A good offense is your best bed bug defense. Getting rid of clutter in your home, vacuuming regularly, washing your bed sheets on the hottest temperature, and checking your housing when you vacation are all ways to avoid bed bugs. Of course, if you do find them, hiring a local pest control company is a must.
Blood-sucking bed bugs make terrific stowaways. They’ll cling to anything that might bring them closer to where you’re lying. Doesn’t it make you feel uncomfortable?
When visiting a location with an active bed bug infestation, such as a resort, a motel room, or even a friend’s residence, you may take up a bed bug. A single bed bug can find its way onto your clothing, into your baggage, or into your pocketbook.
Unbeknownst to you, the bed bug may accompany you home and pose a threat to your comfort and peace of mind. You could also come across a bed bug infestation at a thrift store, yard sale, or when bringing home a used chest of drawers.
The easiest way to keep bed bugs out of your house is to follow these 11 bed bug prevention tips:
1. Don’t keep things under your bed.
Storing stuff under your bed encourages bed bugs to congregate near your mattress. You could potentially be storing a contaminated object without realizing it.
2. Use plastic containers to store your belongings.
Smooth surfaces, such as glass or plastic, are difficult for bed bugs to crawl on. Keeping your storage items in a plastic container or bag will assist avoid the spread of bacteria.
3. Clear the Floor of Debris
Please don’t leave your clothes on the floor. You run the danger of infecting your wardrobe or closet if a stray bed insect latches onto your sweatshirt.
4. Encasements that are dust mite-proof
To build a barrier between you and any potential bed bugs, encase your mattresses or box spring with dust mite-proof encasements.
5. Vacuum on a regular basis
This bed bug preventive approach aids in the removal of stray bed bugs. Dispose of the vacuum bag in an outside trash container for additional protection.
6. Remove all clothing from the bed
You have no idea who’s bed these bugs have invaded or who’s bed they have not yet infested. If you want to keep bed bugs out of your house, it’s important to keep your garments off any beds. Keep other people’s clothes off your bed with this in mind. You never know if they’re bringing a bed bug from their house with them. Guests’ coats should be hung in the coat closet rather than on your bed.
7. Examine the Area Where You Will Be Staying
Examine your new sleeping arrangements, such as a hotel, motel, or dorm room, before unloading your belongings. Look for evidence of bed bugs in the drapes, carpet, walls, and adjacent places. Most essential, look for any symptoms of illness in the bed. If you suspect an infestation, request a different room. It’s best not to put your clothes on the bed.
8. After a trip, wash your clothes and luggage.
Make sure you don’t bring a bed bug back with you after your trip. Wash your clothes right away, and clean any luggage you have, including suitcases, backpacks, and purses.
9. Use the highest setting to wash the sheets.
Wash your bed linens at the highest temperature once a week. Bed bugs and their eggs can be killed by heat.
10. Don’t Take Furniture From Dumpsters or Curbs
It’s easy to get tempted by a free couch by the side of the road. Bringing it into your home, though, can result in a serious bed bug infestation. Bed bugs may have invaded curbs and dumpsters, so don’t take anything from them.
11. Don’t Let Your Bed Sheets Lie on the Floor
Make sure your sheets do not touch the floor when making your bed or sleeping. A stray bed insect can climb up to your bed through a hanging sheet.
When Should You Hire a Professional?
If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your house, contact a local bed bug exterminator. The key to dealing with bed bugs is to get rid of them as soon as possible. In your home, a single female bed bug can start an infestation. This infestation has the potential to spread to other sections of your home, making control even more difficult and costly.
Exterminating a tiny infestation as soon as possible will save you money in the long run. When bed bug symptoms become severe, bed bugs multiply in big numbers, bed bugs expand their hiding spots, or reinfestation occurs, it’s time to call a specialist.