Bed bugs Kansas City and in general are great hitchhikers. They can move from an infested site to a new home by traveling on furniture, bedding, luggage, boxes, and clothing. Although they typically feed on blood every five to 10 days, bed bugs can be quite resilient; they are capable of surviving several months to a year without feeding.
Bed bugs Kansas City can be tricky to identify. They’re small and sneaky, meaning it might make it hard to catch an infestation before it becomes an actual problem. If you do happen to get a good look at one, here’s what you should look for:
- Size: 1/4 of an inch long (about the size of an apple seed)
- Shape: Long, oval and flat
- Color: Brown – reddish-brown
- Other features: Antenna and four legs
- A few simple precautions can help prevent bed bug infestation in your Kansas City home:
- All the above characteristics are consistent throughout most bed bugs but note that younger bed bugs Kansas City or bed bug eggs, can have a smaller size and a translucent, milky-white color.
- Check secondhand furniture, beds, and couches for any signs of bed bug infestation before bringing them home.
- Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs to eliminate many hiding spots. The light color of the encasement makes bed bugs easier to see. Be sure to purchase a high-quality encasement that will resist tearing and check the encasement regularly for holes or a cover that has been pre-treated with pesticide to control bed bugs.
- Reduce clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.
- Vacuum frequently to remove any successful hitchhikers.
- Be vigilant when using shared laundry facilities. Transport items to be washed in plastic bags (if you have an active infestation, use a new bag for the journey home). Remove from dryer directly into bag and fold at home. (A dryer on high heat can kill bed bugs.)
- If you live in a multi-family home, try to isolate your unit by:
- Installing door sweeps on the bottom of doors to discourage movement into hallways.
- Sealing cracks and crevices around baseboards, light sockets, etc., to discourage movement through wall voids.
Milberger Pest Control offers a free bed bug inspection. For more information and to call for a free inspection, call at (816) 761-1313 in Missouri and (913) 384-6760 in Kansas.