How to Keep Bed Bugs Out of Your Raleigh Home

If you’ve never dealt with bed bugs before, count yourself lucky. These small, parasitic pests travel by hitching rides on people, clothing, luggage, and personal belongings—making them one of the most frustrating pests to encounter. Bed bugs survive by feeding on the blood of warm-blooded animals, and they especially prefer humans. Unfortunately, that means your home in Raleigh could be at risk.

Why Are Bed Bugs Becoming More Common?

There was a time when bed bugs were rarely a concern for most American households. That changed dramatically after the ban of DDT—a powerful pesticide once commonly used to control bed bugs. While DDT was effective, it also posed serious health and environmental risks, leading to its ban in 1972.

Since then, the bed bug population in the United States has rebounded significantly. Increased domestic and international travel has only accelerated their spread. To make matters worse, bed bugs have developed resistance to many common pesticides, making them especially difficult to eliminate once they gain a foothold.

Where Bed Bugs Hide

To keep bed bugs out, it's important to know where they’re likely to hide:

• Mattresses, box springs, and bedding
• Cracks in furniture or under floorboards
• Behind wallpaper or baseboards
• Inside electrical outlets or wall voids
• Piles of laundry or cluttered areas

While bed bugs can be found inside your home, they’re often picked up in public places and carried in unknowingly.

How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations

Prevention is your best defense when it comes to bed bugs. Take these proactive steps to reduce your chances of bringing them home:

• Inspect hotel rooms before settling in. Check mattresses, bed frames, and furniture for shed skins, eggs, or live bed bugs. If you notice any signs, ask for a different room.
• Avoid used furniture unless it’s been carefully inspected. Bed bugs often hide in second-hand items, especially mattresses, couches, and chairs.
• Be cautious in public areas like airports, schools, daycares, and public transportation. These are high-traffic zones where bed bugs can easily be transferred.
• Inspect your luggage and clothing after traveling. Look for signs of bed bugs and clean your items thoroughly.
• Wash and dry clothes on high heat if you suspect exposure. Heat can help kill bed bugs hiding in fabric.

Professional Bed Bug Control in Raleigh, NC

If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, it’s essential to act quickly. Bed bugs reproduce rapidly, and DIY treatments rarely eliminate the entire problem.

At Pest & Termite Consultants, our experienced pest control team offers effective bed bug solutions designed to identify the problem and remove it at the source. Our residential pest control services are tailored to the specific needs of Raleigh homeowners, providing fast, thorough relief from bed bugs and other unwanted pests.

We’re committed to restoring your peace of mind with reliable service, discreet treatments, and expert advice. If you're noticing bites, stains on bedding, or signs of live bugs, don't wait—contact us today to schedule an inspection and discuss your options.

Sleep Easy Again with Help from Pest & Termite Consultants

Bed bugs don’t discriminate—they can infest even the cleanest homes. But with the right knowledge and the support of local pest experts, you can keep your Raleigh home bed bug-free. Trust the professionals at Pest & Termite Consultants to provide safe, effective bed bug control solutions that protect your family and your home.

Call us at (919) 246-8831 or request an appointment online.