Bedbugs in Oklahoma can affect anyone who comes in contact, whether you are a student on campus, a tourist staying at a hotel, or even a local visiting your downtown movie theater. Bedbugs are sneaky hitchhikers so you may never know they are there until other signs tell you otherwise.
How do I Spot a Bedbug?
- Bedbugs are small, reddish insects. Younger bedbugs are lighter in color and smaller than adult bedbugs.
- They have an oval-shaped abdomen.
- Bedbugs don’t jump or fly.
- Bites from a bedbug are usually in a line or a cluster.
- They can leave brown or red stains on furniture and bedding.
- Bedbug eggs can be found as well. They are oval-shaped and clearish white in color.
These little bugs can spread like wildfire. Bedbugs in Oklahoma are a rising issue due to increased travel in OKC. Bedbugs tend to catch a ride on:
- Clothing
- Backpacks
- Luggage, and more!
BEDBUGS IN OKLAHOMA: Residential Homes
In residential homes, it can be a little more challenging to solve bedbug issues. The reason it is more challenging is that in some cases, it can take longer to notice the infestation you may have. At AIMVO Pest Control, our licensed technicians are extensively trained to perform a precise treatment due to the complexity that getting rid of bed bugs requires. Our treatment effectively wipes out bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle. Our concentrated bed bug treatment is as follows:
- Our technicians will inspect the home where the usual hiding spots would be, such as furniture
- Our tech may move furniture around to appropriately inspect all areas and then treat every critical area
- Once activity has been identified, the technician will treat every piece of furniture in a two-foot radius from the infestation. This includes wall voids, power outlets, and appliances.
- The tech will apply rubbing alcohol on areas that are frequently touched, such as pillows, cushions, carpet, etc.
- Our techs will finish the treatment by setting up a trap that is infused with human sweat pheromones. This will lure the bedbugs into the device and trap them in there.
Severe infestations can make your home smell different. Bedbugs can produce a smell that can be described as a mix of sweet, sour, and musty.
How do I Check My Home for Bedbugs?
When you are checking your home for bedbugs, you need to take a look at:
- Entry Points (cracks in walls)
- Bedbugs can fit into cracks as thin as a credit card
- Furniture
- Consistently check couches, mattresses and bedding
- Common Hiding Areas
- Baseboards, closets, and even power outlets.
- Check anywhere near where you would rest in your home (living room, bedroom, etc.)
If you do buy used furniture from someone else, be sure to carefully inspect it before bringing it into your home.
Bedbugs in Oklahoma: Commercial Buildings
Hotels
With bedbugs in Oklahoma, hotels tend to be a hotspot for them. Bedbugs can hide in mattresses, couches, and dressers. In general, when traveling, it is recommended to inspect your luggage, bags, and clothing before exiting. This helps keep bedbugs from spreading.
If you do have bedbugs, most people think that it has something to do with cleanliness. That is not the case with bedbugs. Bedbugs can end up in the cleanest and nicest homes and hotels.
College Dormitories
In college campuses, you’ll notice a high population of students. Students tend to travel constantly. Once bedbugs are introduced to close-knit dorms, they can spread super quickly. On college campuses, bedbugs tend to not get mentioned to anyone, causing a worsening problem.
Rentals and Airbnb’s
Rentals have a lot of people come and go. Whether you are renting from a landlord or renting a house for vacation, there could be a risk of bedbugs. Before you get cozy on your vacation, it is crucial to take a look around the home, especially at the furniture, carpet, and bedding.
Public Buildings
Bedbugs can also be found in indoor areas with large crowds, such as concerts, sporting events, and even work conferences. If you do happen to have a bedbug infestation in your OKC home, it is best to keep your distance until the issue is resolved. Some of the public buildings where bedbugs could be hiding at include:
- Schools/Libraries
- Movie Theaters
- Laundromats
- Public Transit (buses, trains, taxis, Ubers)
- Health Facilities (not common)
- Workplaces
What Happens if I Get Bit by Bedbugs?
Luckily, when bedbugs bite, they don’t carry or transmit any diseases. Some people may not react to bedbug bites at all, which causes a delay in treating the bedbugs because you aren’t noticing the most common warning sign. However, in the case that you do end up getting bit by a bedbug, the bites can only cause discomfort, itching, secondary skin infection (from itching), or even an allergic reaction in some cases.
What is the Worst Season for Bedbugs?
There is no better or worse season for bedbugs. In the spring and summer, warmer temperatures can cause them to reproduce more quickly. In the winter, bedbugs actually don’t die off. Since people turn on their furnace to acclimate to the colder season, bedbugs will use our home and even our bodies for heat.
Bedbugs can withstand temperatures from 0 degrees to 115 degrees if they aren’t exposed long enough. If it is too hot for bedbugs, they will find a cooler environment. Bedbugs can endure cold temperatures easier than hot temperatures. That’s why it is more common for pest control companies to use heat to kill the infestation.
Trying to treat bedbugs on your own always fails. If you encounter bedbugs in Oklahoma, whether it is a big infestation or just a minor issue, give us a call! You can also fill out a quick form here and get a quote fast from us. We want you to be bedbug free. Don’t waste your time and have peace of mind.
Don’t let the bedbugs bite!