Why Am I Still Seeing Bed Bugs After Treatment?

The battle with bed bugs had been frustrating. I had a bed bug treatment, so why am I still seeing bed bugs after treatment? This was my challenge a few months ago, and it feels like a long time now because my house is bed bug-free.

So, what did I do? Keep reading to find out. Let’s get into the world of bed bugs, their habits, the reasons why they might persist after treatment, and what you can do to finally rid your home of these unwelcome pests.

 

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown bugs that survive by feeding on the blood of humans and animals. They’re most active at night and like to hide during the day in cracks and crevices near beds, mattresses, and furniture.

Bed bug bites are not only itchy but they can cause redness and discomfort. These pests are good at hitching rides and can get into homes through luggage, clothes, and secondhand furniture.

 

How Do Bed Bugs Get Into The House?

Bed bugs can get into the house through various means, like:

1. They will get on your luggage, clothes, or other items from places where bed bugs are present.
2. Buying or bringing in secondhand furniture, especially mattresses and couches, that have bed bugs can get them into your home.
3. Sometimes, guests who unknowingly have bed bugs in their belongings can transfer them to your house when they come to your house.
4. Although rare, bed bugs can be brought into your house by wild animals like birds or bats that have taken up residence in your home.
5. In buildings with multiple units, bed bugs can travel from one place to the other through cracks in walls, electrical outlets, or shared pipes.

 

How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without a Host?

Bed bugs can live for many months without feeding on blood, depending on the environment. Adults can survive for 20 days to over a year without a meal, while young bed bugs can go without feeding for several months.

Cooler temperatures and lower humidity will help them survive longer without a host. However, bed bugs prefer to feed regularly and will look for a blood meal when they can.

 

Read also: 5 Facts You Must Know About Bed Bug Bites

 

Why Am I Still Seeing Bed Bugs After Treatment?

It’s not uncommon to still see bed bugs after treatment because they are very resilient. Here are a few reasons why this could happen:

• First Treatment:

If this is your first time treating bed bugs, you may still see them after treatment. Usually, you need more than one treatment to completely eliminate bed bugs and their eggs. Follow the advice of your pest control professional for how you can get rid of them.

• Incomplete Treatment:

If the treatment wasn’t done carefully or didn’t reach all the places where bed bugs hide, some bugs might have survived and are still around.

• Reinfestation:

You may still be seeing bed bugs in your house if they are reintroduced through infested items or from neighboring units in multi-unit buildings.

• Resistance:

If the bed bugs in your house have become resistant to the pesticides used in the treatment, you will still see them around because the pesticide did not affect them.

• Eggs:

• Hiding Places:

 

Can I Sleep in My Bed After the Treatment Session?

Yes, you can sleep in your bed after the bed bug treatment. Just wait until the treatment has dried, which will take about 4 hours.

If you’re sensitive to chemicals or have breathing problems, air out the room and wash your bedding before sleeping there.

 

How Do I Know If Your Bed Bugs Are Gone?

You can tell if bed bugs are gone by checking for these signs:

1. If you stop waking up with unexplained bites, it might mean that the bed bugs are gone.
2. Look for live bed bugs on your mattress, bed frame, and furniture. If you don’t see any for a while, then it means that the bed bugs are gone.
3. Bed bugs leave dark stains and a musty smell. If you no longer see these things, it means that the infestation might be over.
4. Get a pest control expert to check your home to confirm if the bed bugs are gone.

 

What to Do If You Slept in a Bed with Bed Bugs?

If you have slept in a bed with bed bugs, get up immediately and fast. First, take off all bedding like sheets and blankets, and wash them in hot water.

Then, dry them on high heat to kill any bed bugs. Use a vacuum with a hose to thoroughly clean your mattress, especially the seams and crevices where bed bugs hide.

If you think your luggage has bed bugs from traveling, check it carefully and consider vacuuming it and using a steamer.

You might also want to use a special cover for your mattress to trap any bed bugs left and stop them from coming back. Watch your skin for bites or rashes, and see a doctor if you have any.

If you’re not sure if you brought bed bugs home, think about hiring a pest control expert to check your home. Keep an eye out for signs of bed bugs in your home, like bites or stains on your sheets, and deal with it right away if you find any.

 

Read also: How to Prevent Bed Bugs while Traveling

 

Conclusion

Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be a challenging and frustrating experience. However, by understanding the habits and behaviors of bed bugs, you can take steps to prevent and eradicate these pests from your home.

If you’re still seeing bed bugs after treatment, contact a pest control professional for assistance. With persistence and diligence, you will rid your home of these unwanted intruders.

 

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