After almost disappearing from American life, bed bug infestation has resurged in the twenty-first century to significant levels across the country. With species resistance to over the counter insecticides and increased international travel, these highly irritating pests are afflicting families and businesses even in the La Crosse area.

Bed bugs are tiny insects that can hide in the smallest cracks inside bedding material or tucked away in clothing or other fabrics. They prefer human victims, feeding exclusively on blood. They also prefer attacking a host when they are asleep but can appear wherever people spend a great deal of time. When they have safe places to hide near humans, they can remain hidden for long periods between their blood meals.

Even the cleanest homes and most strict personal hygiene habits do not provide a defense against an infestation. Dirt or other pests do not attract them. They look for humans to bite and feed upon. Other pest animals and household pets can transmit bed bugs, but they are most commonly brought into homes and businesses when they stow away in luggage or packages.

One of the most common places people pick up these pest is in hotel rooms. You should inspect a room closely and protect your bags and clothing when staying at a hotel. Place your luggage on a metal rack, the sink, or the bathtub. Nursing homes and hospitals are also high transmission areas for these pests. Be careful with the backpacks and clothes kids carry back and forth from school and how they are stored while at school.

Their bites can lead to several adverse health effects. They bite exposed skin and can cause painful rashes and allergic reactions. The pain and itching they cause can take days to set. As a result, their bites often resemble mosquito bites. However, they have longer-lasting effects and are more closely grouped on the body than mosquito bites. Some of the most damaging impacts of bed bugs are psychological and emotional injury. When they have infested a home, the sleep disruption and overall stress they cause can be significant.

Of course, businesses that have a bed bug infestation can suffer immediate and sometimes irreparable harm to their reputation. After they have infested a home or business, eliminating them requires expertise and experience. Do-it-yourself attempts typically lead to substantial frustration and can sometimes make eradicating the pests even more difficult. Common over-the-counter pesticides are ineffective and can create environmental and health issues. Professional elimination of bed bugs relies on expertise, proper materials and applications, and proper follow-up.

1st Defense Pest Solutions proudly serves La Crosse and the surrounding counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Our locally-owned and family-operated pest control company considers our customers our most valuable asset, and our team puts your total satisfaction at the top of our list. Contact us today so we can assist with protecting your family or business from the stress and damage caused by bed bugs, roaches, ants, and other pest species.