Whether you are simply unwinding after a long day, relaxing a little, or settling in for the night, the last issue you want to contend with is pests in the bedroom.
While it is true that most people associate bed bugs with this particular room in the home, there are actually several other types of pests that may find their way under the sheets, tucked away in the dark areas underneath beds, in drawers, and even in the closet. Continue reading to learn about pests that may find their way into your bedroom.
Bed Bugs
Let’s start with the most common of bedroom pests – bed bugs. Despite their name, these insects may be found in any location where people congregate, but they are most commonly identified in bedrooms due to the fact that they are nocturnal and their behavior of feeding on people while they sleep.
These are small, oval-shaped insects that are typically brownish. They may enter the home on your clothing, in luggage, used furniture, and other items.
They prefer to hide in and around beds – like on frames, box springs, and mattresses – so that they have easy access to people. These insects don’t die in winter. We have a special heat treatment for bed bugs.
Fleas
Fleas are very small insects that jump consistently and feed on the blood of mammals – such as people and their pets. They are reddish-brown in color and are approximately 3mm in length. Their body is very flat. Fleas enter into the home by attaching to clothing, pets, and other routes.
They enjoy an environment that is warm. This makes beds a direct target.
If you see black-colored substances or blood on your bedding, actually see insects jumping, or experience bites on your skin that resemble red spots, you likely have fleas.
House Spiders
Many individuals discover house spiders in their bedroom. It is considered to be a nuisance, as a result of the fact that it constructs unsightly webs within the home.
These creatures may find their way into the home by attaching to items that are brought into the home and/or on clothing, or by way of pets. In other instances, they will enter through cracks and crevices within the home. If you have a screened windows and/or doors and leave them open, this may help to provide a means for the house spider to enter into your home.
These types of spiders have the capability of laying up to 250 eggs at a time. Therefore, if you discover one or more, it is time to professional pest control before a serious infestation occurs.
Cockroaches
If you have cockroaches in one region of your home, it is quite likely that they will find their way into other areas of your home – like the bedroom.
The good news is, these insects only live in areas that provide them with a vast amount of resources – like food products and water.
They also prefer areas that contain boxes and other types of debris. In the bedroom, they may enter to get access to resources like stacks of magazines, cardboard boxes that may store items in your closet, or even reach sources of water, such as a leak or any water present in a bathroom attached to the bedroom.
If you notice a cockroach – even just one – it is time for immediate treatment. Where there is one, there is probably more. Not only are these creatures a nuisance, they pose many health risks.
Silverfish
Silverfish are metallic, relatively flat insects that resemble a fish. They have three tail-like based appendages on the rear end of the body.
They prefer moist and warm environments; however, they are capable of finding their way into many areas of the home, including the bedroom. In most instances, they will hide and shy away from people; however, they are still able to cause damage.
If you have an infestation, you may notice holes, etchings, and notches on items – such as boxes and books. You may even observe the creatures on items. Additionally, yellow stains and tiny pellets that are black in color may indicate a silverfish infestation.
Rats
While it is a scary thought to ponder, rats have the capability of entering into and nesting in a bedroom. You may first only hear a scratching sound or an occasional squeak. They usually stay away during daylight hours and become active at night.
Rats have the ability to multiply in a rapid manner.
They may enter the home in a space that is as small as a quarter. They may enter to gain access to food, water, or because the interior of the home is warmer than the outdoors and/or there is an area where the rat deems to be ideal for nesting purposes.
If you observe feces, unusual noises, or items being chewed – with no other explanation – you likely have a rat infestation. If this is the case, it is time for professional pest control as they may damage the home and pose a health risk to you and your loved ones.
Mice
While we are on the topic of rats, let’s focus on another rodent that may enter into the bedroom – mice. These creatures are highly destructive.
They may eat wires, scratch surfaces, gnaw on wood, and even pose a danger to your health.
Signs of an infestation include chew marks, the presence of nesting materials, mouse trails, and even the presence of feces.
These only need a very small space in which to enter the home. From there, they may enter into any room of the home and engage in activities there that could result in damage.
While it is true that mouse traps are effective at capturing and eliminating these creatures from the home, it is best to have a professional handle these creatures – especially if they have found their way into your bedroom.
What is the Attraction?
Now that you are familiar with a few of the most common pests that may find their way into your bedroom, you may be wondering, why are these creatures attracted to this room of the home?
In most instances, the attraction is directly related to the fact that you lie in the bed for an extended amount of time.
If pets sleep in the bed or frequent the room, the pests listed may be interested in them. In addition to this, many store items in their bedroom – be it by way of a dresser or a closet.
Many pests are attracted to clutter, dark places, and areas that have little human interaction. Finally, many are attracted to the fact that there are many places to hide within a bedroom – be it under the sheets, between the mattress and box springs, or in a dark, unused corner.
Are Bedroom Pests Dangerous?
While there are many pests that do not pose immediate dangers to humans, most of the pests outlined in this guide pose a danger to belongings, the home, the structural integrity of the home, pets, and/or people.
While many may simply be destructive, there are those that may result in injury, allergic reaction, and/or another type of health consequence, such as the transmission of a potentially serious illness or disease.
For your safety, the safety of your pets, and the safety of your home and the contents therein, it is imperative to seek professional pest control services in order to eliminate infestations of any type.
Prevention Measures
If you would like to prevent pests from invading your bedroom, there are several steps that you may take. These include the following:
- Be certain that you dust at regular intervals and make certain that you get the corners of the room, around windows and doors, and in closet spaces.
- When you return from traveling, check all items for indications of pests traveling with you before bringing those items into your home.
- Regularly wash clothing, bedding, and curtains in hot water and dry in the dryer on the highest heat setting.
- If you have pets, ensure that you keep them on flea management pills and that you do not allow them to lounge, play, or sleep in your bedroom.
- Ensure that there is no clutter in your bedroom or within the closet of the room.
- Avoid bringing used furniture pieces into your home unless the pieces are thoroughly cleaned.
- Have a professional pest control company come into the home and treat it as a prevention measure.
Conclusion
We here at AllPest Exterminators in Richmond, IN specialize in the treatment of all pests that may invade the home – especially the bedroom.
Not only can we help you prevent infestations, but we can also assist in completely eliminating infestations.
If you have bed bugs, you will be pleased to know that this is one of our specialties. Our full-service experts specialize in all aspects of home care – from complete inspections to bed bug heat treatments, to all other aspects of home pest control. If you would like to learn more or want to set up an appointment, contact us today.