Bed Bugs and Leather: A Guide to Prevention and Treatment
Understanding Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small insects (<1 cm) that feed on the blood of warm-blooded hosts. While they prefer fabrics and wood for nesting sites, they can also infest leather surfaces. Leather's natural roughness provides crevices where bed bugs can hide and lay eggs.
How to Check for Bed Bug Infestations in Leather
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Inspect the seams: Check for small, dark stains near seams and edges, which indicate bed bug feces. *
Look for live insects: Use a flashlight to search for small, reddish-brown bugs. *
Check for eggs: Bed bug eggs are white and about the size of a pinhead. They may be found in cracks or crevices.
What to Do If Your Leather Items are Infested
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Vacuum thoroughly: Remove all visible bed bugs, eggs, and debris using a vacuum cleaner with a fine nozzle. *
Steam the leather: If possible, steam the leather surface thoroughly to kill bed bugs and their eggs. *
Use a bed bug spray: Consult a pest control professional for approved bed bug sprays. *
Call a pest control company: If the infestation is severe, contact a licensed pest control company for professional treatment.
Preventing Bed Bug Infestations in Leather
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Keep leather items clean: Vacuum and dust leather surfaces regularly to remove potential food sources for bed bugs. *
Avoid clutter: Remove any debris or clutter from around leather items, as this can provide hiding places for bed bugs. *
Inspect used furniture: When acquiring used leather furniture, thoroughly inspect it for bed bugs before bringing it into your home. *
Use protective covers: Consider using protective covers for leather items to prevent bed bugs from entering.
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