How Bed Bugs Get Into Pleasanton, CA Homes

There are a lot of misconceptions about bed bugs out there. People think they’re microscopic. They’re not; you should be able to see bugs at any life stage with your naked eye. People think bed bugs transmit diseases. They don’t; there’s never been a case study of bed bugs being vectors of human-to-human infection. People think bed bugs only occupy beds. They don’t; they can hide just about anywhere – between carpet fibers, under couch cushions, under keyboard keys, and even behind light switch covers!

Another big misconception is that bed bugs only happen in unclean places. Contrary to popular belief, “dirty people” with “dirty houses” aren’t the only people who get bed bugs. Bed bugs can infest any house, no matter how clean it is. It’s true cleanliness can help reduce hiding spaces for these pests, and frequent vacuuming can eliminate some of them, but being squeaky clean won’t keep you from getting them.

There are two things that significantly increase your likelihood of getting bed bugs: travel and purchasing secondhand items. When you travel, you inevitably come into contact with bed bug hot spots. Hot spots aren’t just hotels and hostels, but they also include places like bus stations, airports, rental cars, and even laundromats. Basically anywhere a lot of people with a lot of stuff move in and out is prime real estate for bed bug transmission.

Not only can you get bed bugs in hot spots and then bring them into your Pleasanton, CA home in your luggage, but you can also get them by bringing infested items from a thrift store, flea market, or private seller into your Pleasanton, CA home. While thrift stores often check their items for infestation, flea markets and private sellers may not be so conscientious. If you can avoid buying secondhand items, it’s better that you do. However, if you just can’t give up your bargain shopping habit, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of infestation.

Since the two ways you’re most likely to get bed bugs are when you travel and when you secondhand shop, you’ll need to be extra vigilant during these times. To avoid picking up bed bugs, do things like:

Unfortunately, bed bugs are good at two things: hiding and resisting eviction. Once they get in your Pleasanton, CA home, it’s tough to get them out because it’s just about impossible to find them all, and they’re resistant to a lot of common chemical pesticides. That’s why you’ll need professional help.

Here at Patriot Pest Management, we’ve got over 40 years in the pest control industry, and we combine this experience with the latest and greatest technologies to create effective pest control programs even bed bugs can’t beat. So give us a call at Patriot Pest Management at (925) 281-5792 or visit our contact page to schedule your appointment.