today to confirm and assess the infestation level and discuss treatment options that will rid your home of bed bugs.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.