The thought of bed beds could turn any dream vacation into a nightmare. While there’s no official bed bug season, there are certain factors and conditions that make them a bigger threat during this time of year. Learn why summer is the worst season for bed bugs and what you can do to help prevent them from ruining your night, day, and getaway.

What’s the Worst Season for Bed Bugs?

Bloodsucking bed bugs can be a year-round problem. But certain factors make summer a more prevalent time of year. Why?

1. Warm weather. Cold-blooded bed bugs become more active and reproduce quicker in warm temperatures.
2. Extended activity. Nocturnal bed bugs feed on hosts at night. During the long, warm, active summer days, bed bugs have more time to travel and search for hosts.
3. Increased travel. Bed bugs are excellent travelers and notorious hitchhikers. Their small size increases their stealth for traveling from an infested house or hotel through public transportation via luggage, clothing, and other personal items. The more people travel, the higher the risk of transferring bed bugs and bringing them home.

Under these conditions, there’s an increased chance of coming across bed bugs during the summer and becoming a free ticket to a new destination. However, since bed bugs are around all year, you should become aware of the signs and be on the lookout at all times, especially when you travel.

Signs of Bed Bugs

When you travel to a new place or suspect you may have bed beds at home, you should look for the following signs:

• Small, rust colored spots
• Live bugs
• Shed skins
• Tiny dark spots of bed bug feces

To easily spot them, use a flashlight and magnifying glass to inspect the following areas:

• Mattress seams
• Box springs
• Bed frames
• Headboards
• Pet beds

However, bed bugs don’t always stay around the bed. Sometimes they travel to other areas frequented by people and pets, such as:

• Chairs seams
• Between couch cushions
• Drawer joints
• Nightstands

While they travel from place to place, you may also find them in:

• Curtains folds
• Electrical outlets
• Appliances
• Wall hangings
• Junction of walls and ceilings
• Screwheads
• Plaster cracks
• Storage boxes
• Window or door molding

If you find them in one spot, it’s a good idea to check other areas. It’s an even better idea to call a pest control company to help clear them from the premises.

Bed Bug Control

There are ways to help prevent a bed bug infestation in the first place.

1. Inspect any second-hand items—including furniture, mattresses, or clothing—before bringing them into your home.
2. While you travel, inspect the place where you’re staying and keep luggage on racks away from the bed and floor. Avoid unpacking and using drawers during your stay. Inspect your luggage before returning home.
3. When returning home, immediately wash clothes in hot water and vacuum your suitcase.
4. Keep your home tidy and reduce clutter to eliminate potential hiding spots. Vacuuming and doing laundry regularly helps eliminate spots for them to hide and lay their eggs. Steam cleaning mattresses and furniture helps eliminate the threat.
5. Encase your mattress and box spring in a bed bug-proof liner to prevent infestations.
6. Regularly inspect your home—especially the bedrooms—for signs of bed bugs, especially if anyone is getting bit. Bites typically appear in a line or cluster.

If you encounter a severe infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service. Professionals have access to more effective treatment options and integrated pest management strategies. Contact Cardinal Pest for a consultation and help control and protect your home from these unwelcome guests this summer and beyond.