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GET BITTEN BY THE LOVE BUG
NOT THE BED BUG

If you think bed bugs only exist in big cities like Philadelphia or New York, you want to read further. Bed Bugs are spreading rapidly and have been found in many places in Lancaster County from private homes, apartment complexes, college dorms and hotels.

The best way to avoid bed bugs is to educate yourself in what to watch out for. So here are some tips to follow. Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers and unlike other bugs, they must be brought into an environment. The most common ways are through second hand furniture or clothing and travel. While tempting in these tough economic times, avoid dragging home that "free" chair, sofa, mattress, etc. that you may see sitting along the curb. If you are wondering why such a nice looking chair or sofa is on the curb, it could be infested with bed bugs. Also before you buy furniture from a second hand store, ask what the store's policy is concerning bed bugs. If you shop at consignment or second hand clothing stores, thoroughly inspect any clothing especially in the folds or under the collars before you try it on or buy it. When you bring it home immediately wash and dry it on the highest heat it will tolerate (heat has been proven to kill both the bugs and the eggs). Throw any bags or containers away in an outside trash container.

The second most common way is bringing them in on luggage. If you've been traveling or if you have a college student or service person home on break, there are a few things you can do to help avoid the spread of bed bugs. Immediately segregate any luggage or other belongs brought home in an area such as a garage or laundry room. Wash and dry all clothing on the highest heat it will tolerate and other items that can’t be laundered such as shoes can be run through a cycle on the dryer on the highest tolerable heat. Then inspect luggage or other containers for any signs of the bugs. We also sell sprays that you can use both before and after traveling.

For more information and additional links, click on our resources page. If you have further questions or suspect you have bed bugs, give our office a call and we will be happy to answer any questions you have or schedule an inspection. So this Valentine Day, get bitten by the Love Bug not the Bed Bug.