Activities in pristine water combined with fantastic food and diverse cultural experiences, not to mention being a “zero tax” jurisdiction, make life on the Turks and Caicos islands an enjoyable and unique experience. Bed bugs in Turks and Caicos are only one of a few things that can ruin living in paradise, and if they show up in your home or rental properties, they can create nightmares. Parkway Pest Solutions provides pest control In Turks & Caicos; we can eliminate bug beds before they ruin life in your piece of paradise.
Unlikely Places Bed Bugs Could Be Living
Due to our remote location, one would think we would be free from bed bugs, but even we are not immune from them disrupting our lives. Bed bugs got onto our island by hitchhiking on suitcases, shoes, clothing, and bedding of our guests.
Mattresses are known hiding spots for bed bugs, but they have other favorite hiding places that may surprise you. Bed bugs are small and live in cracks and crevices no thicker than a credit card. The following are unlikely places where bed bugs may be hiding in your house:
- Electrical receptacles
- Under loose wallpaper
- Curtain folds
- Behind peeling paint
Bed bugs hide in other places such as behind headboards, under appliances, and bed frames. Bed bugs can hide inside a car, bus, movie theatre, hotel room, or any location which provides shelter and a source of food (their preferred source is human blood).
How To Kill Bed Bugs Quickly
You cannot enjoy paradise in your Turks & Caicos home if bed bugs are biting you while you sleep.
The following are some methods to get rid of bed bugs in your home:
- Use a steamer
Bed bugs cannot survive high heat. Be sure the steam heat is 130℉ or higher. Use the steamer to clean surfaces and seams of mattresses and upholstery.
- Freeze items
Although freezing occurs a 32℉, you need to get the temperature down to 0℉ —which is possible in modern freezers. Deposit items to be frozen in a sealed bag and put in the freezer for several hours.
- Wash and dry clothing in the hottest settings
Place your bedding, clothing, and linens in the washing machine with detergent on the hottest setting possible, and after washing the items, dry in high heat in the dryer. Do not skip the drying because some bed bugs may survive the wash.
- Vacuum floors, cracks, and crevices
When you vacuum the home, get into all the cracks and sweep thoroughly under all furniture. Do not leave the vacuum without emptying the contents because bed bugs can survive the ordeal. Empty vacuum contents into a bag, seal the bag, and place it in an outdoor, closed container.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Bugs
When it comes to bed bugs, there are many myths and questions. The following are answers to common questions:
- How do I know I have bed bugs? Other than seeing the tiny creatures at your location, other signs include small red bites on your body and reddish-brown fecal stains on mattresses, walls, and furniture.
- Can I get sick from a bed bug bite? Bed bugs are not known to transmit disease.
- If I see a bite on my skin, does that mean I have bed bugs? Possibly. If you recently traveled, the bite may be from a location on your trip. Bites are not apparent for a few days after the occurrence due to an anesthetic injected by the bug. In other words, the bite may be from another location; however, there is a possibility you brought them home with you.
- How do bed bugs spread? Bed bugs likely came into your home by hitching a ride on clothing, luggage, and used furniture. You may also have picked them up from a hotel visit, public transportation, or a visit to the local theatre.
- Can you see bed bugs? Adult bed bugs are visible, but the larvae (baby bed bugs) are hard to see.
Total Bed Bug Control For Turks & Caicos Residents
While the suggestions mentioned will help you remove bed bugs, eliminating them will require your local pest control for bed bugs: Parkway Pest Solutions of Turks & Caicos. Contact us today, and we will solve your bed bug infestation problem.