Bed Bug Vacuums: Do They Work?

How effective are bed bug vacuums?

As people begin traveling during the summer, bed bug infestations are set to rise across the United States.  Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, and can easily go from your hotel to your suitcase to your home! Did you know there are vacuums specifically designed to eliminate bed bugs? Many of these bed bug vacuums are advertised as being an effective way to control a bed bug infestation. But are these vacuums really going to do the trick when it comes to ridding your home of bed bugs? Here’s what folks in East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Chicopee, and surrounding areas need to know. 

Bed Bug Vacuums: Are they Effective?

In short, you don’t want to rely on a vacuum, even a special bed bug vacuum, to get rid of an infestation. Why not?

• Not all bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. You can’t vacuum what you can’t see! Bed bugs are good at hiding, and can often bury themselves deep within the folds or tufts of your mattress and box spring.

• Bed bugs lay a lot of eggs. Even if you’re able to capture adult bed bugs with a vacuum, you can’t always capture the minuscule eggs. Even a few eggs left behind can be the difference between extermination and infestation!

• Bed bugs can be out of reach. These bloodsuckers don’t just hang out in beds. They can also infest other furniture, walls and ceilings, and other nooks and crannies around the house. Not all of these spaces are easily accessible with a vacuum!

When Should You Use a Vacuum for Bed Bugs?

Even though you shouldn’t rely on bed bug vacuums to eliminate a bed bug infestation, there are instances where a vacuum can be an effective preventative measure. For example, consider vacuuming out your suitcases when you return home from a trip. This can help prevent any hitchhiking bed bugs from turning into a full-blown infestation.

As a bonus, regular vacuuming of your carpeted living spaces can keep away other creepy-crawlers, such as dust mites.

As is usually the case with infestations of this scale, when it comes to bed bugs, the safest bet is to call your local pest control professional.

If you have any questions or would like a consultation for pest control services, feel free to give Graduate a call.