Little, flat parasitic insects known as bed bugs feed on the blood of slumbering humans and animals. They have no wings, are reddish-brown in hue, and may go for several months without consuming any blood. Their typical hiding place is the seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and any other debris surrounding a bed. They are nocturnal creatures. They can result in allergic responses, infections, and psychological discomfort in addition to painful, red skin bites.
Bed Bug Infestation in Texas
Texas is one of the states most plagued by bed bugs in the US, with three of its cities included in the top 50 worst-affected areas, according to a recent research from the pest management business Orkin. In terms of the cities where Orkin treated the most bed bugs in 2022, Dallas-Fort Worth came in at number 10, Houston at number 12, and Austin at number 39.
The study also mentioned that the COVID-19 epidemic might have aided in the spread of bed bugs since it caused individuals to spend more time at home and less time traveling, which allowed the pests to grow and infest new locations.
How to Prevent and Control Bed Bugs
The following actions are recommended by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for the public to prevent and manage bed bug infestations:
Regularly check your home for evidence of bed bugs, such as eggs, molted skins, bloodstains, live or dead bugs, and musty odors.
Don’t bring secondhand bedding, mattresses, or furniture into your house, or make sure to give them a thorough inspection first.
When traveling, keep your luggage away from the bed and furnishings and inspect your hotel room for bed bugs before unpacking. When you get home, wash your clothing in hot water and seal them in plastic bags.
Get in touch with your landlord or a reputable pest control business that specializes in treating bed bugs if you think you may have bed bugs. Avoid using over-the-counter pesticides to address the infestation on your own as they might not work or be hazardous to the environment and your health.
As you get your home ready for treatment, cooperate with the pest control operator and pay attention to their directions. This can entail clearing up clutter, vacuuming, washing and drying your bedding and clothing, and caulking cracks and crevices.
Keep an eye on how well the treatment is working, and notify the pest control operator of any indications of bed bug activity. It can require several visits to fully eradicate the infestation.
Conclusion
Regardless of how clean their living space is, bed bugs are a major public health hazard that can afflict anyone. Texas has three cities listed in the top 50 most impacted locations, making it one of the most infested states in the US with bed bugs. The general population should routinely examine their houses and possessions, refrain from bringing used items into their homes, check their hotel rooms while traveling, and get expert assistance if they discover bed bugs in order to prevent and control bed bug infestations. Texans can shield their families and themselves against bed insect bites and hazards by taking the precautions listed here.
