One of the consequences of the recent economic crisis is that people are willing to do anything to save a buck or two. Even people who may have been frivolous with their money in the past are suddenly frugal. But with this frugality comes an opportunity for an invasion from bed bugs. A bed bug invasion will most often cost you more money to get rid of than you saved in the first place.
Bed bugs are pests that are mostly nocturnal, can hide virtually anywhere, and thrive on human blood. They are enjoying a new resurgence, turning up everywhere these days. Bed bugs are no longer discriminatory about where they choose to reside. Filth or uncleanliness is not a requirement. Five star hotels can be just as infested as a run down apartment complex. A possible infestation at Goldman Sachs offices recently made headlines. (For a discussion on how you can avoid bringing bed bugs home with you, click here.) And to get rid of them can cost thousands of dollars since there is no effective at home or do it yourself remedy. The exterminator must be called in to take care of the pests. Pest management companies are trained in the procedures and in the use of the chemical insecticides or pesticides that are effective in the eradication of bed bugs. Along with the pesticides, you can use rubbing alcohol for killing of the bed bugs. The home made product is used for household as well as industrial use.
So how does your frugality put money in the exterminator’s wallet? More and more people are shopping at thrift stores, yard sales, garage sales and even on Craig’s List and on Ebay because everyone wants a bargain these days. And more and more people are selling items in these places in order to make ends meet. Unfortunately, bed bugs are great stowaways. Since they are so tiny they can hide themselves in furniture, clothing, books or anything else that might be bough second hand and brought into your home. You might think that sofa looks like a great deal but have you considered that you may also be paying to bring bugs into your home when you buy it? You may choose to examine it to try to determine if the bed bugs are present, but in some cases, even upon close inspection, you simply can’t tell if there is an infestation present. And if you bring it home and there are bugs present, in just a few days the pest management company is going to be hearing their phones ringing to set up an appointment. And they’re going to be collecting some money from you.
Keep this in mind when shopping for deals on items that are second hand. If the product can be easily washed and dried and inspected then you are probably safe in purchasing it. If it contains cracks and crevices that bugs can hide in, think again before taking it home. It just might not be worth the headaches it causes. And you might just be putting money in that pest management company’s pocket.
