What Causes Bed Bugs in Your Nashville, TN, Home?​

What Causes Bed Bugs in Your Nashville, TN, Home?

Living in Nashville, TN, can be a fantastic experience filled with great food, culture, and attractions. However, there is one thing that can quickly make life miserable: bed bugs. Unfortunately, bed bug infestations are becoming increasingly common in this bustling city. In fact, according to some surveys in the past years, Nashville ranks high among major U.S. cities for bed bug infestations.

Fortunately, being aware of these pests’ common causes can help protect your home from unwanted intruders. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most prevalent causes of bed bug infestation in Nashville and how to prevent them from taking up residence in your home.

What causes bed bugs? Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. While they can be found anywhere in the world, their population has exploded in recent years due to various factors. Some common causes include:

Increase in travel: Bed bugs are known for hitching rides on items like suitcases or clothing and can spread rapidly from one place to another. Therefore, cities that experience an influx of visitors, such as hotels and airports, tend to be particularly susceptible to outbreaks due to the short time it takes for these pests to disperse.

Furniture and clothing exchanges: Bed bugs are good at hiding in used furniture or clothing, so if you’re not careful when buying these items second-hand, they can quickly spread to your home.

Neglecting regular inspection and maintenance: Periodic bed bug inspections and proper housekeeping habits help keep an infestation at bay. If you don’t take the time to inspect your home regularly and take steps to keep it clean, bed bugs may be able to get a foothold before you even realize they’re there.

Bed bugs can live for a long time: Bed bugs are resilient creatures with the ability to survive for up to six months without a food source. Unfortunately, this means that even if you don’t see any signs of an infestation, there could still be some lurking in your home.

Signs of An Infestation

An infestation of bedbugs can be a very unpleasant and stressful experience for any household. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to identify bedbugs before the problem worsens. Some common signs of a bedbug infestation are clusters of small black spots on bedding, bed bug bite marks on exposed skin, blood stains on bedding or clothes, and tiny eggs inside bedding seams. 

Additionally, if you notice a musty odor in close proximity where it is believed that bed bugs may be present, this should also be taken as a sign of an infestation. If you notice any one of these signals, then you should contact pest control immediately for assistance.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Nashville

The best way to prevent bed bugs from infesting your home is to take proactive steps. Here are some ideas on how to keep these pests away:

  • Vacuum frequently, especially around mattress seams and furniture cracks.
  • Wash sheets and blankets regularly in hot water to kill potential bugs.
  • Use a hot dryer to heat-treat items such as clothing, linens, and furniture that may have been exposed to bed bugs. 
  • Avoid buying used furniture without inspecting it for signs of bed bugs.
  • Inspect hotel rooms before settling in, and check any luggage regularly while traveling.
  • Seal cracks, crevices, and other potential entry points where bedbugs can enter the home.
  • Contact a professional bed bug treatment company if you suspect an infestation.

Taking these preventative steps can protect your home from bed bug infestations in Nashville and beyond. Remember, the best way to deal with any pest problem is to remain vigilant and take preventive measures. With the right preparation and care, you can keep bed bugs out of your home for good!