Not much is known about the seasonal behavior of bed bugs but a study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology may shed some light and confirm what exterminators have suspected all along. There does seem to be such a thing as bed bug season although it is not so cut and dry. However, according to the recent bed bugs Toronto news bed bug infestations are on the rise in Toronto, especially during the summer months.
The study noted that reports for bed bugs tend to increase from June through to October with the highest numbers reported in August. The lowest month for bed bug reports if February. Bed bug season seems to be summertime.
Bed bugs are more active and breed faster during the summer. Since bed bugs are indoor pests, these findings may not mean much. These bugs are a year-round nuisance since indoor temperatures allow them to survive the winter and remain comfortable year-round. These findings, however, do mean that people should be more careful during the summer since this is when you are most likely to travel with bed bugs.
Another interesting and related study conducted in 1941 in the UK showed that indoor temperature can affect bed bug populations. The results showed that bed bugs grow from egg to adult in about 60 days at 64 degrees Fahrenheit and the time frame reduced to 14 days at 82 degrees Fahrenheit. It is well known that bed bugs thrive within the range that most indoor thermostats are set.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to set the thermostat high or low enough to exterminate bed bugs or to make a significant difference in their population while still maintaining a habitable environment for humans. If you need help dealing with a bed bug infestation, call bed bug removal Toronto.
Precautions during Summer Bed Bug Season
You are far more likely to pick up bed bugs in the summer than in the winter. Although there isn’t much you can do besides calling an exterminator if you already have an infestation, you can still minimize the chances of introducing the pests to your home in the first place;
- Research the hotels you intend to stay. Bedbugregistry.com and review sites such as Yelp and Trip Advisor are good sources of information. Look out for reports of bed bugs and other pests.
- Inspect the headboard, mattress edges and box spring for signs of an infestation. Little black spots that look like pepper or mould spots signal potential bed bugs, usually fecal matter.
- Keep your luggage closed when not in use and cover with a plastic bag if possible. Avoid putting the luggage in the rack or closet. Put dirty clothing inside a sealed plastic bag and keep locked in the suitcase. Bed bugs are attracted to dirty laundry.
- Avoid putting your clothes on the floor
Hire the Exterminators to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Despite what internet forums and articles say, it is virtually impossible to get rid of bed bugs on your own. Recent pests are immune to common pesticides and have thicker exoskeleton and enzymes that break down these pesticides. Some experts note that the typical bed bug spray would need to be 1000 times more potent to be effective.
At Pest Control Toronto – The Exterminators we use potent formulations that are legally mandated for use only by licensed professionals. Our staff is equipped with high-tech equipment to treat deep inside crevices where bed bugs typically hide. We provide clients with a warranty to ensure that the bed bug problem has been dealt with conclusively before terminating the contract.
