Introduction
Bed bugs are small parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They typically hide in cracks and crevices of furniture, baseboards, walls, carpets, and bedding to lay their eggs. In addition to being a nuisance, they are also a health risk as they can spread diseases such as chagas disease and rickettsial disease. These vampire-like pests have become more commonly encountered in homes and other areas as they are becoming increasingly resistant to insecticides. Therefore, it is important to consider if there is a possibility of bed bugs getting into board games”one’s that we play together with family or friends.
This is especially important since board games are usually stored or transported between people or places where bed bugs may be active. When these items are brought into homes or public spaces, there is an increased risk for the introduction of these pests. They may be hiding in the boxes, pieces, boards, cards, dice, etc., which could then contaminate whatever area they are used in. It is essential to understand how bed bugs are able to move around and gain access to our board game collections so that proper measures can be taken to prevent them from taking up residence in our homes or public places.
The Risk of Can Bed Bugs Get Into Board Games?
The risk of bed bugs getting into board games is relatively low, as board games do not provide an ideal environment for them to hide or feed on. Bed bugs prefer fabric surfaces, such as mattresses or furniture that is often in contact with humans, so unless the box is especially damaged and being used by someone who spends a lot of time around places that host high amounts of bed bugs (such as hotels or public transportation), it is unlikely they are nesting inside.
Additionally, although bed bugs generally feed on human blood, they can also survive off other sources such as pet food or dead animals. Because board games don’t provide either food source, there would be no incentive for bed bugs to make their way inside the box. It is possible for bed bugs to get in if beds are left close to a game storage area and infested mattresses/bedding become influential; however this scenario would be a very rare one and more likely to occur in places like daycares or elementary schools where multiple people are spending long periods of time playing together.
Natural Ways to Keep Bed Bugs from Getting Into Board Games
Bed bugs are one of the most annoying pests to encounter and they can get into virtually any household or public place. Unfortunately, this includes board games. To keep bed bugs from getting into board games, it is important to be proactive in preventing them with natural methods such as:
1. Thoroughly clean and vacuum around the game board and pieces regularly using vacuums with a HEPA filter, which helps trap bed bug eggs and prevent them from spreading.
2. Keep board games in airtight containers or bags when not in use, as this will limit the chances of a bed bug infestation beginning in your game collection.
3. Regularly check for evidence of an infestation by looking for reddish-brown spots on the game boards and pieces which could indicate the presence of bed bugs or their droppings.
4. Place items such as board games you don’t frequently use in a Ziploc bag before storing them away since this will help reduce the chance of bringing new infestations home when visiting someone else’s home or going on trips where bed bugs may be present.
5. If there is evidence that bed bugs have already infiltrated your board game collection, disassemble each game piece by piece and wash in hot water then freeze all parts that came in contact with the affected area to kill any lingering bugs or eggs.
How to Inspect for Bed Bugs in Stored Board Games
When it comes to inspecting for bed bugs in stored board games, you will want to be sure to check thoroughly. Start by feeling around the corners and edges of the game boards for any sign of bugs or egg casings. You should also open the box and look inside at each shape and piece to make sure there are no clearly visible bed bugs. In addition, check in almost impossible-to-reach areas such as between sealed cards, deep crevices in game instructions booklet, etc. Shake out all pieces on top of a white sheet or towel so that any bugs will immediately be visible. If you find anything suspicious, contact an exterminator immediately. Finally, clean the surfaces of the board game boxes with a vacuum cleaner before storing them in an airtight container and seal it tightly with tape or duct tape. Doing these things will help ensure you never have to worry about bed bugs getting into your board games!
Treatment Strategies for Bed Bug Infested Board Games
If bed bugs have infested your board games, it is important to take immediate steps to treat the problem. Here are some suggested treatment strategies:
1. Use heat as a form of extermination: Carefully inspect the board game and its contents for signs of bed bugs or eggs and bags them if discovered. Place them in a dryer set to high heat for at least 30 minutes, or until everything is completely dry. This process will kill all living bed bugs and their eggs. Be sure to check all other fabrics that the game came into contact with as well from pillows, blankets, mattresses, etc.,
2. Vacuum the board game : This will remove any dead bed bugs or eggs left over after the initial heat treatment process. Dispose of vacuum contents immediately in an outdoor trashcan far away from your home to prevent re-infestation.
3. Steam cleaning : Using steam can be another effective way to get rid of bedbugs on board games and other items like furniture, carpets and upholstery for a more thorough cleaning of these items and fabrics. Turn up your steamer’s temperature setting so it is hotter than 140 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that you kill all live bed bugs and eggs on contact before treating with other methods suggested here.
4. Apply insecticides : Apply professional grade insecticides specifically formulated for use against hard-bodied pests like bedbugs according to directions provided by the manufacturer and always start at low levels initially -do not apply too much insecticide at once as doing so will reduce the effectiveness greatly while increasing potential health risks created by contact with or inhalation of fumes generated in close proximity by users/applicators
Conclusion
Bed bugs can get into board games if the cardboard, wooden, fabric, or other material components of a game are infested with them. To minimize the risk of bed bugs in board games, look for signs of infestation before buying any used or second-hand board game. Check for tiny reddish-brown spots that could indicate dried blood from feeding bed bugs; tiny black spots indicating bed bug feces; and/or a musty odor indicating bed bugs may be present. When possible, buy new board games made from materials that will not attract or harbor pests, such as plastic and metal components that won’t give off odors like cardboard and wood may. And when playing with used board games it is important to inspect both the game and the area surrounding it before play begins. If suspicions arise immediately discontinue game play and contact your local pest control professional for further assistance.
I love playing all kinds of games – from classics like Monopoly to modern favourites like Ticket to Ride.
I created this blog as a way to share my love of board games with others, and provide information on the latest releases and news in the industry.
