Picture this: You come back from a vacation and as you get ready for bed, you see some red, itchy bumps on your arms. You try to ignore them but the next day, they’ve multiplied. Your worst fear is confirmed – you have bed bugs. Now what? You’ve heard that leaving your furniture outside in the sun can get rid of them, but is it true? In this article, we’re going to explore the psychology behind why bed bugs are so unsettling, and if the outdoor furniture solution holds any merit. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in.
Will putting furniture outside get rid of bed bugs?
Here are a few reasons why putting furniture outside is not a great solution for getting rid of bed bugs:
Overall, the best way to get rid of bed bugs is to call a professional exterminator who can safely and effectively eliminate them from your home.
1. Putting furniture outside may not effectively get rid of bed bugs since they are resilient and can survive in various temperatures.
2. The best way to eliminate bed bugs is through professional pest control treatment that targets their hiding places.
3. If you cannot afford pest control, try vacuuming the furniture thoroughly to remove any bed bugs and their eggs.
4. Avoid picking up furniture from the curb as it could potentially have bed bugs or other pests.
5. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your furniture can help prevent bed bugs and other pests from infesting your home.
Take a look at this fascinating video on Bed Bugs, I guarantee you’ll find it interesting:
The Ideal Environment for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs prefer to live in a warm and enclosed environment that is close to their food source. Their food source is, of course, human and animal blood, and they typically feed at night when their victims are asleep. Since bed bugs are not able to fly, they will seek out hiding places near the bed to wait for their next meal. They tend to hide in cracks and crevices of mattresses, box springs, headboards, and other objects near the bed.
In order for bed bugs to thrive, they need a warm and humid environment. They are unable to survive in extreme temperatures, whether it be too hot or too cold. As a result, their ideal environment is a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity level of 70 to 80 percent.
What Happens to Bed Bugs Outdoors?
Outdoor habitats do not offer the ideal environment for the bed bug. While bed bugs are able to survive for a short amount of time in cooler temperatures, they will not survive outside for long. Extreme cold and hot temperatures are not suitable for bed bugs and can quickly kill them.
Outside, bed bugs do not have a nearby food source. They will not survive long without a blood meal. Bed bugs are also unable to travel long distances on their own. They can hitchhike on clothing, luggage, and furniture, but they cannot actively move to find a new host.
Why Do Bed Bugs Prefer Indoor Habitats?
Bed bugs prefer indoor habitats because they provide the necessary conditions for their survival. They are able to find hiding places near their food source and thrive in a warm and humid environment. Additionally, indoor habitats provide protection from predators, such as birds and spiders.
Indoor habitats also provide more consistent temperatures and humidity levels. Outdoor environments are subject to fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, which are unfavorable for bed bugs.
Can Putting Furniture Outside Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
Putting furniture outside may not necessarily get rid of bed bugs. While it is true that extreme temperatures can kill bed bugs, it is unlikely that outdoor temperatures will reach the necessary extremes to kill all bed bugs.
Additionally, putting infested furniture outside can cause bed bugs to spread to other nearby objects, creating more infestations. Bed bugs can quickly and easily move from one object to another and spread throughout the area.
Here are some additional risks of outdoor furniture exposure:
- Rain or moisture can damage furniture, which can lead to mold growth
- Exposure to sunlight can cause furniture to fade or discolor
- Outdoor furniture can become a breeding ground for other pests, such as ants or flies
Alternatives to Outdoor Furniture Treatment
Instead of putting furniture outside, there are more effective alternatives to treat bed bug infestations. One of the most common treatments is to hire a professional pest control company. Pest control companies have the necessary tools and experience to effectively treat bed bug infestations.
Another effective treatment option is to use heat treatment. Bed bugs cannot survive in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so heat treatment can effectively kill bed bugs and their eggs. However, heat treatment also requires specialized equipment and should only be done by a professional.
Another option is to use insecticides, but this should only be done under the guidance of a trained professional. Insecticides can be dangerous if not used properly and can cause harm to humans and pets.
In conclusion, putting furniture outside is not an effective way to get rid of bed bugs. Bed bugs thrive in warm and humid indoor environments, and outdoor habitats do not provide the necessary conditions for their survival. Instead, it is best to seek professional treatment options to effectively eliminate bed bug infestations.
