Bed bugs are pesky bugs that feed on blood. These pests thrive in warm environments that keep them close to their food source, making homes, hotels, and dorm rooms perfect places for these pests to settle down. Once bed bugs get established, it can be difficult to get them to leave, which is why you’ll want to take steps to avoid these pests. Check out a few tips to help you prevent a bed bug infestation.
1. Seal Cracks & Gaps
As with other pests, you don’t want to give bed bugs an open invitation into your home. Bed bugs can easily travel between apartments or condos, so you’ll want to take time to seal potential entry points. Check for and seal any cracks in walls, door frames, and baseboards. You’ll also want to seal gaps near wires or utility lines. Sealing these entry points can help to keep an infestation contained to one unit.
2. Protect Your Bed
Bed bugs are often found on beds, so you’ll want to take steps to protect yours. A mattress encasement labeled for bed bugs can help. You’ll want to get one that covers both the mattress and the box spring. Check the cover regularly to make sure there aren’t any tears. It’s also important to wash your sheets, blankets, and pillowcases. If bed bugs are present, the heat from the dryer will help to kill them.
3. Keep Your Space Clean
Keeping your space clean can help to deter bed bugs. Clutter provides these pests with hiding spots. Avoid letting items pile up on nightstands, coffee tables, and other surfaces. Keep your closets organized. Don’t leave your items on the floor, especially clothing. Vacuuming regularly can help to remove bed bugs from the floor and furniture. You’ll want to empty the contents of the vacuum into a sealed bag before throwing the bag away in an outdoor trash can.
4. Take Precautions When Traveling
Traveling can expose you to bed bugs. These pests do well in hotels because of the number of people that come and go. When traveling, you’ll want to take time to check your hotel room for bed bugs or signs of these pests. Check the mattress, bedding, headboard, and other furniture in the room. If you notice bed bugs, you’ll want to alert the staff and change rooms. When you get home, wash your clothes and use a high heat setting when drying them.
5. Take Precautions When Hosting Guests
Bed bugs can sneak into your home on your guests’ items, including clothing and bags. If you’re hosting guests, you can take a few precautions to help avoid an infestation. Designate an area, like a spare closet, for storing your guests’ coats, jackets, and bags. If your guests are spending the night, you can use a bed bug encasement on their mattress. Once your guests leave, be sure to wash and dry the bedding on a high heat setting.
6. Examine Used Furniture & Clothing
Bed bugs are known to travel into homes on pieces of furniture and clothing. Before purchasing secondhand items, you’ll want to examine them for these pests. Thoroughly check furniture, including cracks and crevices. Using a flashlight and magnifying glass can make it easier to look for bed bugs. Keep an eye out for dark or red stains on clothing and furniture as well. When you bring clothes home, it’s best to wash them right away.
No one wants to have bed bugs as their house guests. Taking the time to implement a few preventative measures can help to keep these pests out of your home. If you’re dealing with bed bugs, we want to help! Our Bed Bug & Flea Killer spray and our Bed Bug Killer dust are both labeled to help control bed bugs.