What Smells Will Keep Bed Bugs Away From My Glendale Home?

The world is filled with a variety of smells. Some are pleasant, like the smell of roses, freshly baked pies, or the cool air near a lake. Others are quick to turn our noses away, like skunks, trash heaps, and neglected public restrooms. The question is, are there scents that bed bugs hate that the average human isn’t bothered by? To answer this question for you today, here are some things you should know about bed bugs and some simple ways to keep these pests out of your Glendale home.

Some Facts About Bed Bugs

There is a good chance that you have heard about bed bugs but perhaps know little to nothing about these invasive pests beyond the fact that they get into people’s beds. What you might not know is that bed bugs are great at hiding. These elusive pests are rarely spotted inside the homes they infest. This makes them one of the hardest insects to identify in our area. 

Another thing about bed bugs is that they don't invade in the same way other pests do. Where flies, cockroaches, and ants come in through gaps and cracks in your home’s foundation, beneath doors, and through unsealed windows, bed bugs hitchhike. You read that right. These pests hide on items people carry, keep their heads down, and hope to end up in someone’s home, like yours.

Are Bed Bugs Sensitive To Smells?

The short answer to this question is yes, bed bugs are sensitive to some smells. The problem with using smell-based deterrents to keep these pests from biting you is that they only work so well. Unless you are applying products around your bed or on your body every single night, you will find little to no success using this prevention method. It is also good to keep in mind that bed bugs can survive a long period of time without a blood meal, over five months in certain situations. If smells are keeping these pests from biting you at night, they will wait inside your walls, under your floorboards, and in other concealed areas around your home until you stop. The other problem with using scent-based deterrents is that they get expensive, especially if you are using essential oils. 

A Better Way To Prevent Bed Bugs

There is no good way to protect your home against bed bugs but there are many methods that can help you avoid bringing these pests home with you. To help you on your journey to a bed bug-free home, here are some practical prevention steps we recommend.

• Before returning home from a trip, store used clothing inside an airtight bag. As soon as you get back, empty the bag into the wash and wash it on high heat.

• Check rooms you plan on staying in for blood stains on bed coverings, live bed bugs, specks of reddish-black fecal matter, and shed insect skins before settling in.

• Do not set any personal items on the floor in public for more than 20 minutes as this is how long it takes for a bed bug to crawl over.

• Check used clothing, furniture, and other items for bed bugs before bringing them home.

• Teach your family and friends about bed bugs so they can avoid bringing them into your home.

What To Do If Bed Bugs Invade Your Home

There is only one solution that is guaranteed to get bed bugs out of your home. Professional pest control. At Green Home Pest Control, we offer cost-effective and environmentally friendly options to eliminate these invasive blood-feeding pests. Call us today to schedule your Glendale home for a detailed bed bug inspection or to discuss your options for treatment.