If you've been living in Greater Kansas City, you have probably been scratching your head wondering why there are so many infestations of bed bugs popping up around your home. Kansas City has the most bed bug infestation complaints of any metropolitan area. Contrary to what most people believe, bed bugs are not just blood-eating insects that feed on the people they encounter. They feed on any warm-blooded creature despite their size.
Natural Scents To Deter Bed Bugs
It's natural then that bed bug infestations can prove near impossible to prevent, which is why many people turn to essential oils or natural scents in an attempt to keep bed bugs away. A USDA study with the collaboration of scientists and researchers conducted at Rutgers University looked to evaluate the efficacy of essential oils and silicone and paraffin oils against bed bugs.
The results showed that most essential oils were moderately toxic. However, bed bugs did show the most aversion towards blood orange oil, paraffin oil, silicone oil, and spearmint oil. A silicone water solution used as a direct spray was highly effective.
Tried & True Methods To Control Bed Bugs In Kansas City Metro
There are various methods to deal with bed bugs, but it is also important to understand that they can often be difficult to detect. In fact, in some cases, the only way you'll be able to know that they've taken up residence is by finding bloodstains on your bed sheets or pieces of your mattress:
- Bed bugs hate extreme temps, so drying on the highest heat settings or freezing potentially contaminated items can help.
- Check second-hand furniture, beds, and couches for any signs of bed bug infestation before bringing them home.
- Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs to eliminate many hiding spots. A lighter-colored encasement makes bed bugs easier to see. Be sure to purchase a high-quality encasement that will resist tearing and check the encasement regularly for holes. Another option is a cover that has been pre-treated with a pesticide to control bed bugs.
- Reduce the clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.
- Vacuum frequently to remove any successful hitchhikers.
- Be vigilant when using shared laundry facilities. And transport items to be washed in plastic bags. Drying on high heat for an extended period of time can kill bed bugs.
- Seal cracks and crevices around baseboards, light sockets, etc., to discourage movement through wall voids.
It's important to choose a treatment method that is not only reliable but also safe. That said, some of the most popular methods used by people for effective control are natural essential oils to help deter bed bugs in the Kansas City Metro area.
Augustine Exterminators Can Help
For severe cases of bed bug infestations, you're going to need a proper pest control program. That includes a complete inspection and treatment of your home environment in Greater Kansas City to effectively eliminate these pests. It's also important to note that these pests tend to have adverse effects on your property, like small bloodstains left on your furniture or carpeting, a musty smell in your home, fecal spots, shed skins, and eggshells. To prevent this, and make use of the most effective method, contact the professionals at Augustine Exterminators.