Pests are unavoidable in almost every household. However, there are many things homeowners should learn about the pests that invade their homes. For example, Australia faces two types of bed bugs—the common bed bug and the tropical bed bug. These two may be similar-looking, but they have different marks found on their thorax for easier identification. But what else should homeowners know about these pests?

1. How Do Bed Bugs Spread?

Because they are insects, bed bugs have an unsavoury way of spreading. They must first be carried to a location by a host and then feed on this host for a few minutes before moving to a new host. The process can happen multiple times the same way.

Meanwhile, they can spread faster even in other areas and homes because they travel and feed in groups. When they are stirred, they can travel. But, if they feel threatened, they can also spread faster.

2. How to Prevent Bed Bug From Spreading?

Everyone wants to avoid spreading bed bugs in their homes. These insects are tiny so that they can fit in small spaces. Meanwhile, they prefer being in dark areas, so they are harder to spot in your home.

To prevent bed bugs from spreading, homeowners can find multiple ways to deal with them. One of these includes locating the source of the infestation. Only when the head is removed can the problem be solved. Otherwise, it is a waste of money and time.

3. Can Keeping the Lights On Prevent Bed Bug Bites?

No, keeping the lights on cannot prevent bed bug bites because they do not have eyes, and they can sense the warmth they feel from people. If a person is not in a dark room, it will not affect their movement.

With or without lights, bed bugs would love to be on your skin. They feed on blood, so they want to stay on your bedsheets and reach your skin. Because they are attracted to the heat, they can remain on your body even if the lights are off.

4. Are Insect Repellents Effective Against Bed Bugs?

Unfortunately, insect repellants cannot do much to bed bugs. Insect repellants work by spreading a layer of liquid on your skin to make you uncomfortable with the insects. But, since bed bugs feed on your blood, they will not be repulsed by the spray.

Bed bugs do not like how insect repellants smell, but it is not enough to keep them away. Insect repellants are often sprayed to kill insects, and insects avoid this area, which is not valid for bed bugs. Even if you spray insect repellent on your bed sheets and mattress, they will not prevent the site.

5. Is Washing in Hot Water Effective Against Bed Bugs?

Washing the sheets and mattress in hot water does not work to kill bed bugs. Bed bugs are tenacious, and they can survive in extreme conditions so they will not shrink in hot water.

Even if you are concerned about bed bugs in your bed, you should not wash your bed sheets in hot water because this will damage the sheets and potentially cause an accident. Bed bugs do not die in hot water, so you should not wash your bedsheets.

Conclusion

Bed bugs are found in every part of the world. They prefer staying in dark areas where they can hide and then move closer to a host. When they are stirred or feel threatened, they can move even faster.

Homeowners should first identify where bed bugs come from to prevent them from multiplying. Only then can they understand what to do next. Thankfully, there are many ways to avoid bed bugs in your home.

Roach Busters is Australia’s leading pest control company. We offer bed bug control services in Sydney, helping residential and commercial buildings eliminate pests that may harm people. Allow us to perform pest and building inspections and leave the work to us. Get a free quote on our website today, and let us handle the rest.