While bed bugs are a global issue, including in the arctic regions, Alaska is not immune to this trend. Here’s what is known about bed bugs in Alaska:
- Bed bugs in Alaska Bed bugs are abundant even within Alaska’s cities.
- Nationwide resurgence In recent years, there has been a nationwide resurgence in bed bug infestations.
- Not due to hygiene Infestation is rarely due to a lack of hygiene but is more common in high-density areas.
- How they spread Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily be transported into your home through luggage, clothing, used furniture, and other personal items. Given bed bugs are hitchhikers on people, they can enter a residence at any time.
- Where they thrive They thrive in places where people sleep or spend extended periods, such as homes, hotels, and dormitories.
- Eradication methods:
- Vacuuming can help remove some of the pests before additional treatment is undertaken. Optimum results are achieved by slowly scraping the end of the suction wand along infested seams, folds, and edges of beds and upholstered furniture, perimeter edges of flooring, and wherever bugs are observed.
- Steamers and vacuums can help eliminate infestations. Some pest control firms also employ commercial steamers or spot-freezing equipment to treat areas where bed bugs are found or suspected. Used correctly, they kill bugs and eggs on contact.
- Heat treatments involve heating up the infested item or area to temperatures lethal to the bugs. Portable heaters and fans are used to gradually heat the air to about 120-130°F while monitoring with strategically placed sensors.
- A variety of insecticides is available formulated as liquids, aerosols, and dusts.
- DIY vs. Professional Treatment While it’s possible to tackle a bed bug infestation yourself, it can be challenging and time-consuming. DIY methods often fall short, as bed bugs are resilient and can hide in tiny crevices.
- Professional pest control Professional pest control services provide a more effective and comprehensive solution. Heat treatment and a variety of professional-grade pesticides are known to kill bed bugs when applied correctly.
- Apartment buildings Multi-unit housing is one of the most challenging environments for bed bugs. Since bed bugs often wander between apartments, it is vital to inspect units near those known or suspected of being infested.
Sources:
[1] https://insight-pest.com/blog/bed-bug-infestations/
[2] https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef636
[3] https://alaskapestinc.com/services/bed-bugs/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug
