Bed bugs try to hide from us in outlet covers

During my bedbug treatment, homeowners often ask me, ”Why are you removing my outlet covers?" 

Now that you’re wondering, this is my replay: Bed bugs will look for the most inaccessible, out-of-the-way, out-of-sight, “I-never—thought-in-a-million-years-that-they-would-find-their-way-in-there” types of places to nest. And they like places that are not only inaccessible, but that are also tight and cozy. And I mean that literally! While at rest between their blood meals, bed bugs love to feel pressure on all sides of their bodies. Just like a baby that is swaddled, being in a tight space makes bedbugs feel safe and secure. Electrical outlets typically provide bedbugs with a safe space that they will thrive in. Well, at least until I “smoke out” those nasty little buggers!

One of my first steps during a bed bug treatment is removing all of the outlet and light switch receptacle covers in any room that has signs of bedbug activity. I then vacuum all of the crack and crevice areas in and around the outlets. When done, I lightly apply a dust inside the outlets and surrounding wall areas. When any bed bugs come into contact with this dust, their outer wax-like coating will dry out, quickly ending their miserable existence.  

Once the outlets have been treated, I secure the covers back in place and move on to thoroughly vacuuming all of the other crack and crevice areas. After vacuuming, I apply a light chemical application to all of the potential harborage areas. 

Bed bugs may be sly, but, as you can see, so am I! You can never be too thorough while performing a bed bug service. And at Cowleys, we leave no stone unturned. 

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