Can Bed Bugs Climb Metal & Plastic?
Notorious and determined, bed bugs can be a real problem in our homes. These creatures have the ability to grow in numbers rather quickly and give us unpleasant, itchy bites. We know all this, but how do they find their way into our beds and furniture?
Bed bugs can jump short distances, but you may be wondering how well they can climb. Let’s take a closer look at this pest and its agile capabilities.
Can Bed Bugs Climb Plastic?
Bed bugs have difficulty when it comes to climbing up smooth surfaces. As plastic is generally a smooth surface, bed bugs may find it challenging to conquer. With that said, it might work as a temporary prevention measure for a short period of time.
You can use plastic to cover furniture, mattresses or clothing stored in closets, in a bid to keep the bugs away. However, this method alone will not always work with great effect or long term. Bed bugs are determined and adaptable.
While they may struggle to climb up smooth plastic, they will simply search for an alternative route. Therefore, you may want to hold off on wrapping all your furniture in plastic wrap unless you’re determined to give it a try.
If you are hoping that plastic will keep bed bugs away from your furniture, even if it is effective, it cannot be used as the sole method. You will have to take other steps against this pest if you are serious about deterring or killing them. For example, many bugs will resort to climbing walls instead, and then descend from the ceiling onto the bed.
Can Bed Bugs Climb Metal?
Similarly to plastic, metal is also usually a smooth surface. This smooth characteristic works in its favor, as bed bugs are likely to find it difficult to climb. However, these creatures do have an incredible amount of grip. Like the plastic, metal may not be as smooth as you think.
While having a metal bed frame may be a slight deterrent, bed bugs will find a solution. They find it much easier to climb up fabrics, concrete and wood, but will still hunt for a detour until they find a safe space to set up camp.
Even though they may struggle to climb up a metal bed frame, once they reach their destination, they can rest and wait to feed. You will get into bed every night and they will emerge from the mattress with ease.
Just because bed bugs struggle to climb on and grip metal, don’t assume that the coast is clear. If you are concerned about bed bugs in your home, act fast to quickly eradicate them. A few bed bugs, as tiny as they are, can quickly escalate into a huge number.
How to Deal With Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are determined and persistent, particularly when they need access to food. While they may not be able to climb plastic and metal very well, this doesn’t mean you are safe. It is important to take extra measures to deal with bed bugs if you suspect you have a problem with them.
If you are worried you may have an infestation, you can set traps to confirm this. Place each leg of a piece of furniture into a dish of water or aclcohol, or a special bed bug intercepted trap. The water will act as a temporary barrier to prevent them from getting to you, or into the furniture. While bed bugs can float for a short amount of time, they cannot last long if submerged.
In my experience, the best and most effective bed bug traps are usually the ones that are designed to work in the simplest of ways. I’ve used the Bed Bug Blocker Interceptor Traps extensively and I find they do the job better than any other trap I’ve tried. You also get a very generous 8 interceptors per pack. Place them directly underneath the bed/table/chair legs you’re trying to protect, and watch the bed bugs fall into the traps time and time again with no chance of escape.
If you have an infestation, you are most likely to find a few bodies within a day or two, as the bed bugs attempt to navigate over the dish. As soon as you have real evidence of this pest, contact your trusted pest control professional, in order to address the problem swiftly and successfully.
