Stopping Bed Bug Infestation During Peak Season- A Guideline

The Cimicidae family of bloodsucking insects includes bed bugs. Both nymphs and adults prey on dozing or sedentary humans, usually at night when the pest’s covert behavior is more difficult to spot.

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is a broad geographic range species typically found in northern temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Central Asia. In temperate southern areas, it is less frequent.

When most families have returned from vacation and bed bugs have a chance to establish themselves, the “season” for bed bugs typically peaks in August and September. The peak summer travel season coincides with the start of the bed bug season, which typically lasts from the end of spring to the beginning of November. 

During this time of year, bed bugs do not multiply more quickly; instead, it takes longer for people to notice a problem. This is mainly due to their nocturnal habits and cryptic nature.

If you want to stop bed bug infestation during their “season,” read through this article to understand them better to know what treatments to apply when they’re present.

Bed Bug Resistance 

Behavioral resistance and physiological resistance are the two types of insecticide resistance. In the case of behavioral resistance, insect populations may develop the capacity to avoid or reduce insecticide exposure. In contrast, physiological resistance refers to physiological modification mechanisms like decreased cuticular penetration, increased metabolic detoxification, and reduced target site sensitivity.

There are two types of behavioral resistance: stimulus-dependent behaviors such as irritability and repellence, and stimulus-independent behaviors, such as exophily and resting outside. Stimulus-dependent behaviors necessitate sensory stimulation of the insect to detect a toxin-treated surface before acquiring a lethal dose, resulting in a toxicant-induced avoidance response.

In contrast, stimulus-independent behavior refers to insect behavior that protects against exposure to toxins. These avoidance behaviors do not require toxicant-induced sensory stimulation.

Numerous studies have identified physiological resistance mechanisms in bed bugs instead of behavioral resistance mechanisms. Recent research by Mamidala et al. indicates that metabolic detoxification, cuticular proteins, and knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in C. lectularius are linked to insecticide resistance.

Ways To Mitigate Bed Bug Infestation

1. Check Possible Areas for Infestation

• Vacuum frequently, including behind beds.
• Fix loose electrical faceplates and peeling wallpaperSeal cracks and crevices in wooden bed frames, baseboards, walls, ceilings, windows, door frames, and furniture.
• Check your shared walls for entry points and openings to the inside (like areas where pipes, wires, and other utility services enter.

2. Consider Things You Bring at Home

• Check used books, new furniture, and antique or garage sale furniture before bringing them home.
• Be careful buying used or refurbished items.
• Since new mattresses are delivered on the same truck as old ones, check them before bringing them home. Seal your bed before delivery.
• Avoid street-side mattresses and sofas.
• After helping a friend move, inspect your vehicle twice.

3.  Check Home Regularly

Regular inspections are crucial for avoiding infestations. You’ll need a few straightforward tools to carry out an in-depth home inspection:

• Flashlight
• Something to scrape along the seams of mattresses and other crevices
• .screwdrivers for disassembling furniture and removing electrical faceplates
• To determine whether stains are caused by bed bug droppings, use alcohol, glass cleaner, or baby wipes.

Conclusion

As bed bug infestation increases during peak season, it is essential to be proactive to prevent an infestation in your home. That is why it would be best to keep in mind what you’ve learned in this article to stop bed bug infestation during their “season effectively.”

If you need to eradicate bed bugs with the help of a pest control company, then look no further than RidX Pest Control! We’re experts at eliminating bed bugs, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure the process is as smooth and painless as possible. Contact us immediately!