Is Summer the Worst Season for Bed Bugs?

Summer is a season filled with vacations and fun summer activities, but it’s also a season full of increased pest threats. With increased traveling and resort stays, bed bugs can be a common fear during the summer.

Bed bugs are tolerant to varying temperatures, and they stay active all year. As you can imagine, increased travel in the summer months can cause a peak in bed bug transfer.

That’s why we’re here to help you stay vigilant and avoid bringing bed bugs home during your travels. To prevent a bed bug infestation, familiarize yourself with the signs of bed bugs and take steps to help stop the spread of these invasive pests.

• Bed bugs seek heat signatures to find blood to feed on. If a house is warmer in the summer due to lack of air conditioning, bed bugs may be more active instead of in hiding. They are known to be at their peak from June to October.
• As mentioned, summer is known as the peak season for bed bug activity due to hotel stays and travel. If you think you’ve brought home unwanted guests (bed bugs) after a trip, do the following:
  • Dry all clothing and bedding on high heat for at least 30 minutes
  • Contain contaminated suitcases in sealed bags
  • Immediately notify staff (if at hotel or Airbnb)
  • Call us!
• Adult bed bugs are oval and approximately the size of an apple seed. They have flat bodies that swell after feeding. Depending on whether or not they’ve fed recently, they can be either translucent or reddish brown in color. Bed bugs have six legs with antennae that point forward and are about half as long as the body. They lay small, pear-shaped eggs that are sticky and whitish. Bed bug nymphs are nearly colorless but turn brown as they grow older.
• Bed bugs are typically found in and around beds and mattresses. Check the mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and nearby furniture. Our pest control experts at Alexandria Pest Services recommend removing the sheets and checking for signs of bugs. Use a flashlight to inspect the mattress and box spring. Pay close attention to the seams. Check anything stored under the bed, including drawers, crevices, narrow spaces, electronics, and wall hangings.
• If you find bed bugs, seek the help of a professional right away. The sooner a bed bug situation is identified, the more effective control will be. Avoid the use of over-the-counter products for bed bugs. These will worsen and spread the problem due to their resilience to commonly used products.

Contact the Pest Prevention Professionals at Alexandria Pest Services

To learn more about preventing and managing bed bugs, contact our experienced pest control professionals. We have decades of knowledge and expertise in preventing bug infestations. Our team offers safe and effective solutions for eliminating and preventing pests from entering your home. Let our professionals provide you peace of mind and help you protect your home or business. We’ll identify pests and generate a plan to address your needs.

Rely on Alexandria Pest Services for Your Pest Control Needs!

At Alexandria Pest Services, we offer services to help treat bed bug infestations here in Northern Virginia. Our priority is for our customers to be comfortable inside their homes without any unwanted insects or rodents.

If you find that you are having a problem with bed bugs, termites, rodents, or other pests and need an exterminator in Springfield, Burke, Alexandria, or other parts of Northern Virginia, call Alexandria Pest Services at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office! Contact us today to learn more.