Bed Bug Recurrence: How to Eliminate These Pesky Critters for Good

You've dealt with a bed bug issue in the past. It all started when you went on your last family vacation and one of the little critters decided to hitchhike a ride home in your luggage. It took a lot of diligence and hard work to eradicate the problem. And now you suspect they may have returned — or never left in the first place.



Read on to learn a few reasons why they may still live with you and tips on eliminating them permanently. 

Why You Still Have Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can remain in your home for a number of reasons, including the following:

The Problem Was Not Completely Eradicated

The bites, the marks on the sheets, the crawling on your skin in the wee hours of the morning. Dealing with bed bugs can truly be a nightmare. The first thing you want to do is eliminate the problem. After a brief investigation, you realize they are everywhere. Spraying down your mattress and bedding items, along with other personal items, is a good start.

But bedbugs are tricky creatures. They are masters at evading death. They crawl away when threatened and hide until you are asleep. This makes them difficult to see and challenging to eradicate completely. Even with treatment, they can scatter away and return later. One live bug left behind on an article of clothing or bedding can trigger an ongoing infestation.

They've Found the Perfect Hiding Spots

When we think of bed bugs, we imagine them in the seams of a mattress or under the couch cushions, but they can hide out in other places, making them difficult to treat. Common hiding spots include:

• Behind wall and door trim
• Inside drawers and drawer joints
• Electrical receptacles
• Underneath or around appliances
• Inside knick-knacks or home décor pieces
• Behind picture frames

Nothing is off-limits for bed bugs. They are masters of illusion and great at invading anything but human flesh. Have you noticed that the bed bugs just keep coming back? Check out possible hiding spaces just before treatment. 

How to Eliminate Bed Bug Permanently

To get rid of these pests for good, consider the following tips:

Stay Away From DIY Treatments

There are countless posts on social media and online that share tips and tricks on how to get rid of bed bugs on your own. This includes natural remedies that are safe for humans and pets. The problem is that most of these are baseless claims, and some can actually be more harmful than good.

Sealing up your mattress for a year or using extremely high heat to drive them out can be unrealistic and, in some cases, dangerous. A professional consult is your best bet. 

Many products that claim to kill bedbugs and other invading insects do not contain strong enough ingredients to get rid of the problem completely. Not only that, but eradicating bed bugs for good takes a little planning and tactic to ensure they don't just scatter to a hidden spot and evade the treatment altogether.

A professional pest control specialist will investigate your infestation to determine the best course of action. They have specialized equipment and gear that not only protects them but you as well. They will make sure every surface area is treated, and they can recommend what to do with your bedding and furniture that may be heavily infested. 

Utilize an Ongoing Maintenance Program

Because treating a bed bug infestation is challenging, it can be impossible to tackle on your own or with subpar treatment measures. The best way to deal with a recurrence or to prevent future infestations from taking place is to contact a local pest control company right away. They can help you get rid of a bed bug problem by setting up an ongoing pest maintenance program. 

This thorough and complete pest management program tackles every facet of an infestation. From inspection to prevention, it's the best way to eliminate a bed bug problem and keep it from returning. 

Bed bugs are more than just a nuisance; they can put a huge damper on your health and lifestyle. It's never too late to get your bed bug problem under control. Contact us today at American Pest Professionals, and enjoy a future free of unwanted pests!