The well known stigma regarding bed bugs is that they are only present around “dirty people” or people and areas surrounded or saturated with grime, poverty and crowded with people. And while it may be true that bed bugs are often found where there is overcrowding such as hotels, dormitories, group homes, to name a few; the simple reason is this:
BED BUGS ARE OPPORTUNISTS!
All they want/need is blood; so why would they not be in places where they can get as much of it as possible?
That being said: dirt and grime does not attract bed bugs; blood does. So, let’s squash that notion. Anyone, clean or otherwise, can possibly become infested with bed bugs. All it takes is for us to go somewhere ( long or shot period of time) and put our luggage down- or even sit there for a while- and take a bed bug home. But not to worry, here are a few tips to minimize your risk of getting an infestation:
- If you stayed in a hotel or another home, inspect your clothing, luggage and other personal belongings for hitch-hiking bed bugs; before entering your home.
- If you had guests in your home, inspect the bed and bedding as well as upholstered furniture for signs of bed bugs.
- Wash all bedding, clothing and other washable items they may have been exposed on the hottest water temperature and dry them on the highest heat setting of your dryer.
Until next time.
Bed bug Info sites:
- http://www.toronto.ca/health/bedbugs/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug
- http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Bed-Bugs