Tips for Bed Bug Prevention
.png)
Vacuuming
-
Vacuuming frequently, especially if you travel, have guests over often, or share living spaces- is crucial to getting rid of bedbugs that could be using a human for a “ride” to their new home.
Mattress Covers
-
Using mattress covers and even couch covers on top of your furniture not only severely reduces bedbug hiding spots, but makes fecal matter and shed exoskeletons much easier to see.
Laundry
-
When sharing laundry facilities- bring your clothes in a closed plastic bag (like a trash bag) and don’t leave it lying around. If you suspect an infestation, use a brand new, separate bag to take the clothes from the dryer back to your unit.
Clutter
-
Reduce clutter as much as possible to reduce bedbug hiding spots and living areas.
Unit Isolation
-
Door Sweeps are extremely useful when housing multiple rental units in one building to keep bedbugs from moving around to new hosts.
Cracks
-
Seal baseboard cracks and wall cracks- bedbugs can move through walls. Having power outlet covers is also very useful.
Pets
-
Taking care of pets is crucial- especially when they see a lot of visitors/strangers, move around a lot, or have a lot of outside time. Bathing and maintaining your pets’ exterior health can both reduce and prevent bedbugs.
Frequent Self-inspections
-
I recommend every month or so, when washing bed sheets, to check around the mattress sides and mattress seams and see if there are any black dots (fecal matter) or exoskeletons in sight.
​
​
-
Inspect your bedding regularly: Bed bugs are often found in beds and mattresses, where they can hide in the seams and crevices. Regularly inspect your bedding for any signs of bed bugs, including small reddish-brown spots or stains on your sheets or pillowcases, as well as shed skins and eggs. Use a flashlight to check the seams and corners of your mattress for any signs of bed bugs.
-
Keep your luggage elevated: Bed bugs can easily hitch a ride on your luggage and be transported to your home or other locations. When staying in a hotel or motel, keep your luggage elevated off the floor on a luggage rack or in the bathtub. Bed bugs cannot climb smooth surfaces, so keeping your luggage off the ground can prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride.
-
Avoid second-hand furniture: Bed bugs can hide in used furniture like couches and chairs, making it easy for them to be transported to your home. If you must purchase used furniture, inspect it thoroughly before bringing it into your home. Check the seams, crevices, and under cushions for any signs of bed bugs.
-
Wash and dry your bedding on high heat: Bed bugs cannot survive in high temperatures, so washing and drying your bedding on high heat can help to kill any bed bugs that may be present. Use hot water (at least 120°F) and a high heat dryer setting for at least 30 minutes to ensure that bed bugs are killed.
-
Use bed bug proof encasements: Bed bug proof encasements can be used to cover your mattress and box spring, preventing bed bugs from nesting inside. These encasements should be made of a durable material that is tear-resistant and sealed tightly to prevent bed bugs from getting in or out.
-
Be cautious on public transportation: Bed bugs can hide in the seats and carpets of public transportation, making it important to be cautious of where you place your belongings. Keep your luggage elevated off the floor and avoid placing it on any seats or carpets.
-
Be cautious when staying in public or private places: When staying in places like hotels, motels, air bnbs, or relatives' houses, inspect your room for bed bugs before settling in. Use a flashlight to check the seams and corners of the mattress and box spring, as well as the headboard and any nearby furniture.
-
Take preventative measures in infested neighboring housing or apartment units: If you live in an apartment complex or other shared housing situation, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid bed bugs from spreading to your unit. This includes sealing any cracks or crevices in your walls and floors, and using bed bug proof encasements on your mattress and box spring.
-
Take steps to prevent bed bugs from spreading within your home: If you do discover bed bugs in your home, it is important to take steps to prevent them from spreading to other areas. This includes washing and drying all linens and clothing on high heat, vacuuming regularly, and sealing any cracks or crevices in walls and floors.
