Once you have dealt with a bed bug infestation, you will want to do everything in your power to prevent it from happening again. A few simple steps is all it takes to help protect your home.
Schedule Check-UPS With Your Pest Control Pro’s
Your pest control specialists will be happy to come back periodically to check for signs of infestation. Early detection is key for preventing large-scale infestations, and a trained eye knows the best places to look.
Avoid Second-Hand Furniture
Thrift stores may offer some great deals, but you can never be certain if your purchases came from a clean home. Bed bug eggs are practically invisible to the naked eye, and you may end up bringing unwelcome visitors home with you. Avoid second-hand furniture, including pillows and cushions. Clothing and other cloth items you purchase should be laundered as soon as you get home.
Check Hotel Rooms When Traveling
When you arrive at your hotel or cruise ship room, inspect the area for signs of infestation. Inspect the mattress and sheets, making sure to check underneath the mattress, underneath tags and around the top and bottom of the bed frame. Store your luggage away from the bed and walls. When you return home, launder your clothes immediately and vacuum out your luggage, including carry-ons and purses.
If you wake up with bites during your vacation, call hotel management at once, and take extra precautions when you arrive home. Unpack outdoors and wash your clothes in hot water. Decontaminate luggage using specialized strips designed to fumigate luggage. You will likely have to leave your luggage sealed in plastic bags for up to two weeks. Keep a close eye on your mattress in the following weeks, and call the professions at the first sign of infestation.
Keep Your Home Clean to Prevent Bed Bugs
Keeping a clutter-free home will make it easier to spot any signs of re-infestation. Eliminate clutter throughout your home, being especially mindful of the areas around and under beds. Wash bed linens weekly in hot water and dry them on the highest heat the fabric can withstand.
Check Your Home for Signs of Bed Bugs
Between professional check-ups, you can perform your own quick sweeps to check for signs of infestation. Check on top of and underneath mattresses, couch cushions and other common hiding places. It is especially important to check after someone new has moved in, a guest has stayed overnight or a service worker has been in your home.